Hiking in Malá Fatra
Every area we’ll introduce deserves a moment of your attention. Many of you are already familiar with these recommended spots, but if not, we’d be happy if you get to know them through us.
We’ll start in Malá Fatra, which will serve as the perfect place to escape the scorching sun as summer begins. You won’t miss out on nature here, which is exactly why we chose this area first.
Where to stay?
There are several accommodation options; we’ve selected a few, but you can still use our interactive map to find accommodation that suits your needs.
🛏️ Hotel Victoria welcomes you to Martin
🛏️ In Zázrivá, Chalet Grúnik
🛏️ In Terchová, for example, you can use your reward points to stay at Hotel Diery***
🛏️ In Teplička nad Váhom, you can stay at Penzión Anton***
🛏️ Below Veľký Rozsutec, Penzión Jánošíkova Valaška offers accommodations
What shouldn't you miss?
When recommending places, it’s hard to say how many of them you already know, how many we’ll remind you of, or how many you’ll discover thanks to this article.
We’ve selected the following for you:
- Starhrad or Starý hrad, located a short distance from Strečno Castle on the right bank of the Váh River. It has been listed as a National Cultural Monument of the Slovak Republic since 2017.
- Stratený budzogáň or Skalný budzogáň is a rock formation above the village of Zbyňov, a few kilometers from Žilina.
- Hidden in the Súľovské skaly is Lietava Castle, where you can encounter various cultural events throughout the year, so we recommend visiting their Facebook page, where they always post updates.
- Šútovský Waterfall is located a few kilometers from the village of Šútovo and is the fourth-highest waterfall in Slovakia, though the highest in Malá Fatra. In the summer, it’s one of those places that offers a pleasant cool-down.
- You can also view Strečno Castle and the Old Castle from “below”—thanks to raft trips that take place on the beautiful stretch of the Váh River’s Strečno meanders. If these trips appeal to you, check out the Plte na Váhu website and book your “ride.”
Tips for shorter detours
⛰️ The Budiš Mineral Spring is open year-round; you’ll find it just a short distance from Turčianske Teplice
⛰️ The Jánosik Statue in Terchová – a place that is simply an integral part of the region
⛰️ The Heart of Terchová – a 30-meter-tall observation tower
Banská Štiavnica is more than just reservoirs
Although summer swimming has never been as great as when you dive into the cool waters of these reservoirs. There are several of them in the Štiavnica area. But this region has much more to offer.
Where to stay?
🛏️ In Štiavnické Bane, right in the Siglisberg house
🛏️ In Banská Štiavnica, at the charmingly named Nebo nad Štiavnicou
🛏️ Penzión na Slnečnej stráni is also recommended
🛏️ In Hodruša-Hámre, you’ll find accommodation in the Weissov dom apartments
🛏️ If you prefer hotels, Hotel Sitno Forest Resort*** is the right choice for you
What shouldn't you miss?
In addition to the reservoirs and mine tours mentioned above, we’ve selected five places that are worth visiting:
- The Stone Sea near Vyhne – a nature reserve in the Štiavnicke vrchy Protected Landscape Area – is captivating even in photos. It truly stands out when seen in person.
- The Kysihýbeľ Forestry Arboretum is also worth a visit; it is open to the public from July to August on select days. You can find more information on their website.
- Vyhniansky Travertine – while you’re in the Vyhne area, be sure to visit this unique natural landmark.
- Zvonička Nová Baňa – have you heard of it? If you enjoy more peaceful outings, you might like this spot. Or the via ferrata, if you’re a fan of this adrenaline-pumping sport.
- Paradajs is also found in Slovakia; it is the name of the third-highest peak in that mountain range.
Tips for smaller detours
⛰️ Ruins of Žakýlske Castle – don’t expect ruins in the true sense of the word, but you might enjoy this easy hike.
⛰️ Memorial to the Victims of Fascism in Kremnička is the work of Dušan Samuel Jurkovič and a solemn place where we recommend stopping for at least a moment.
⛰️ Stone Pillars – Menhirs – not just for the view of the iconic Štiavnica Calvary.
⛰️ Kammerhof – the most extensive exhibition of mining technology. And not just that. You’ll find it right in Banská Štiavnica.
⛰️ Botanical Garden – right in the city. A cozy spot with interesting and captivating trees; don’t miss it, especially for the Lebanese cedars and giant sequoias.
Liptov is a must-see
A combination of mountains and water—you can find that in every region. But doesn’t Liptov have that special atmosphere of being both familiar and yet still undiscovered? Perhaps it does. At the very least, we’ll try to capture that when selecting our destinations.
Where to stay?
Liptov is one of those regions where there’s no shortage of places to stay—you can see for yourself on our map. We’ve selected a few of them for you.
🛏️ On the shores of Liptovská Mara, you’ll find the Maladinovo accommodation complex
🛏️ In the village of Ižipovce, you’ll find cozy accommodations at U divokej včely
🛏️ Kožiar Mountain Hotel and Cottages, with a traditional mountain hut at its center, is the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding area
🛏️ In Liptovská Teplá, you can stay at Villa pri Váhu
🛏️ In both winter and summer, Chata Damal is ideal for groups of skiers and hikers
What shouldn't you miss?
- Háj-Nicovô Forest Park – a great starting point, offering plenty of activities depending on what you’re in the mood for.
- Lúčanský Waterfall – when visiting the spa town of Lúčky, be sure not to miss this waterfall, which is an official national natural monument.
- In Vyšná Boca, you’ll find the Miners’ House—an exhibition of a typical miners’ family home with original furnishings. Although this trip will take no more than an hour, the surrounding area offers hills worth hiking up.
- You’ll find the interactive exhibition Liptovská Mara 50 – The Story of Water in the Janko Kráľ Museum building. Don’t miss the other exhibitions either.
- If you’re in the mood for views, we recommend Poľana. And not just that. Liptov offers plenty of spots where you can gaze out at the landscape for hours.
Tips for shorter detours
⛰️ Museum of Handmade Paper in Ludrová – check the opening hours and immerse yourself in the art of papermaking.
⛰️ Medokýš Thermal Spring – bathing in thermal water is a truly unique experience.
⛰️ Vajskovský Waterfall – we don’t have many waterfalls in Slovakia, which is why trips to see them have their own charm.
⛰️ Ostredok Lookout Tower in Demänovská Valley – because you can never get enough of the views.
⛰️ Church of the Virgin Mary at Liptovská Mara. A place where the past is still palpable.
We know that Central Slovakia isn’t limited to just these areas, and there are many more we could mention. If you have a suggestion for a trip—whether it’s well-known or not—let us know in the comments on Facebook.
