Where to go on a trip Rajecká dolina

Kúpele Rajecké Teplice lie on the road between the town of Rajec and Žilina, near the tourist area of Súľovské skaly. These important Slovak spa resorts are sought after by patients with musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. Thanks to healing mineral water, the spa provides its guests not only with perfect relaxation but also successful treatment.

The first mentions of the healing effects of the mineral spring in Rajecké Teplice date back to the past. The ruler of the nearby Lietavské panstvo, Juraj Turzo, had the first Kúpeľný dom built here as early as 1610. His friends, whom he invited here, met and recreated here. After his death, the spa was closed and the property distributed among the heirs. The spa was restored only in the 18th century, when lords from the imperial Viennese court began to meet here. During this period, the railway on the Rajec - Žilina line was also built, which passed through Rajecké Teplice and supplied them at the same time.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the spa came under the judicial administration of Ladislav Hauser, who later bought it as an administrator. He established a school for children from Teplice here so they would not have to commute far. The first spa doctor, MUDr. Rudolf Flamm, also worked here, providing treatment to local residents for free. During World War I, however, the spa declined, and part of it was additionally destroyed by a flood.

Only with the change of owner in 1925 did the construction of spa houses begin and Kúpele Rajecké Teplice acquired the form in which we know them today. In 1989, Rajecké Teplice received town status. Sports grounds, parks, and a department store were built. In the famous small town, which is incidentally the 4th smallest in Slovakia, the statue „Žena po kúpeli“ was also installed to represent it.

Kúpele Rajecké Teplice provide medical care in several spa houses. They focus on musculoskeletal disorders, conditions after spine, joint, and intervertebral disc surgeries. From neurological diseases, patients after infantile paralysis, people with Parkinson's disease, and people with occupational diseases are treated here.

Among the most effective spa treatments is balneotherapy with mineral water. They use the warm 38-degree hydrogencarbonate-calcium-magnesium water without further adjustments. In addition to healing power, it also has analgesic effects, it relieves pain. Other procedures include physiotherapy, laser therapy, induction therapy, and water tractions. Part of the treatment procedures is group spinal exercise and yoga.

The spa has several types of pools at its disposal. You will find a mineral-thermal pool, relaxation, rehabilitation, and swimming pool, as well as a Turkish bath, the alternation of hot and cold water of which strengthens the heart and immunity. The sauna world that the spa possesses will certainly pleasantly surprise you. The Finnish, herbal, menthol, Arabic, or salt sauna will not only warm your bones but relax your entire body. You can also relax with one of the massages or let yourself be pampered during a beauty procedure.

Kúpele Rajecké Teplice are not only an ideal place for seniors or patients who come here for treatment. Ladies, sharpen your attention. The spa has a special place for you. Aphrodite Spa is intended for all ladies who need care and to stop time. Rejuvenating procedures or a beauty salon will make a true goddess Aphrodite out of you.

When you gather more energy in the spa, you can enjoy other activities. Two beautiful parks in the French and English style shine with the colors of flowers and await your walk through Rajecké Teplice. Do not miss a trip to Lietavský hrad either. This ruin will provide you with stunning views of the surrounding nature. We recommend families with children to visit Farma Prístavky near the village of Kunerad.

Spending a holiday in Rajecká dolina and relaxing in the spa is a truly unforgettable experience. Check out accommodation in Rajecké Teplice or accommodation Rajecká dolina on our portal. With us, you will also find further tips for trips around the surroundings. So what are you waiting for? Book your hotel, guesthouse, or apartment near Kúpele Rajecké Teplice today.

Lietavský hrad is the largest castle structure in Slovakia. It stretches across a castle hill above the village of Lietava, in the Žilina Region. In addition to the beautiful scenery of these ruins and a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountain ranges, its excellent location is a major attraction for visitors. The castle is situated just 10 km south of the regional capital of Žilina. It has thus become a popular excursion spot for holidaymakers heading from Terchová or the Kysuce region to Rajecké Teplice.

Lietavský hrad was built at the end of the 13th century on a rocky ridge of the Súľovská vrchovina highlands. Originally, it was likely a smaller palace and a four-storey square tower from which a rampart extended. It is assumed that the construction was initiated by the Balaša family. At the beginning of the 14th century, it was occupied by the famous Matúš Čák; later, the castle became royal property and was assigned to palatines and dukes. In the following years, Lietava changed hands several times among lords who contributed to its reconstruction in various ways. Since the mid-18th century, the castle has been abandoned, and after 250 years, it has turned into a ruin.

They say that anyone who has experienced a sunset or sunrise at Lietavský hrad has no doubt that it is one of the most beautiful places in our country. It is precisely the enchanting view that makes the castle hill above Lietava such a great attraction. After a short and easy ascent, you will have the Strážovské vrchy mountains, as well as the Malá Fatra and Veľká Fatra mountain ranges, in the palm of your hand. Your backdrop will be a ruin bearing witness to times long past, whose walls still carry rare architectural details today. To the south of the tower, you can see the castle's fifth gate, residential buildings, and a Late Gothic palace. To the north lies the outer bailey, parallel to which stretches another outer bailey with artillery bastions and a Renaissance entrance gate. The exhibition area dedicated to the history of Lietavský hrad, archaeological finds, and firearms has been open here since 2017. It is located in the Stredný palác.

