Where to go on a trip Makov

Have you ever heard of the geological rarity located in the Kysuce region? It is a European unique feature, a natural crude oil spring. Come and see Korňanský ropný prameň, which is the only one of its kind in Slovakia. You can find this "black gold" spring in the picturesque village of Korňa, near the town of Turzovka. It is a paraffinic type of oil with a low oil content and a smaller amount of hydrocarbons with asphaltic-resinous substances. The spring spans a small area of 0.171 ha.

It is a natural surface oil seep with occasional methane vapors. The oil accumulates in a small pool with a diameter of 1.5–2 meters. Despite being high-quality crude oil, surrounding test drillings, which began back in the 19th century, did not reveal sufficient quantities to make industrial extraction commercially viable. In total, 5 drillings were conducted, the first in 1900 and the last between 1929 and 1933. From the drillings carried out during those times, only 15–16 wagonloads were extracted in total.

In difficult times, during World War II, residents of the village of Korňa used oil from this seep as fuel for lighting, heating, and lubricating vehicles. It was even used to treat skin diseases in cattle. In 1984, Korňanský ropný prameň was declared a natural monument. You can find it at the beginning of the village of Korňa, accessible from a parking lot along the main road, located approximately 150 m away. The characteristic odor and mysterious bubbling will also guide you to the spring.

If this extraordinary place has caught your interest, plan a trip to Kysuce and discover other interesting attractions, of which there are plenty in the area. Book your stay today. You can find a rich selection of accommodation near Korňanský ropný prameň on our accommodation Korňa page. In addition to this rarity, you will find another gem here, the largest linden tree in Kysuce, which grows in the village of Korňa, in the Vígľaš area. If you plan your holiday during the winter season, a great place for skiing is undoubtedly the Turzovka - Bukovina ski resort. We wish you a successful holiday full of unforgettable experiences.

Renesančný zámok is located in the center of the town of Bytča, which lies on the right bank of the Váh river in the Žilina region. The complex, consisting of several buildings, has indisputable architectural and historical significance and is rightfully called the jewel of northwestern Slovakia. It has been listed as a national cultural monument since 1970.

Kaštieľ v Bytči was built on the site of a smaller Gothic castle between 1571 and 1574 by František I. Turzo, founder of the Bytča-Orava branch of the Turzo family and at the same time the most powerful feudal lord in the region of northwestern Slovakia. An interesting fact is that the construction was entrusted to the Italian master Giovanni Kilián from Milan, who was elevated to the nobility after the completion of the castle, and his figure is immortalized on a fresco on the ground floor of the Renaissance building. After the death of František I. Turzo, Bytčiansky kaštieľ became the permanent residence of his son Juraj Turzo, palatine and advisor to Emperor Rudolf II, a well-known diplomat, and a supporter of Slovaks and Protestantism. In 1601, Juraj Turzo also had the so-called Sobášny palác built in the manor complex, the only one of its kind in Slovakia, serving for ceremonial family events and primarily the wedding feasts of Juraj's seven daughters. It is impressive that wedding ceremonies are still performed in the hall to this day.

The castle was the seat of administration for the Turzo estates and a center of Renaissance culture and humanistic learning until the extinction of the Turzo family line in 1635, when it fell to the Esterházy family through marriage. The Esterházy family did not make significant changes to the building, as the manor house was not their main residence. In 1868, they sold the estate to the merchant Leopold Popper, under whose ownership it declined. The indebted businessman converted the building into 12 apartments and administrative spaces. He rented these out, while the alterations to the layout and subsequent restoration work damaged, among other things, precious wall paintings in the courtyard. Finally, in 1950, Bytčiansky zámok passed into state administration and ownership. The implementation of heritage restoration began after 1960.

The manor house has a quadrangular floor plan, a central courtyard, round bastions at the corners, and a six-story entrance tower in the middle of the northern wing. Since 1955, the manor house has hosted the Štátny oblastný archív, where valuable documents are archived, such as the oldest document from 1263, coat of arms charters, the inventory of Bytčiansky zámok, and others. Remarkable is the fact that the legend-shrouded highwayman Juraj Jánošík served in the castle as a guard soldier, where he met the imprisoned highwayman Tomáš Uhorčík, who persuaded him to take up highway robbery.

Sobášny palác next to the manor house is a one-story building with a rectangular floor plan and a richly decorated facade. The large hall of Sobášny palác houses exhibition spaces of the Považské múzeum, and the permanent exhibition here serves as a reminder of the unique personality of Palatine Juraj Turzo.

The town of Bytča, as well as the entire Žilina region, offers a wealth of historical monuments, adventurous attractions, and wonderful experiences. If Bytčiansky kaštieľ and its surroundings have caught your interest, book your accommodation near Bytčiansky hrad as soon as possible. In our offer, however, we also have direct accommodation in Bytča, as well as in the surrounding villages.

