Donovaly
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Donovaly (Hungarian:Dóval) is a village in the Banská Bystrica Region of central Slovakia. 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.
Geography
Themunicipalitylies at analtitudeof 972 metres (3,189ft)and covers anareaof 17.50km2(6.76sqmi) (2025).
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).
Ethnicity
| Ethnicity | Number | Fraction |
|---|---|---|
| Slovak | 225 | 90.36% |
| Not found out | 12 | 4.81% |
| Other | 6 | 2.4% |
| Ukrainian | 4 | 1.6% |
| German | 4 | 1.6% |
| Total | 249 |
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 11km 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
See also
Genealogical resources
The records for genealogical research are available at the state archive "Statny Archiv in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia"
- Roman Catholic church records (births/marriages/deaths): 1797-1897 (parish A)