The town is located in the Southern Slovak basin near the river Ipeľ, south of the Revúcka Hills, which is part of the Slovak Ore Mountains, around 18 km (11.18 mi) from Lučenec.

There were historical Slavic remains of ancient housing, probably from the 7th century.

After that remains of small medieval castle are part of Poltár's history, found in the general area and in the town part of Kostolisko (Literally meaning "Place of Church") there are remains of romancatholic church.

From 1869 and onwards, the factory of Barratt-Dragon was built, with its primary focus being the creation of bricks and tiles.

Before the establishment of independent Czechoslovakia in 1918, Poltár was part of Nógrád County within the Kingdom of Hungary.

In the year 1966 Poltár joins the towns of Slaná lehota and Zelené, receiving the city privileges.

Podháj - built during the late medieval era by the Sóós family.

The town helped the Slovak National Uprising movement.