Above the village of Hričovské Podhradie, in the district of Žilina, rises Hričovský hrad, also known as Hrad Hričov. Set out on a pleasant walk with a gentle climb. Whether you head to the castle as a couple, with friends, or as a family with children, everyone will manage this route in about an hour. After the climb, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding nature.

Hričovský hrad is accessible via an educational trail directly from the village of Hričovské Podhradie. The trail also forms a loop with 20 information boards that inform you about the history of the castle or the surrounding flora and fauna. The origins of the castle ruins date back to the 13th century. Throughout its history, the castle changed several owners. An interesting feature is the counterfeit coin workshop that the Podmanický brothers ran at the castle. From the 17th century onwards, the lords of the castle began moving to more luxurious chateau residences, and the castle gradually fell into decay. The last owners were the Thurzo family, who, however, did not reside at the castle. During the Bocskai uprising, the castle was conquered and ravaged by the Hajduks. This marked the beginning of its downfall.

Follow the educational trail of Hričovský hrad and take a look at a piece of history. Rest areas with information boards will make your journey more enjoyable. Take a glimpse at the beauty of nature in Považie. On summer days, you will find great refreshment at Vodná nádrž Hričov. Its surroundings are suitable not only for long walks, but also for cycling trips.

By bicycle, you can easily get to Budatínsky zámok in no time. In addition to the chateau itself, you will also be charmed by the magnificent Budatínsky park. If you are a passionate hiker after all, Súľovské skaly cannot be missing from your itinerary. You will be captivated by their various geomorphological formations. Needles, windows, towers, and steep crags are sought after by mountaineering enthusiasts. Less demanding routes will be appreciated by rock climbing enthusiasts.

Come and discover Považie and the beauty it offers. Book accommodation in the vicinity of Hričovský hrad. We will be happy to help you with your choice. In our offer, you will find comfortable guesthouses or cozy cottages surrounded by picturesque nature.

Many tourists head out for a winter holiday in the Javorníky mountains, located in the Kysuce region, northwest of the town of Čadca. If you would like to get to know this area as well, you are certainly looking for a suitable ski resort. There are plenty of them across the entire Javorníky region, but they are mostly smaller with a homely atmosphere. If you prefer skiing in a larger and more modern resort, we have a great tip for you. It is Ski centrum Kohútka.

You do not have to worry about the fact that it is a ski resort on the border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It is located only approximately 30 km from Čadca, and in less than half an hour's drive, you are there. And trust us, those few kilometers are worth it! Nor do you need to worry about having to exchange money. Ski Kohútka is used to the influx of skiers from Slovakia, and you can easily pay for a ski pass in euros. Likewise, in restaurants, you can purchase refreshments in euros or use the increasingly popular payment by card.

Ski centrum Kohútka is an exceptionally comprehensive ski resort with a great future. Everyone will find something to enjoy here, from the youngest skiers to lovers of the steepest slopes. The ski resort is situated at an altitude of 715 to 913 meters above sea level. That is not much, but Javorníky in combination with artificial snowmaking are a sufficient guarantee of a properly long winter season.

Let's get to the most important part. What have they prepared for you in this border ski resort? Here you will find as many as 10 slopes designed for everyone. 5 of them are marked in blue, where beginner skiers in particular will enjoy themselves. 4 slopes are red, suitable for more demanding skiers and family skiing as well. And you will also find 1 black slope here, which, with a length of 850 meters, is intended for the best skiers.

The total length of all slopes is almost 7 km, so it is definitely not a small ski resort. The number of transport facilities corresponds to this as well. Here you will find a central 4-seater chairlift, where you will probably spend the most time. Why? When you get off it, you have a choice of 3 options to get to the lower station of the resort. One of them is a blue slope, the second is red, and the third is black. In addition to the chairlift, there are 6 other ski lifts in the resort, thanks to which you will never spend more time in line than you would like. We have not yet mentioned the longest slope in the resort. It has a respectable 1,600 meters and will satisfy even the most demanding.

Ski centrum Kohútka is perhaps the best-equipped resort in the region. It offers a rich selection of additional services. Equipment rental, ski service, and a ski school are a matter of course. In addition, you will find a children's ski park, a number of high-quality restaurants, snack bars, or a brand-name ski test center where you can try riding the latest models.

Despite the fact that the ski resort is located right on the border, a varied palette of quality accommodation services will surprise you. Right in the resort itself, you will find many accommodation options, especially pleasant cottages right by the slopes. Mountain hotels and tourist hostels are also numerous. An interesting feature of the entire Javorníky area is its typical scattered settlement, and if your heart desires an escape from everyday stress, you can find your own cottage in seclusion. From there, you can head out among the people on the slopes of Kohútka and enjoy a carefree winter holiday.