Zvolen

Zvolen is a town in central Slovakia, located in the Banská Bystrica Region in the Hron river valley. It sits at the crossroads of important transport routes and serves as a regional administrative and economic hub. The town lies near Sliač and is connected by rail and road to major Slovak cities. The population is in the tens of thousands.

Historically, the area has been inhabited since ancient times, but Zvolen first gained prominence in the Middle Ages. The Zvolen Castle, perched above the town, dates from the 12th to 13th centuries and served as a fortress and royal residence for generations of Hungarian kings. The town grew up around the castle as a market town with a medieval core that continues to shape its street layout today. Under Habsburg rule, Zvolen remained an important administrative and military site, and it later developed crafts and manufacturing.

In the present day, Zvolen functions as an administrative center for the region and a logistic and manufacturing hub, benefiting from its location at the intersection of rail and road corridors. The local economy combines industry, services, and trade, supported by regional institutions of education and culture such as museums and galleries.

Key sights include Zvolen Castle, a historic town square, and well-preserved remnants of medieval fortifications. The surrounding Hron river valley offers outdoor recreation and access to nearby nature reserves and scenic landscapes.