population: 43,084 million

extension: 81.47 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Zvolen and interested in visiting museums, one option is to visit the Slovak National Museum - Museum of the Slovak National Uprising. It's located in Banská Bystrica, which is about a 30-minute drive from Zvolen. Other museums near Zvolen that may be of interest include the Central Slovakian Gallery in Banská Bystrica and the Museum of the Slovak Village in Martin, which are both about an hour away by car.

Food

Some popular and typical dishes to try in Zvolen and the surrounding region of Central Slovakia include:

1. Bryndzové Halušky - a dish of potato dumplings served with sheep cheese and bacon
2. Kapustnica - a hearty soup made with sauerkraut, smoked meats, and potatoes
3. Parené buchty s makom - steamed sweet buns filled with poppy seeds and often served with vanilla sauce
4. Žinčica - a traditional sour sheep's milk beverage
5. Langoše - fried dough topped with garlic, cheese, ketchup, or other toppings

These dishes are all well-loved by locals and can be found in many restaurants and markets throughout Zvolen and the surrounding area.

Activities

Some fun activities that locals in Zvolen enjoy include:

1. Visiting the Zvolen Castle - a historic castle with beautiful gardens and a museum inside.
2. Exploring the nearby Banska Stiavnica - a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich history and picturesque landscape.
3. Hiking in the surrounding mountains - such as the Kremnica Mountains or the Low Tatras, which offer stunning views and various trails for all levels of difficulty.
4. Attending cultural events - such as concerts, theater performances, or festivals that take place throughout the year.
5. Trying traditional Slovak cuisine - such as bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese), kapustnica (cabbage soup), or goulash (a meat stew).