Mountain holiday resort Donovaly (850 m) is located in the western part of the Low Tatras. Is spread over a wide saddle on the main road from Banska Bystrica to Ruzomberok. It is located in the protection zone of the National Park near the National Park Velka Fatra and is an important center for summer and winter recreation.

The history of the area dates back to the 17th century. There were created the first settlements of the coal and the village Donovaly was a territory which Banská Bystrica founded in the early 18th century. It became the administrative center of mining settlements and its inhabitants were mainly working in the woods andarea called Horehronie. The first written mention of the village is from the 1710th.

During World War II, there was an important center of guerrillas and refugees from Germany. In the village there is also located Classicist church from 1825 with its original interior .