Špania Dolina

Copper was mined at Špania Dolina from the middle ages and the village that served the workings is stacked up the valley sides in timber and stone houses, with a fortified church on a shelf above reached by a covered wooden staircase of a hundred and sixty steps. The mine spoil heaps are still visible on the slopes and a marked mining trail runs through them. The village also has a long tradition of bobbin lace, made by the miners' families.

What you actually see

• The covered staircase - a hundred and sixty roofed wooden steps up to the church.
• The fortified church - the walled church on its shelf above the village.
• The mining trail - a marked route through spoil heaps and workings.
• The bobbin lace - the craft the mining families developed, still practised.

When to go

May to October is the walking season, with autumn colour in the valley the best of the year. Winter access up the valley road is possible but the trails are icy. The museum keeps limited hours.

Honest expectations

The mining museum is small and opens irregularly. The village is steep and parking is very limited. There is little food available.

Nearby

Banska Bystrica is south, and the Low Tatras are east.