During the summer of 2025, Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica (UMB), in cooperation with the Barbora Route – Terra Montanae Civic Association, are conducting a survey of pilgrims walking the Barbora Route. This route stretches for 193 km, connecting historic mining towns such as Banská Bystrica, Kremnica and Banská Štiavnica, while also passing through many smaller villages rich in mining heritage.
Pilgrim questionnaire available here:
Dotazník pre pútnika putujúceho po Barborskej ceste
The main goal of the survey is to determine the profile of the typical pilgrim and the overall number of visitors, and to better understand the motivations, preferences and needs of those who choose this unique route that runs through the historic mining region of central Slovakia. The results of the questionnaire will serve as a valuable basis for designing new services and products in the field of cultural pilgrimage tourism.
Other news relating to the development of the Barbora Route was the 12th General Assembly of the Barbora Route – Terra Montanae Civic Association which took place in Banská Bystrica on the 8th of April. The association has been developing the longest educational and pilgrimage trail in Slovakia for over a decade.
In 2023, the Barbora Route Civic Association and Matej Bel University (UMB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding which gave rise to a pilot project within the Horizon Europe SECreTour initiative. UMB is preparing the development of an innovative business model to improve infrastructure, services and the economic sustainability of the Barbora Route. In addition, UMB plans to organise a hackathon targeting young people under the age of 30, encouraging them to create new products, services, applications or games related to the cultural heritage and identity of the mining region.
Read the full articles by Darina Rojíková here;
