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Brezno may appear unremarkable at first glance, particularly given the bankruptcy of many factories and the resulting migration of residents. Yet this belongs firmly to the past.
In recent years, the centre of the Horehronie region has focused on developing tourism. Its strategic location, combined with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, has helped attract a growing number of visitors. Tourism now thrives year-round — not only during the ski season but throughout all four seasons.
For more information on Horehronie and other Slovak regions, see our Spectacular Slovakia travel guide.
Cooperation at work in Horehronie
The town has successfully combined its architectural heritage with a range of activities in the surrounding countryside. It has also fostered collaboration among local entrepreneurs, who once operated independently with little coordination.
One example of this cooperation is the regional discount card available to visitors in Horehronie. Tourists can purchase the card at local tourist information centres, partner facilities, or online.
Proceeds from sales support both regional tourism development and local non-profit organisations. Cardholders receive discounts at museums, restaurants, wellness centres, and ski lifts.
Brezno also promotes tourism through improved public transport. In winter, a ski bus connects major destinations, while in summer an electric train, the Horehronská strela (the Horehronie Express), runs through the region. The town and nearby villages have developed and marked hundreds of kilometres of cycling trails, and electric bicycles are available for hire to help navigate the hilly terrain. For more adventurous visitors, a bike park in Mýto pod Ďumbierom offers facilities for freeriders and downhill cyclists.
Mountains, forests and valleys that shape the region
The Horehronie region encompasses some of Slovakia’s most beautiful national parks, framed by the Low Tatras, Muránska planina, Poľana and Slovenské rudohorie ranges.
Families with children can explore educational trails at the Forestry Open-Air Museum in Vydrovo or the Robber Trail of Jakub Surovec, and enjoy the climbing park in Tále. Horseback riding along the Huculská magistrála provides another way to experience the landscape. The region’s caves also offer a cool retreat during the summer months.
Brezno and its surroundings are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Bystrianska Valley in the Low Tatras is ideal for both high-altitude hiking and skiing. The route from Srdiečko to Chopok showcases some of the region’s most striking scenery, and for those who prefer a gentler ascent, a cable car offers access to the summit.
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From Chopok, it is possible to reach Ďumbier, the highest peak of the Low Tatras, standing 2,043 metres above sea level. The hiking trail to Ďumbier passes the Gen. M. R. Štefánik Cottage and the Cave of Dead Bats.
The Čertovica Pass, the central point of the Low Tatras, lies along the SNP Heroes’ Trail — Slovakia’s most significant long-distance route. Stretching 770 kilometres from Devín to Dukla, it passes directly through this mountain corridor.
In winter, Brezno offers not only downhill skiing but also cross-country routes and opportunities for ski mountaineering. Visitors can also enjoy skating at the town’s outdoor ice rink.
The legend of Kráľova hoľa
In the Low Tatras, hiking or cycling up Kráľova hoľa — a mountain immortalised in Slovak folk songs — remains a highlight. The summit, marked by a transmitter building, currently provides only emergency accommodation for travellers.
According to Slávka Pančíková, coordinator for foreign cooperation in the Horehronie region, renovation is underway on the cycle path leading to Kráľova hoľa, and discussions continue about repurposing the abandoned building at the summit.
A new asphalt road will make access to the mountain easier and pave the way for new sporting events. Once reconstruction is completed in 2026, it will become the highest cycle path in central Europe.
Trolley on the railway
Descending from Kráľova hoľa to the village of Telgárt, visitors will encounter one of Slovakia’s most distinctive engineering monuments: the Chmarošský Viaduct. This impressive stone railway bridge, built in the 1930s, attracts both photographers and railway enthusiasts.
For those with a passion for both cycling and trains, the Horehronie railbikes offer a novel experience. This innovative vehicle operates on railway tracks, propelled by pedalling. The route runs from Hronec to Výhybňa Šánske and back — a creative blend of technology, exercise and nostalgia.
What to see in and around Brezno
Discover Slovakia with our Spectacular Slovakia travel guide.
Brezno
Horehronské Museum – Located in the former town hall, a historic building from the 18th century.
Town Tower – Rebuilt several times over the centuries.
Evangelical Church – One of the first churches in Slovakia.
Piarist Monastery with Chapel – A Baroque building constructed between 1694 and 1713.
Jewish Synagogue – Built between 1901 and 1902.
Double Red Cars Museum – Spread over four floors, featuring dozens of fast cars from famous brands such as Porsche and Maserati.
Grinders Coffee Roastery and Café – A pleasant spot for an experiential coffee tasting. The business was founded by Slovaks who lived in Australia.
Brezno surroundings
The Bell Museum, Šumiac – Contains a private collection of two thousand sheep and cattle bells.
Water Mill, Predajná – A late Baroque building with a 19th-century extension.
Kráľová hoľa – A legendary mountain in Slovakia.
Čertovica Saddle – The central point of the Low Tatras.
Golf Tále – Home to Gray Bear, the first 18-hole golf course in Slovakia.
Cyclo-trolley – The first means of transport that works on the principle of cycling, but on rails.
Beer Spa, Mýto pod Ďumbierom
Ajax Farm, Mýto pod Ďumbierom – Offers some of the most beautiful views of the Low Tatras from horseback.
Bystrianska Cave – Known for its remarkable rock formations and sinter deposits.
Dobroč Primeval Forest – One of the oldest primeval forest reserves in Slovakia.
Sedlo Chlipavica – A hut and farm with attractions for children.
Zbojská Observation Tower – Located near the shepherd’s chalet, where the Zbojník Spa is also found.
Horné Lazy Observation Tower – The second-highest observation tower in Slovakia.
Chramošský Viaduct – An iconic railway bridge.
Čiernohronská Forest Railway – One of Slovakia’s narrow-gauge forest railways.
Forestry Museum, Vydrovská dolina
Krpáčovo Reservoir – A recreational centre offering swimming and other activities.
Hron River rafting – Rafting is possible along almost the entire length of the river.
Spectacular Slovakia travel guide
A helping hand in the heart of Europe thanks to our Slovakia travel guide with more than 1,000 photos and hundred of tourist spots.
Our detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains, including attractions on the Polish side.
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