Zvolen

Zvolen is located at the crossroads of important road and railway connections of supra-regional importance. Sliač International Airport is also located nearby.

Zvolen with its 42687 inhabitants is a modern city with a developed timber industry, engineering, food industry and a flourishing construction industry, as well as a university. Several scientific institutes specialising in research into forestry, wood processing and the environment are based in Zvolen.

One of the sights of Zvolen is the Zvolen Castle. Today, the Zvolenský zámok castle serves as the Slovak National Gallery, which exhibits valuable collections of Gothic and modern art. Since 1974, professional outdoor theatre performances - the Zvolen Castle Festival - have been held in the castle courtyard every summer.

The oldest historical sight in Zvolen is located a little way from the town: the Pustý hrad castle is situated on a partially wooded hill in the Javorie mountain range.