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- Famous for
- Gold mining and the Kremnica Mint
- Mint
- Called the oldest still-working mint in the world
- Gold florins
- Minted here from 1335
- Best for
- Half-day trip with Banská Štiavnica
The easiest way to visit Kremnica is by car, and a rental car from Economybookings or a similar service lets you pair it with Banská Štiavnica or Banská Bystrica in one trip. Kremnica is a medieval mining town in central Slovakia, about 20 km west of Banská Bystrica in a straight line.
The town is best known for its mint, described as the oldest still-working mint in the world. It received royal privileges in 1328 and began producing gold florins in 1335. A 13th to 15th century castle complex with fortifications still overlooks the centre.
Below are the ways to get there, what to see and how to plan the visit.
Top picks at a glance
Key takeaways
- Kremnica is a historic gold-mining town with a working mint.
- The castle complex dates from the 13th to 15th centuries.
- Gold florins were first minted here in 1335.
- A car is the easiest way to combine Kremnica with Banská Štiavnica.
- The geographical centre of Europe is claimed to be in the nearby village of Krahule.
Best ways to get to Kremnica, ranked
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Our top pick1
Rental car with Economybookings
Best overallBest for: Combining towns
Economybookings compares car rental offers. A car makes it easy to link Kremnica with Banská Štiavnica, Banská Bystrica and Bojnice. Check deposit and insurance terms.
Compare cars on Economybookings Read our Economybookings review- Flexible
- Easy to combine mining towns
- Narrow streets near the centre
- Check deposit
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2
Private transfer with Kiwitaxi
Best for door-to-doorBest for: Arrivals with luggage
Kiwitaxi offers private transfers between cities and airports. A transfer saves complicated public transport connections. Book ahead and compare quotes.
Book a transfer on Kiwitaxi Read our Kiwitaxi review- Door to door
- Fixed price
- More costly than buses
- Book ahead
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3
Bus or train via regional hubs
CheapestBest for: Budget travellers
Public transport reaches Kremnica via regional hubs, but connections can be slow and limited. Check current timetables before you plan the day.
Official website- Cheap
- No parking worries
- Slower
- Limited services
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4
GetTransfer private ride
Best for bidding on priceBest for: Price-aware travellers
GetTransfer lets you request a transfer and compare offers from drivers. Check driver reviews and what is included.
Get offers on GetTransfer Read our GetTransfer review- Compare offers
- Flexible
- Quality varies
- Confirm details
Getting there
Kremnica sits in the Kremnica Mountains, and most visitors arrive by road. From Bratislava it is a long day trip, so many travellers stay a night in the region. Read Banská Štiavnica for the neighbouring mining town, and car rental in Slovakia and driving in Slovakia for rules. A vignette is required for motorways, see the vignette guide.
The mint and the museums
The Kremnica Mint is the main reason people visit. The town received privileges in 1328 and began producing gold florins in 1335, and Kremnica ducats were used across Europe because of their consistent gold content. Kremnica was a major gold-mining centre until the last gold was extracted in 1970. Check whether the mint and its museum offer visits on the day you plan, since access rules can change.
The castle and the square
The castle complex dates from the 13th to 15th centuries and is considered a rare example of intact fortifications in Central Europe. The town square lies below it. Walk up through the old streets, and plan time for the church and the museums around the centre. Wear sturdy shoes, since the streets slope.
Winter and the surrounding hills
The surrounding forests are used for cross-country skiing, and the town has a museum of skiing. In summer the hills are popular for walking. For skiing ideas elsewhere see skiing in Slovakia. The village of Krahule nearby claims the geographical centre of Europe, which gives a small side trip.
Combining with other places
Pair Kremnica with Banská Štiavnica and Bojnice Castle, or add it to a longer loop from the Slovakia road trip or the 10-day itinerary. See UNESCO sites in Slovakia for a mining-heritage comparison.
Practical tips
- Allow half a day for the town and more with the castle and museums.
- Check opening days, since many sights close on Mondays.
- Carry a little cash for small cafes. The currency is the euro.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kremnica worth visiting?
Yes, if you like mining history and quiet old towns. It is best paired with Banská Štiavnica.
What is Kremnica famous for?
Its mint, called the oldest still-working mint in the world, and its gold-mining history.
When did Kremnica start minting gold?
Gold florins were first produced in 1335, after the town received royal privileges in 1328.
Can I visit Kremnica without a car?
It is possible by public transport via regional hubs, but a car is much easier.
Where is the centre of Europe?
The village of Krahule near Kremnica claims the geographical centre of Europe.
Photo: Kremnica · Dušan Turan · CC BY-SA 3.0