You can reach the castle along marked hiking trails from the villages of Lietava and Lietavská Svinná. Depending on the chosen route, the ascent takes between 30 and 60 minutes. The castle grounds are open to visitors continuously. The exhibition area located in the Stredný palác and the Kinižiho tower are open to the public irregularly, mostly during weekends and public holidays. We recommend checking the opening hours by phone.

If you pass near Žilina during your holiday travels, be sure to accept an invitation to the castle hill towering over Lietava. Enjoy the magnificent view in the atmosphere of a historic site that has blended perfectly with the surrounding nature. You can combine a trip here with a visit to the Kúpele Rajecké Teplice spa or a hike beneath Žibrid hill to mother nature's splendid sculptural creation, the Stratený budzogáň. Or would you prefer relaxing by the pool at Kúpalisko Žilina? The holiday options here are truly diverse, much like the offer of accommodation near Lietavský hrad. Accommodation in Lietava and the immediate surroundings offers a wide spectrum of cottages and chalets, which have great potential to become your temporary home during your vacation.

Kuneradský zámok is situated at the mouth of the Svitačová dolina valley, near the village of Kunerad. Standing guard over the valley at an altitude of 600 m above sea level, its surroundings are adorned with picturesque nature. Two fires in recent years damaged the chateau so severely that it is currently closed to the public. Despite this, it remains a frequently visited tourist attraction in the Rajecká dolina valley, mainly because hiking trails leading to the popular peaks of the Lúčanská part of Malá Fatra pass right next to it.

The new owners, who live in Switzerland, are striving to save the chateau and preserve this treasure for future generations. The ongoing restoration work can be observed from the adjacent chateau park and meadows, where you can enjoy a pleasant family walk. In the park, you will also find the Pamätník SNP (SNP Monument), which was renovated for the public in 2020.

Kuneradský zámok saw the light of day in 1912, originally serving as a hunting lodge for Count Ballestrem and his family, who used it primarily during the hunting season. The chateau was built with elements of French Art Nouveau. Towers, arcades, terraces, and exterior staircases gave this romantic building its charming appearance. The interior was also lavishly furnished, and the chateau even had its own water-powered power plant. The Count's family also established a chapel inside the chateau. During the Slovak National Uprising, the chateau was occupied by partisans and subsequently burned down by the Fascists. After reconstruction, the premises served as a treatment facility for the nearby Kúpele Rajecké Teplice spa.

You will surely be pleased to know that you can find pleasant accommodation near Kuneradský zámok. Cottages and guesthouses in Rajecké Teplice will fulfill your expectations to the point. In the nearby village of Kunerad, it is worth visiting the local healing spring on the way, colloquially named "Studnička Zuzička". The next day, you can visit Stratený budzogáň or head to Lietavský hrad. For some well-deserved relaxation, you can indulge yourselves in Kúpele Rajecké Teplice, and in the summer, you can enjoy the sunshine at the Termálne kúpalisko Laura thermal pool. Following the hiking trail from the chateau, you can reach Martinské hole and explore its hidden corners as well. Do not hesitate and discover this region during your holiday in Slovakia.

Slovenský betlehem is a masterpiece by the woodcarver Jozef Pekar. You can admire it in the Žilina district, in Rajecká Lesná, more precisely in the House of God's Mercy (sometimes referred to as the House of the Nativity of Christ). Its name is not accidental; in addition to the commonly depicted birth of Christ, it also portrays the history of the Slovak nation. Besides the best-known sceneries that are inextricably linked with Slovakia, master Pekar also captured the everyday life of Slovaks in the past.

What is fascinating is that the betlehem is not static, but the figures move, thereby adding to the overall authenticity of the masterpiece. This also enables people who do not like reading about history and customs to absorb this interesting part of our history. Because just as children stand in awe and with open mouths in front of Slovenský betlehem, adults often stand there with bated breath as well.

Jozef Pekar began working on this woodcarving masterpiece after his retirement in 1980. It took him a long 15 years to complete it. The work was ceremonially opened to the public on November 26, 1995, back then still without the Eastern Slovak and Western Slovak regions. However, those were carved and added to the work in subsequent years. Every Slovak location is blessed. The dimensions of the betlehem are 8.5 m in length, 2.5 m in width, and 3 m in height. Altogether, there are about 300 figures on the area, of which approximately half are static and the other half move. Some are working, others are having fun. If you look closely, you will even see a bear running by.

Rajecký betlehem, as locals sometimes call it, is a rarity towards which people from all over our country head daily. However, the work is so well known that it is nothing unusual to hear another national language around it. It ranks among the largest wooden carved betlehems in all of Europe. The building where Slovenský betlehem is located also exhibits woodcarvings by other Rajecká Dolina woodcarvers, be sure to check those out as well. They are located on the first floor.

If the wooden betlehem has caught your interest, we recommend planning a multi-day trip right away and combining it with a visit to other attractions. You can easily find accommodation near Slovenský betlehem on our portal. The accommodation in Rajecká Lesná subpage has a truly diverse offer, and everyone is sure to find something. Finally, we will give you a small tip: visit the Frivaldská kalvária, beneath which a healing spring flows.