Donovaly
Municipality in Banská Bystrica Region, Slovakia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Donovaly (Hungarian: Dóval) is a village in the Banská Bystrica Region of central Slovakia.[4] Being situated in an important pass between the mountains of Veľká Fatra and Starohorské vrchy, on the route connecting Banská Bystrica with Ružomberok, it became a prominent centre of winter and summer sports.
Donovaly | |
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 Flag  Coat of arms | |
  Donovaly Location of Donovaly in the Banská Bystrica Region  Donovaly Location of Donovaly in Slovakia | |
| Coordinates: 48.88°N 19.23°E | |
| Country |  Slovakia |
| Region |  Banská Bystrica Region |
| District | Banská Bystrica District |
| First mentioned | 1618 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Miroslav Daňo |
| Area | |
• Total | 17.50 km2 (6.76 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 972 m (3,189 ft) |
| Population | |
• Total | 281 |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
| Postal code | 976 39[2] |
| Area code | +421 48[2] |
| Vehicle registration plate (until 2022) | BB |
| Website | www |
Geography
The municipality lies at an altitude of 972 metres (3,189 ft)[2] and covers an area of 17.50 km2 (6.76 sq mi) (2025).[5]
History
Donovaly was founded in the early 17th century. During World War II, it became an important center of the anti-German Resistance.[citation needed]
Population
| Year | 1995 | 2005 | 2015 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | 151 | 154 | 227 | 281 |
| Difference | +1.98% | +47.40% | +23.78% |
| Year | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Count | 283 | 281 |
| Difference | −0.70% |
It has a population of 281 people (31 December 2025).[7]
Ethnicity
In year 2021 was 249 people by ethnicity 225 as Slovak, 12 as Not found out, 6 as Other, 4 as Ukrainian, 4 as German, 2 as Czech, 1 as Russian, 1 as Polish and 1 as Hungarian.
Note on population: The difference values of population numbers in the table "Population statistic" and in the sections "Ethnicity" & "Religion" is caused by the use of various statistical methods.
Religion
| Religion | Number | Fraction |
|---|---|---|
| None | 110 | 44.18% |
| Roman Catholic Church | 104 | 41.77% |
| Not found out | 12 | 4.82% |
| Evangelical Church | 12 | 4.82% |
| Total | 249 |
In year 2021 was 249 people by religion 110 from None, 104 from Roman Catholic Church, 12 from Not found out, 12 from Evangelical Church, 2 from Eastern Orthodox Church, 2 from Other, 2 from Hinduism, 1 from Paganism and natural spirituality, 1 from Christian Congregations in Slovakia, 1 from Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1 from Apostolic Church and 1 from Ad hoc movements.
Tourism
Donovaly is a part of Low Tatras National Park, and it hosts one of the biggest and most popular ski resorts in Slovakia. Elevation is between 910 – 1,402 m, and there are more than 11 km of ski slopes, 17 lifts and elevators. In 2006, the Telemix lift by POMA, France – the 3rd of this kind in the world – was installed. It consists of 6 seated lift chairs, and 8 seated cabins, so the skiers can choose how they will go up to the top. Winter season starts from end of November and lasts until late March, beginning of April. It is also renowned for its dogsled racing championships.
State road 59 in Donovaly
Parking for tourists
Footbridge in Donovaly
Small church in village
Cemetery
