Lakes and dams Orava

The water reservoir Oravská priehrada extends at the confluence of the Biela and Čierna Orava rivers near the town of Námestovo. During its construction, a part of this town was flooded, which is why we will not find its historical center here. However, Oravská priehrada is a popular tourist destination where it is worthwhile to spend your holiday.

The decision to build Oravská priehrada was made due to numerous floods in this area. Especially during the period of snow melting, people in the territory of these rivers lost their dwellings. Among the flooded villages was also Slanica. Today, only the peak of Slanický ostrov, divided into 2 parts: Ostrov umeňa and Vtáčí ostrov, protrudes from the water. The islands are connected, and in the case of low water levels, it is possible to walk from one to the other. You will find a Roman Catholic church here with an exhibition of Orava folk art. Festive concerts are organized in it from time to time.

By building the dam wall in 1953, a power plant located beneath it was put into operation. Behind the wall, the river confluences merge and continue to flow as one, the well-known Orava river. Part of the water work is also the balancing reservoir in the town of Tvrdošín. Oravská priehrada is not only a functional result but also an interesting place for a holiday. A large number of accommodation facilities have been built around the lake: cottages, guesthouses, apartments, or camping sites. Truly everyone can choose.

Tourists like to come here for entertainment or water sports. Sightseeing boats operate here, you can go boating, windsurfing, rent a water bike or the increasingly popular paddleboard. In addition, you will find restaurants, buffets, as well as attractions for children. In summer, it is especially worth visiting the southern and western parts, where shallow shores are ideal for swimming. In winter, the dam freezes in some parts. The daring take advantage of walks across the frozen surface and admire the nature of the Orava district.

Oravská priehrada is an ideal place for a proper fishing trip. With its area of 35 sq km, it provides privacy in quiet corners under the trees. Do not hesitate to visit this charming place and choose accommodation near Oravská priehrada directly with us. Your holiday in Orava can begin.

Roháčske plesá belong to the most touristically attractive places in Západné Tatry. They rank among the most beautiful locations in these mountains. The four Roháčske plesá tarns (Veľké, Druhé, Tretie, and Horné Roháčske pleso) are surrounded by massive Tatra peaks such as Rákoň, Volovec, Ostrý Roháč, Plačlivé, and Baníkov.

The lakes are located at an altitude of 1,562 to 1,719 meters above sea level and are connected by the Roháčsky potok stream. The tarns can be reached from Chata Zverovka or from the central parking lot Zverovka - Spálená dolina.

The best way to see this area is to set out along the Náučný chodník Roháčske plesá educational trail. The trail starts in Roháčska dolina, continues through the junctions Šindľovec and Adamcuľa to Ťatliakova chata and Ťatliakovo jazero, and further through Smutná dolina all the way to Tretie Roháčske pleso. It is a medium-difficulty route, 7 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 620 meters. Eight information boards are placed along the trail; in addition to the tarns, they are also dedicated to flora and fauna, avalanches, and water. The trail is accessible only seasonally from June 15 to October 31. Up to Ťatliakova chata, the path is designated as suitable for wheelchair users.

Interesting flora occurs in the surroundings of the tarns. For example, the very rare plant narrow-leaved bur-reed (ježohlav úzkolistý) grows there, which, apart from certain Tatra tarns, cannot be found anywhere else. Among animals, chamois or marmots can be spotted.

Benches and wooden tables are placed around Roháčske plesá, serving for rest and the consumption of your own snacks. Those who arrived without their own provisions will appreciate the services of Ťatliakova chata. A short detour leads from the educational trail route to the 23-meter-high Roháčsky vodopád waterfall.

If Roháčske plesá are the goal of your trip, you will certainly appreciate accommodation in Zuberec, which is an ideal starting point for this excursion. The most common type of accommodation facilities are cottages and wooden chalets, but cozy private accommodations, guest houses, or hotels are also available. Any group of visitors is guaranteed to find what suits them best, regardless of whether you are a family with children or an outdoor school group.

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.