Pohronská Polhora (Hungarian: Erdőköz) is a village and municipality in Brezno District, in the Banská Bystrica Region of central Slovakia.
History
The first direct written mention of the village dates back to 1786. However, it is known that the famous outlaw Jakub Surovec was captured there as early as 1740. The village was founded by settlers from eleven settlements of Upper Orava (Horná Orava), including Oravská Polhora, who arrived in the area primarily engaged in sheep farming, woodcutting, and cartage. The reason for its establishment was the frequent raids by bandit groups that attacked merchants and travelers passing through the mountain pass.
Geography
The municipality lies at an altitude of 619 metres (2,031 ft) and covers an area of 35.76 km² (13.81 sq mi). The surrounding area is part of the Muránska planina plateau, with its highest peak being Fabova hoľa (1,441 m). A cog railway line from Tisovec to Pohronská Polhora leads to the area.
Demographics
As of 31 December 2025, the village had a population of 1,671 inhabitants. According to the 2021 census, the ethnic composition was approximately 92.6% Slovak, 4.5% Romani, and the remainder other or not specified. In terms of religion, about 80.6% of the population identified as Roman Catholic, 9.8% as having no religious affiliation, and the remainder belonging to other denominations or not specified.
Administrative Information
- Country: Slovakia
- Region: Banská Bystrica Region
- District: Brezno District
- Postal code: 976 56
- Area code: +421 48
- Mayor: Ing. Dušan Nepšinský
- Official website: www.ppolhora.sk
