In Banský Studenec, reasons to visit range from the Kolpašské Lakes and cultural monuments to protected natural areas. The entire cadastral area has been part of the Štiavnické vrchy Protected Landscape Area since 1979. Banský Studenec is also one of the municipalities in the Banskoštiavnický Geopark.

Cultural Monuments from Different Periods

The Baroque Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord (Kostol Premenenia Pána) was built in 1743–1745 and has an original Baroque interior. Next to the church is a wooden bell tower from the 1850s, which is itself a national cultural monument. A later landmark is the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk (kaplnka sv. Jána Nepomuckého), built in 1943. The different construction periods of these religious buildings can thus be distinguished.

Kolpašské malé jazero is also listed as a national cultural monument. This means that, alongside religious buildings, a lake is among the town’s cultural points of interest. There is also an aqueduct in Kysihýbel, built around 1870. It was constructed during the building of the narrow-gauge railway from Hronská Breznica to Štiavnica, adding an engineering structure to the area’s historical attractions.

The Kolpašské Lakes and the Barborská cesta

The Kolpašské Lakes are freely accessible to the public. Their uses vary according to their size: the smaller lakes are now used mainly for fishing, while the larger ones are especially popular for summer recreation. The path between Veľké Kolpašské tajch and Malé Kolpašské tajch also has a specific history: it was renovated and illuminated.

The Barborská cesta leads from Svätý Anton to the Kolpašské Lake in Banský Studenec. For cyclists, a recommended cycling loop on the Barborská cesta goes around Veľké Kolpašské jazero on the dam. This recommendation is not an official cycle route. The information thus distinguishes between a route to Banský Studenec and the recommended loop around the larger lake.

Nature Trail, Nature and an Event

The Kysihýbel nature trail starts in Banský Studenec, on the western edge of the Kysihýbel Arboretum. It is a self-guided, circular hiking trail and can be walked year-round. A notable stop along the trail is the underground Barlangy quarry, also known as Diery. The trail offers a clearly defined hiking option.

The Gajdošovo Nature Reserve lies within the cadastral area of Banský Studenec; its meadow habitats are home to protected plant species. The Kysihýbel Arboretum is a protected forestry experimental site with stands of fast-growing, non-native tree species. A total of 282 tree species were planted there, mainly from North America. These nature attractions have different focuses: Gajdošovo highlights protected plants in meadow habitats, while the arboretum features a forestry experimental site and its tree species.

Advance notice is required for a visit to the Lesnícke arborétum Kysihýbeľ. You can notify the head of the relevant department at the Forest Research Institute in Zvolen or the Institute’s research station in Banská Štiavnica. Giving notice is the required step before your visit.

The Kolpašská púť takes place every year in Banský Studenec as a cultural, sporting or social event. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Banska Stiavnica, Ilija, Podhorie, Dekýš, Banska Bela, Svätý Anton, Kozelník, Štiavnické Bane

See the wider travel overview: Okres Banská Štiavnica.