Waterfalls Donovaly

Thanks to its height of 55 m, Brankovský vodopád is the highest waterfall in the Nízke Tatry. It is located in the cadastre of the town of Ružomberok, in the settlement of Podsuchá, in the side valley of Vyšný Brankov, in the Žilinský kraj. Towering above it is the peak Veľký Brankov, after which the waterfall is also named. It is situated at an altitude of 775–830 m a. s. l. It drops from Kurucká skala, a rock formation composed of dolomite. Since 1980, it has been a national natural monument located in the Národný park Nízke Tatry. The area of the entire Národná prírodná rezervácia Brankovský vodopád nature reserve covers 27.71 ha.

The waterfall was formed thanks to a mountain stream falling over a limestone rock step. The water has a stable flow rate of 3 l/s. The wall down which the waterfall flows is slightly broken up, which is why various ledges and cascades occur here. The waterfall is hidden in the valley, but the route to it is easy. It could almost be called a walk, apart from the final section if you want to get directly underneath the waterfall. There, on the last few meters, wooden bridges with handrails are located, as well as a chain right under the waterfall to prevent potential injuries.

Year-round, it belongs among the highly sought-after locations for experienced hikers, but it is also a pleasant mountain walk for families with children or seniors. The walk to it takes from half an hour to an hour, depending on your physical condition. It is not demanding. You start from the parking lot on the main road between Ružomberok and Donovaly and continue along the marked green hiking trail. You pass through beautiful natural scenery formed by a dark valley surrounded by forest. You can also reach the waterfall from Ružomberok via a cycling path.

In summer, the waterfall creates a crystal-clear veil of falling water. The sight of it has a soothing effect, acting as a balm for the soul. However, given that it is relatively hidden in the valley, do not expect wide views or much penetrating sunlight from it. Yet, this cooling effect is all the more pleasant during the hottest months of the year. In winter, the scenery changes completely. The waterfall turns into a magnificent icefall, which is becoming increasingly popular among the ice-climbing community.

In addition to hikers, you may also encounter treasure hunters. Legend has it that Jánošík hid his treasures near Brankovský vodopád. So far, no one has found them, so the chance of discovering them is still there. When you are in Donovaly or Ružomberok and passing along the main road, take the time to stop at this beautiful place. You will both take a break from driving and discover a beautiful part of our country.

An even better idea is to book accommodation near Brankovský vodopád. Since there are many opportunities in the Nízke Tatry for hiking, active and passive relaxation, or a trip following the footsteps of history and art, it would be a shame not to stay for at least a few days. Click on the accommodation in Ružomberok page; you will surely find suitable lodging for yourself, your family, or your friends.

Necpalské vodopády cascade along the course of the Necpalský potok stream. It flows through the Necpalská valley, located in the Veľká Fatra mountain range. Tourists often combine their trips, and their route also leads into Blatnická dolina and Gaderská dolina valleys. Heading upstream along the creek, they frequently set out towards the summit of Ploská. Regardless of the starting direction, visitors make their way to the waterfalls all year round. The length of the route as well as its difficulty depends on the point you start from.

Most often, the starting point is the village of Necpaly. From there, it takes approximately two hours to reach the waterfalls by following the blue hiking trail. Following the same color, but from the opposite direction, from above, you can descend to the waterfalls from the ridges of the Veľká Fatra range. From the mountain cabin Chata pod Borišovom, it will take you about half an hour less. In the case of the second mentioned access route, be careful of avalanches in the winter. An asphalt road leads between the mountain hut and the village of Necpaly almost the entire way, offering an easy hiking walk, but you can also complete it by bicycle. Right by the road are the waterfalls Vodopád Revúcky mlyn and Druhý (or Dolný) Necpalský vodopád, while to reach the others, you need to step off the main road.

As we already mentioned in the introduction, and as follows from the name after all, there are several waterfalls. The first waterfall in the valley is the approximately 4 m high Vodopád Revúcky mlyn. It is the most prominent of all and is located in the Balcierovo area. It is followed by the approximately 1.2 m high Malý Necpalský vodopád, which lies at the point where the Prierastlé stream flows into Necpalský potok. Next in order is the approximately 2 m high Dolný Necpalský vodopád, for which the name Druhý Necpalský vodopád is also used. The group is closed by the approximately 4.5 m high Prvý Necpalský vodopád, which is also known as Horný Necpalský vodopád and Veľký Necpalský vodopád. Quite a chaos in the names, isn't it? Indeed, even the locals had to get used to which waterfall is called what for a long time.

Whether the names are confusing or not, the view of the waterfalls is definitely worth it. Look for suitable accommodation near Necpalské vodopády, for example, on the page accommodation Necpaly, and come admire them with your own eyes. Staying near them calms you down, and the view of them sets you free. Those who haven't experienced it won't believe it. Put on your hiking boots and head off to the picturesque and beautiful Necpalská dolina valley.

Jelení vodopád can be found in Čutkovská dolina in Národný park Veľká Fatra. Čutkovská dolina is accessible from the Černová city district in Ružomberok. The valley is very popular with families with children, even though it is not very well known. Jelení vodopád is the second highest waterfall in Veľká Fatra, and its charm along with the surrounding nature will certainly enchant you. Set off on this easy trip and see for yourself.

To reach Jelení vodopád, you can take the hiking trail from Černová or from higher up by Koliba u dobrého pastiera. You can also park your car here. The road through Čutkovská dolina is paved at first and later changes into a gravel surface. It is also suitable for bicycles and strollers. Only the last section to the waterfall goes uphill. It takes about 15 minutes up forest stairs, of which there are 84 in total.

The educational trail called „Známa-Neznáma Čutkovská dolina“ leads through Čutkovská dolina. Information boards will reveal everything about the local fauna and flora, with information supplemented by pictures of animals and plants. It is approximately 4 kilometres to Jelení vodopád. On the walk, you can admire Čutkovský potok, the Čebraď water reservoir, or refresh yourself at a spring.

Jelení vodopád is formed by a tributary of Jelení potok flowing into Čutkovský potok. At the meeting point, the water gains force and falls down a rocky surface. The height of the waterfall reaches 24 metres and its highest point sits at an altitude of 824 m above sea level. It is, of course, most beautiful and powerful during the snowmelt period and after heavy rains. Jelení vodopád is a destructive type of waterfall, which means that over time it changes its slope, height, and the water inflow also decreases.

If you feel like continuing your trip, you can visit the nearby Jamišné vodopády, located at a junction in Čutkovská dolina, or continue to the end of the valley all the way to Tiesňava za dierou, also called Čutkovský kaňon. From Čutkovská dolina, you can also reach Hrabovo or the neighboring Hrabovská dolina. You can also hike up to the famous Vlkolínec open-air museum.

On the way back from Jelení vodopád, your children can have fun at the playground near the chalet, see animals at the farm, or visit the Obrovo amusement park. The valley is tailor-made for a pleasant holiday. We offer accommodation near Jelení vodopád or accommodation in Veľká Fatra on our portal. Book your family cottage, apartment, or guesthouse today.