Nature attractions in Liptov

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.

Visitors to Horný Liptov will experience the atmosphere of rainforests in the impressive Hybická tiesňava gorge, which was declared a national natural monument due to its uniqueness. This unique natural phenomenon, falling within the Tatranský národný park, is located north of the distinctive village of Východná in the Liptovský Mikuláš district. The beautiful canyon-like valley was shaped by the inconspicuous Hybica stream in the soft limestone bedrock. For lovers of picturesque natural scenery, this little-visited place will become a paradise on earth.

This unique piece of nature combines steep stone crags rising to the sky, an impressive forest scenery rich in rare species of fauna and flora, and a pleasantly murmuring stream, which was the painter of this beauty in the past. The gorge also fascinates visitors with its high humidity, evoking the atmosphere of rainforests. A huge benefit of this place is its very low visitor numbers, preserving the naturalness and pristine character of the environment. This is mainly due to the fact that no marked hiking trail leads to Hybická tiesňava. You can only reach this breathtaking spot via a dirt road from the village of Východná or through the forest from the nearby village of Podbanské.

An interesting fact is that Hybická tiesňava is only 4 m wide at its narrowest point. In contrast, the towering overhanging crags lining the passage through the canyon reach an incredible height of 15–20 m in some places. The passage through the gorge currently leads largely through the streambed. Activists plan to build a hiking trail that should lead in the future from the birthplace of the famous movie outlaw, the village of Hybe. The trail through the gorge itself should be 3 km long.

If you decide on a vacation in Liptov this year, be sure to bring high-quality hiking boots with you and set out to explore this unique place. You can combine hiking in this location with a visit to Farma Východná or the popular Folklórny festival Východná, which takes place regularly on the first weekend of July. Your vacation in this region will certainly be made more pleasant by a wide range of accommodation options near Hybická tiesňava. You can make use of cottages and chalets in Východná and its surroundings, or accommodation in Liptovský Mikuláš, which includes a wide selection of guesthouses and hotels. A vacation in Liptov is an offer of unusual experiences and relaxation directly surrounded by unique nature.

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.