Lakes and dams Malatíny

The Liptovská Mara reservoir is located in the magical region of Liptov. Embraced by the Nízke Tatry and Západné Tatry, between the towns of Liptovský Mikuláš and Ružomberok, it is among the bodies of water with the best location for spending a holiday.

It is also known as the Liptovské Sea. It is the second-largest dam in Slovakia and offers holidaymakers countless ways to enjoy their free time. Truly everyone will find something to enjoy, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level.

The Liptovská Mara dam was artificially built between 1969 and 1975. Prior to construction, 13 villages had to be relocated, totaling more than 4,000 residents. Important monuments were also moved, which you can now find, for example, in the Múzeum liptovskej dediny in Pribylina. The reservoir currently floods an area of 27 km², and its main purpose is flood protection. Thanks to its excellent location, however, it is a popular recreational area, especially during the summer season.

In the village of Liptovský Trnovec, you will find a campsite and a beach accessible to the public for a small fee. In addition to swimming and catching a tan on the grassy areas right by the lake shore, you can take advantage of a varied range of water sports throughout the summer. Water tricycles, jet skis, or paddleboards, which you can rent at MaraFUN, are very popular. You can see almost the entire coastline during a sightseeing boat tour.

The surroundings of Liptovská Mara also entice visitors to explore other places and attractions. Not far from Mara, at the foot of the Úložisko hill, lies the unique Archeoskanzen Havránok. The trip here can easily be managed by families with children or active seniors. You will learn about the history of the Celts and see what their original dwelling and sanctuary looked like.

If you are drawn more toward adrenaline, you can enjoy it to your heart's content at the Tatralandia aquapark or at Hurricane Factory Tatralandia. For culture and good food, head to the town of Liptovský Mikuláš. And for nature, you can set off in any direction.

Discover numerous hiking trails, enjoy breathtaking views from Sivý vrch, and reward yourself with fresh air and a perfect feeling of freedom on the peak of Veľký Choč. To get the most out of your holiday in Liptov, we recommend finding suitable accommodation near Liptovská Mara and fully enjoying at least a few days of your stay here.

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.

Vrbické pleso, which adorns the Demänovská dolina, is the largest natural lake in the Nízke Tatry. This body of water at an altitude of 1,113 meters above sea level is of glacial moraine origin and thus resembles tarns in the Vysoké Tatry. At its deepest point, a depth of 8 meters was measured. The lake has been a nature monument since 1975 and is currently protected by the fifth, i.e., highest, level of protection.

The walk starts in the village of Demänovská Dolina at the Jasná - Biela Púť signpost, and it is easy to park nearby. A yellow-marked trail leads from the signpost to the tarn, taking only about 5 minutes to reach it. Around the lake, which measures 115 meters in length and 62 meters in width, runs an undemanding hiking trail. Walking it takes 20 to 60 minutes, depending on your walking pace or how long you sit on the benches and admire the photogenic mountain surroundings. It is an ideal walk for families with children. Information boards inform tourists about the origin of the tarn as well as its fauna. Benches by the lake are a matter of course, and several gazebos stand here as well. A playground has been built here for the youngest tourists.

Vrbické pleso does not have to be your final destination. Interesting hiking trails start right from it. It is possible to climb to the Rozhľadňa na Ostredku or to Krakova hoľu. The yellow trail leads from the tarn to Tri Vody or all the way to Sedlo Poľany, while the blue trail leads tourists to the Demänovská jaskyňa slobody.

Vrbické pleso will certainly not be the only place in this region that you plan to visit. If you are planning a longer holiday in Liptov, our accommodation offer will certainly come in handy. Right in the Demänovská dolina, just a few steps from Vrbické pleso, you will find hotels, budget guesthouses, comfortable apartments, and cozy cottages.