Nature attractions Leštiny

A unique creation of nature, Bešeňovské travertíny, represent interesting limestone formations that were formed by the precipitation of mineral and thermal springs. They are located in the Liptov region, near the village of Bešeňová, in the district of Liptovský Mikuláš. Beautiful travertine mounds, cascades, and other uniquely coloured formations stretch across an area of 3.18 ha. The play of colours in these unique natural phenomena transitions from almost white, through yellow and orange, to red or brown. Mineral water still flows down the travertine cascades, adding a beautiful shine to this natural spectacle.

Bešeňová is one of the few places in Slovakia and even in Europe that can boast the occurrence of freshwater limestone, or travertine. This is formed by the precipitation of water with a high calcium carbonate content under suitable temperature conditions. And since the water in Bešeňová contains magnesium, sulphur, and iron in addition to calcium, Bešeňovský travertín attracts visitors not only with its interesting formations, but also with its beautiful colours. The travertine field is located a few hundred metres north of the village and consists of four separate units: Červená terasa, Kaplnka, Bazén, and Biela terasa. Its easy accessibility makes it a great day-trip location for anyone who enjoys unusual natural phenomena. Tourists, active seniors, and families with children alike enjoy coming here.

The beauty of the travertine captivated not only visitors to Liptov, but architects as well. Polished travertine slabs adorn the Univerzita Komenského building in Bratislava, as well as the Palác národov in Geneva, Switzerland. It was precisely the golden-yellow travertine that was used for these buildings, which you can admire in its natural beauty at the edge of the quarry, in the Kaplnka section. Bešeňovský travertín was also used in buildings in many other European countries. We can mention, for example, France, Germany, or Belgium. This indicates that we can undoubtedly call this natural phenomenon of Liptov world-class.

Liptov repeatedly convinces us with its natural beauties that it is well worth spending a holiday in this region. If you decide to take a trip to Bešeňovské travertíny, be sure to combine it with a visit to the nearby Archeoskanzen Havránok, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Liptov, or with a swim in the extremely popular Vodný park Bešeňová. Days full of unique experiences in Liptov will surely be topped off with perfect relaxation. The accommodation offer near Bešeňovské travertíny is truly varied. Accommodation in Bešeňová includes cosy guest houses, as well as popular cottages and chalets. Accommodation in Liptovský Mikuláš in turn appeals with excellent accessibility to local attractions and popular trip spots. Enjoy your holiday in the beautiful surroundings of Liptov this year.

Zlá voda is a popular excursion spot for lovers of natural swimming areas. The inconspicuous little lake is in fact a rare travertine formation with a crater at its top. The lake, filled with mineral water, is situated in the village of Stankovany, located in the Dolný Liptov area in the Ružomberok district. It brings a unique experience of swimming in ticklish bubbles to locals and visitors, especially during the summer months. Are you curious about what it feels like to bathe in a tub full of champagne? In Stankovany, they won't pour your favorite sparkling wine into the lake, but bathing in the mineral water has a very similar effect.

The Zlá voda lake, with a diameter of approximately 10 m, is a favorite excursion destination for tourists, nature lovers, as well as families with children and active seniors. Everyone is attracted here by the unique experience of a refreshing bath in mineral water, which has a mildly bubbling effect thanks to the release of CO2. A great advantage of Zlá voda is also its healing effects. The mineral spring has a beneficial effect on joints and skin health. Excellent news is that locals really take exemplary care of the lake. A few years ago, the bottom of the crater was lined with a new wooden cladding, which ensures even greater comfort while relaxing in the healing water.

Are you asking why it is named "Zlá voda" (Bad Water)? Nobody knows exactly. However, legends say that the spring received this name precisely because of its strong mineralization. During bathing, this causes a mild tingling sensation on the body. People in the past were reportedly convinced that the water was somehow harmful for this reason and named it Zlá voda. Today, not only locals but also visitors know that the high mineral content has a healing effect on the human body.

If you like to discover unusual places and enjoy original experiences during your travels around Slovakia, be sure not to miss bathing in Zlá voda during your summer holiday in Liptov. You can combine a trip to this interesting place with a walk through the beautiful scenery of the nearby Šútovské jazero or with an excursion to the impressive Šútovský vodopád, the highest waterfall in Malá Fatra. If you head from Zlá voda toward the district town of Ružomberok, make sure to visit the nearby Čutkovská dolina, where, in addition to picturesque natural scenery, you will certainly be delighted by the Obrovo children's amusement park.

The range of interesting places is broad and will certainly convince you that one day in Liptov is not enough. You can easily find accommodation near Zlá voda directly around the village of Stankovany. If you prefer a holiday in the center of a tourist region, you can make use of accommodation in Ružomberok or accommodation in Hrabovo during your vacation. Here you will find not only popular chalets and cottages, but also stylish guesthouses and picturesque apartments. Come and enjoy Liptov to the fullest this very summer.

The village of Podbiel lies at the confluence of the Orava and Studená rivers, in the district of Tvrdošín. One of the greatest sights of this distinctive village is undoubtedly the impressive natural phenomenon, Červená skala, which rises proudly above the surface of the Orava river. It attracts tourists not only with its color, but also with a unique view of the village accompanied by picturesque natural scenery of watercourses, dominated in the background by Roháče. This millions-of-years-old limestone gem conceals yet another magical secret: fascinating fossils that will certainly not escape your keen eye if you accept an invitation to take a walk to this enchanting place.

Červená skala is located at an altitude of 690 m above sea level. It is part of the Pieniny Klippen Belt (karpatský bradlový systém). It consists of limestones formed back in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, an incredible 195 to 65 million years ago. Remarkably, the rock was likely a deep-sea sediment, standing today as proof that Podbiel and the adjacent area were once submerged under the sea. Fossilized imprints of ammonites near the information board below Červená skala further prove this. Ammonites were shelled marine cephalopods that went extinct 65 million years ago.

Červená skala is a true magnet for tourists. The ascent is easy and takes approximately 40 minutes. The starting point is the village of Podbiel, from where you set out along the blue-marked hiking trail. The final climb to the top of the rock leads up wooden steps. Here, a unique panoramic view of the village and surrounding nature will welcome you. It is only at this spot that many realize the village sits almost like on a peninsula formed by two rivers.

And what would a magical rock like Červená skala be without an interesting local legend? In Podbiel, it is said that besides animal fossils, a fossilized human body was also found on Červená skala. However, the finders broke it apart out of curiosity to see what lay inside. A portion of the head saved by a local teacher was then transferred to a museum in Budapest. Yet no one knows exactly which museum it was supposed to be, so the legend remains just a legend. However, Červená skala is very real. If you do not believe it, come see for yourself directly in Podbiel.

And once you visit this picturesque corner of Orava, be sure not to miss a trip to another interesting crag, Biela skala. It is a cliff made of Cretaceous limestones, on top of which a prehistoric hillfort once stood in the past. Or would you prefer a museum visit? The small Podbielanské etnografické múzeum will guide you through the history of this distinctive Orava village via its collection. And if you still crave a bit of adventure, head out from Podbiel towards Zuberec. Along the way, you will come across a location where you can try an experiential Jazda na tanku (tank ride). A real armored personnel carrier will take you on a journey through rugged terrain that will make your blood run cold. Book your accommodation near Červená skala in Podbiel now and set out to explore Orava. Accommodation in Podbiel and its surroundings will guaranteed delight you with a wide selection of chalets and cottages, offering something for everyone.