Banská Bystrica (in German: Neusohl) is a town in central Slovakia at the Hron river and at the Lower Tatra Mountains. Population: 85,000 (1991). Seat of a region (kraj) or Higher Territorial Unit (VÚC) and of a district (okres).

In the past, Banská Bystrica was an important mining town. In the 20th century it was the center of central Slovakia. The town has a historic center.

See also: Slovakia, History of Slovakia