1. Banská Štiavnica
Banská Štiavnica was formerly one of the most significant centres of precious metal mining, mining science, technology and education in Europe. It was awarded the official status of a town and mining rights as early as 1238, but the extraction and processing of metals, principally gold and silver, dates back to the Bronze Age. In mediaeval times, many German mining specialists came to Banska Stiavnica, bringing with them their new and progressive expertise in ore extraction. The world's first technical university, devoted to mining, mineralogy, physics and chemistry, was established here in 1735 by a decree of the empress Maria Thereza, inspiring the establishment of the later polytechnic institute in Paris. The town, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, has two castles - the Old Castle, the oldest part of which is the Church of the Virgin Mary built in the 13th century and the New Castle from the 16th century built as an anti-Turkish fortification (presently the exposition of the Slovak Mining Museum is located in it). The dominant buildings of the town are the Church of St. Catharine from the 15th century; the town hall with its tower from the 16th century; the Renaissance-Baroque 'klopačka' ( a type of bell-tower used for calling miners to work) from the 16th century; a set of holy buildings of Calvary from the 17th century; the Holy Trinity Square with the Baroque sculpture of the Holy Trinity in the middle and Kammerhof - the former seat of the administrator of the estate; … From 1735 to 1919 Banská Štiavnica was the seat of the Academy of Mining and Forestry - the first university of its kind in Europe with extreme cultural and historical significance. The system of artificial mining water reservoirs - 'tajch's , highlights the activity of this region.
2. Bardejov
The first written references about the town comes from the 13th century. The town's economy reached its peak in the 15th century, when burgers prospered from the production and export of linen. In addition to the adjacent curative spa, the town also had , mills, a brewery, brickworks, a slaughter-house, and the town weighing scales, and it was a trading and craft centre. The oblong central square is the most significant part of the town. It is made up of major urban architectural, artistic, historic and cultural sites. The most notable sites include the Gothic church of St Egidius from the 14th century, the former town hall, built in 1511, which integrates the late Gothic form with early Renaissance elements, Gothic burger houses, The church of St Francis, a Greek-catholic church, town fortifications and a complex of former Jewish baths, a synagogue, farming and residential buildings. It is well justified that the most Gothic town in Slovakia from the 14th century is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The renowned Bardejov Spa and several preserved wooden churches are situated in its surroundings
3. Spiš castle
Spiš castle with its surrounding settlements, (Spišské Podhradie, Spišská Kapitula and the small church in Žehra) form a single historical settlement unit. Spišský hrad was constructed in the 12th century and belongs to the largest of its kind in Central Europe. The history of the town of Spišské podhradie and Spišska Kapitula - the complex of chapter houses and cathedral - are closely connected with Spiš castle. Spišské podhradie, formerly a village below the castle, later grew into an independent small town with crafts and agricultural activities. Spisska Kapitula is a small ecclesiastical seat comprising notable buildings that serve the clerical and administrative functions of the Spiš diocese. The gothic church of the Holy Spirit in Žehra from the 14th century has its whole interior decorated with murals from the 14th and 15th century. The murals depict various biblical stories and guidance, a sort of bible for the poor, through which believers could remember the main beliefs of their religion.
4. Vlkolínec
Vlkolinec is situated at the southern base of Sidorovo peak, at an elevation of 718m above sea level. The first written reference to this village was in 1376. More than 40 original, inhabited 'gingerbread' houses are an illustration of a one-time Slovak mountain village. There is also a museum piece in the village - Roľnícky dom (Peasant House), with an exhibit of original, native housing and an information center. The dominant feature of this village is the wooden, rustic bell tower dating back to 1770. The village emblem was a heraldic rose with a coniferous tree in grassland.
5. Dobšinská Ice Cave
Dobšinská Ice Cave in Slovenský raj is a real karst rarity among ice caves. It is our largest ice cave and the first cave in Europe to have electric lighting (since 1887). The extraordinary sight awaiting you in this cavern is a magnificent conglomeration of ice forming a huge mass underneath arches of rock. During the period before the start of summer, there is about a centimeter depth of snowy frost here. The abundant icy filling of the cave occurs in the form of an ice-covered floor, frozen waterfalls, ice stalagmites and pillars.