They are bordered by the Kremnica Mountains (Kremnické vrchy) in the north, Pliešovce and Krupina basins (Krupinská kotlina) in the east, Danubian Hills (Podunajská pahorkatina) in the south and Pohronský Inovec, Vtáčnik and Žiar Basin (Žiarska kotlina) in the west. The highest point is Sitno (1,009 m).
Štiavnica Mountains are an immense caldera created by the collapse of an ancient volcano. Due to their volcanic origin, they are mineral-rich, with around 140 kinds of minerals. In the past, silver mining flourished in the area around the town of Banská Štiavnica.
From originally over 60 lakes called tajchy in Štiavnica Mountains, there are over 30 still existing today. Although they are now integrated in their natural environment, they were originally built as water reservoirs serving the mining industry, most of them in the 18th century.
