Lakes and dams Krpeľany

Šútovské jazero, also known as Kraľovianske jazero, is actually a flooded quarry located in the village of Kraľovany, near Šútovo. It lies beneath the peaks of the Malá Fatra mountains, practically on the main route between Martin and Ružomberok. There is a large designated parking area by the lake, which is free of charge.

Since the lake was formed by flooding a quarry, it has no inflow or outflow. The beautiful turquoise water reaches depths of up to 15 meters. Šútovské jazero is often referred to as the "Slovak Plitvice" because the surrounding terraced slopes resemble this Croatian park, which you may know from western movies such as The Treasure of Silver Lake. Although the quarry is a popular recreation spot for both local and international tourists, swimming is at your own risk. At the lake, you will find two larger beaches and a few smaller ones, one of which is fenced off and designated for nudism enthusiasts. Refreshment stands are available on some of the beaches.

After or before swimming, we also recommend a hike to Šútovské vodopád waterfall. The hiking trail leads directly from the lake, and the entire hike takes about 3 hours. You can also plan additional hikes to Veľký Kriváň and Veľký Rozsutec, or to any other corner of the Národný park Malá Fatra national park. If you prefer healing waters to swimming in the quarry, you can head to the Zlá voda travertine pool near Rojkov.

Whether you want to spend just a weekend relaxing by Šútovské jazero and exploring Malá Fatra, or stay longer, comfortable accommodation will come in handy. Look, for instance, for guesthouses in Kraľovany or cottages in Turany, Krpeľany, or Nolčovo. It is not far to Terchová either, where you can stay in cozy wooden cabins.

In the vicinity of the town of Ružomberok, you will find the well-known Hrabovská dolina valley. In a gorgeous forest environment, we can find the small Vodná nádrž Hrabovo reservoir. Beautiful surroundings and tourist attractions make it a popular trip destination.

Vodná nádrž Hrabovo was originally built for cotton mills as a water supply. Today, the artificial lake Hrabovo is a place of relaxation. On the shores of the lake, there are maintained grassy beaches; however, the water is relatively cold. Swimming is permitted only at your own risk. Nevertheless, the location also attracts water sports enthusiasts. You can go boating here to your heart's content throughout the summer, and there is also a rental service for paddle boats as well as adrenaline attractions. Have you tried aquazorbing yet? Inside a large inflatable sphere, you try to maintain your balance on the water surface. Your children will simply love this fun activity. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you can also try out the “water bird” an aquaskipper that needs no motor. Once you learn to control it, you hop across the water on it like a bird. And rest assured, you will get a workout doing it.

When the cable car to the Malinô Brdo hill was built, the Hrabovo valley became a starting point for skiing. At the same time, it serves as an entry gateway to the Veľká Fatra National Park. Water from the lake is currently also used for snowmaking at the Ski Park Ružomberok Malinô Brdo ski resort. In the warm season, the ski park transforms into Bike Park Malinô Brdo. Cyclists from all over the world come here for downhill mountain biking. Biker camps and the MTB Championships (mountain downhill biking) take place here as well.

Last but not least, the greatest attraction is certainly the Lanový park Tarzania Hrabovo rope park or Zipline Hrabovo Ružomberok. Located here is the longest zip-line wire ride in Slovakia. Slide across Vodná nádrž Hrabovo and your adrenaline rush is guaranteed. For families with children, the smaller Tarzania rope course between the trees is ideal. You can rent equipment here, and your little ones can safely try climbing.

Lake Hrabovo is a popular spot for fishermen. Fishing is allowed here with a valid fishing permit purchased from the Slovenský rybársky zväz (Slovak Fishing Association). You can catch fish in a quieter part, in the shade of the forest, and fully enjoy this peaceful sport.

From Hrabovská dolina, you are just a stone's throw away from Čutkovská dolina valley. Do not miss hiking in this beautiful location. Moreover, you will find attractions here that are worth visiting as well. Obrov park Čutkovo is a great attraction for children, as is the mini farm at Salaš Pastierska. Enjoy cheeses and homemade specialties right in the restaurant here.

Accommodation near Vodná nádrž Hrabovo is available on our portal. And there is plenty to choose from. You will find romantic cottages here as well as modern apartments or hotels. Do not hesitate to visit this recreational spot surrounded by mountains, and you will truly enjoy your holiday.

Asfaltové jazero is located near the small village of Nezbudská Lúčka. The site is known for its rich deposits of natural asphalt. At the same time, the only quarry in Europe for its extraction operated here in the past. Mining began here even before the First World War; according to chronicles, 5,000 cubic meters of asphalt were extracted annually from this quarry up until 1928. This mixture was also used for the construction of the road between Strečno and Vrútky. Mining ended here in 1962, as the deposit was close to depletion and groundwater began to seep into the tunnels, gradually flooding them.

The depth of the flooded quarry is currently 12 meters. In the past, it was up to 18 meters, but the bottom is now covered with a thick layer of mud. Swimming in the lake is forbidden; however, many people violate this rule, and several have already paid the price. The water near the surface warms up pleasantly, but the lower currents are cold, forming whirlpools that can pull a swimmer under. The lake is often used by divers, who have found, for example, a World War II grenade at the bottom. They could also tell you about the secrets of the flooded tunnels, where various reminders of former mining remain and where trout allegedly swim, which are white and blind due to life in the dark.

Asfaltové jazero is a popular spot for fishermen. The surrounding area offers interesting walks during which, on warm days, you can observe natural asphalt on the quarry walls melting with the heat and slowly trickling down. As part of the former quarry, the chapel of the patron saint of miners, St. Barbara, still stands here. Several mining tunnels have also been preserved, but entering them is not recommended as they could collapse at any time. You can reach the lake from the village of Nezbudská Lúčka on foot or by car.

If you spend your holiday in this area, you should definitely stay for a few days, because Asfaltové jazero is not the only attraction in the vicinity, quite the contrary. If your goal is to discover history, the ideal choice for you will be hrad Strečno, Starhrad, or Zemľanky and the memorial to the partisans of the Dibrov group in the village of Poriadie. The youngest family members will certainly be enchanted by Rozprávkový les Nezbudská Lúčka. We do not forget about active visitors either, to whom we recommend a hike to the second highest peak of Malá Fatra, Malý Kriváň, or to the lookout tower on the hill Špicák. Although you cannot swim in Asfaltové jazero, you certainly will not be left without water, as the thermal swimming pool Aqua Eden Stráňavy or the swimming pool in Vrútky will take care of that.

Finding accommodation near Asfaltové jazero is relatively easy, as the village of Varín is located nearby, offering mostly cottages. The nearby village of Dolná Tižina focuses on traditional cottages and guest houses. A diverse range of accommodation options is also available in Vrútky. You will have all services within reach if you choose accommodation in Žilina.