The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but the current town arose from an old Slovak settlement, next to which newly arrived German miners erected a typical market square in the early 13th century.

The first written evidence of the town's existence is dated 1265 when King Béla IV of Hungary issued a charter for hunters from the area of Liptov, allowing them to use the woods around the settlement known as Berezuno.

Since the late '90s, Brezno has built a large retail sector and promoted itself and the whole region as a tourist destination.

Sports games and events such as the World Cup Biathlon and golf championships are held regularly.

The hockey club HC Brezno represents the town as part of the 1st senior league since the 2009/10 season.