Nature attractions Severné Slovensko

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.

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.

During your holiday in Liptov, you certainly cannot miss Ohnište and Okno, which tower above the valley of Liptovský Ján. Begin your journey at Stanišovská jaskyňa, where you can comfortably park your car. Your fitness will be tested by the hiking trails and climbs, which after nearly 5 hours of walking will bring you to a majestic karst rock plateau with various abysses and steep cliffs. Your breath will be taken away here, as the views presented to you are gorgeous. Older children with good physical fitness can also handle the hike with you.

At the cave, you will set off along the yellow hiking trail, which takes you climbing through a deep forest to Stanišovské sedlo. Here, the panorama of the surrounding peaks of the Nízke Tatry appears before you for the first time. You will head further towards Sedlo Brtkovica, where along the way you can explore a partisan bunker located just 10 meters from the trail. However, the path to it is very overgrown, so give it a try, perhaps you will be lucky and discover it. You will reach the saddle shortly after a few minutes of walking. Further, you continue along a narrow trail and then steeply upward to the Slemä crossroads, where the wreckage of a World War II airplane lies as well. It is an interesting relic and will surely give you goosebumps. Following the green marker, you continue through a national nature reserve, which the Ohnište mountain massif and its surroundings have rightfully become. You can feel here that human hands do not stand in nature's way.

The main peak of Ohnište lies at an altitude of 1,538 m a.s.l., and below it is Veľká ľadová priepasť, which reaches an incredible depth of 125 m at its lowest point. Okno, which is beautifully visible already from Jánska dolina, is situated near the main peak. It is a unique rock formation whose gate reaches a height of up to 10 meters. Entry directly to Okno itself is prohibited, as it is located in the highest level of nature protection, and various rare vegetation or endangered animal species occur in its vicinity, such as the golden eagle and the Eurasian lynx. After a well-deserved rest and taking in the views, start your descent towards Svidovské sedlo, from where, following the blue marker around Horáreň pred Bystrou, you will get all the way back to the cave where you started the hike.

You will feel the kilometers and serious elevation gain in your legs for quite a while, so you will certainly be pleased that there is no shortage of accommodation near Ohnište and Okno. In Liptovský Ján, there are many pleasant cottages and guesthouses that will surely meet your expectations. Let the bubbles of Termálny prameň Kaďa Liptovský Ján soothe your tired body, and the next day go get inspired for further trips at Park Mini Slovensko. Children and adults alike will enjoy a visit to the nearby Tatralandia aquapark, where they can fully indulge in fun.

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.

The village of Podbiel lies at the confluence of the Orava and Studená rivers, in the district of Tvrdošín. One of the greatest sights of this distinctive village is undoubtedly the impressive natural phenomenon, Červená skala, which rises proudly above the surface of the Orava river. It attracts tourists not only with its color, but also with a unique view of the village accompanied by picturesque natural scenery of watercourses, dominated in the background by Roháče. This millions-of-years-old limestone gem conceals yet another magical secret: fascinating fossils that will certainly not escape your keen eye if you accept an invitation to take a walk to this enchanting place.

Červená skala is located at an altitude of 690 m above sea level. It is part of the Pieniny Klippen Belt (karpatský bradlový systém). It consists of limestones formed back in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, an incredible 195 to 65 million years ago. Remarkably, the rock was likely a deep-sea sediment, standing today as proof that Podbiel and the adjacent area were once submerged under the sea. Fossilized imprints of ammonites near the information board below Červená skala further prove this. Ammonites were shelled marine cephalopods that went extinct 65 million years ago.

Červená skala is a true magnet for tourists. The ascent is easy and takes approximately 40 minutes. The starting point is the village of Podbiel, from where you set out along the blue-marked hiking trail. The final climb to the top of the rock leads up wooden steps. Here, a unique panoramic view of the village and surrounding nature will welcome you. It is only at this spot that many realize the village sits almost like on a peninsula formed by two rivers.

And what would a magical rock like Červená skala be without an interesting local legend? In Podbiel, it is said that besides animal fossils, a fossilized human body was also found on Červená skala. However, the finders broke it apart out of curiosity to see what lay inside. A portion of the head saved by a local teacher was then transferred to a museum in Budapest. Yet no one knows exactly which museum it was supposed to be, so the legend remains just a legend. However, Červená skala is very real. If you do not believe it, come see for yourself directly in Podbiel.

And once you visit this picturesque corner of Orava, be sure not to miss a trip to another interesting crag, Biela skala. It is a cliff made of Cretaceous limestones, on top of which a prehistoric hillfort once stood in the past. Or would you prefer a museum visit? The small Podbielanské etnografické múzeum will guide you through the history of this distinctive Orava village via its collection. And if you still crave a bit of adventure, head out from Podbiel towards Zuberec. Along the way, you will come across a location where you can try an experiential Jazda na tanku (tank ride). A real armored personnel carrier will take you on a journey through rugged terrain that will make your blood run cold. Book your accommodation near Červená skala in Podbiel now and set out to explore Orava. Accommodation in Podbiel and its surroundings will guaranteed delight you with a wide selection of chalets and cottages, offering something for everyone.

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.

On an inconspicuous meadow in the middle of a village beneath the Tatras, you will find a paleontological site of world importance. You might still remember Gánovce, located in the Poprad district, from history classes as the site where a travertine cast of the brainpart of a Neanderthal skull was found. Gánovské travertíny and Gejzír were declared a national natural monument in 1972. Although many tourists coming to this region have no idea about this rare place amidst a green meadow, visiting a location where natural wealth meets the breath of ancient times is certainly worth it.

The Gánovské travertíny reach a height of approximately two meters. Travertiine is a type of limestone created by the precipitation of freshwater thermal springs. Right at this spot in the 1920s, a blaster during travertine mining found a cast of part of a Neanderthal skull that contained the brain. He initially considered the cast to be an animal skull. He handed it over to an employee of the Národné múzeum v Prahe, unaware of the importance and significance of his discovery. Gánovské travertíny subsequently became an extraordinarily important site of fossil fauna and flora as well.

Not far from the travertine mound, there is a geyser that spouts thermal water every 30 minutes. Thermal springs with healing mineral water have been known in Gánovce since 1549, when Gánovské kúpele were mentioned for the first time. Today they operate under the name Aqua Spa Gánovce, and you can combine a visit to them in your trip itinerary with a walk to Gánovské travertíny and Gejzír.

In case you cannot get enough of water fun and relaxation in Gánovce, the water paradise AquaCity Poprad is located in the nearby district town of Poprad, being a popular excursion spot for visitors from all over Slovakia. Or will you feel like continuing your walk through history after visiting the paleontological site? Visit the Podtatranské múzeum v Poprade, where they will reliably guide you through the history of the entire Tatra region. The culmination of a pleasant day filled with unusual experiences will certainly be resting in accommodation near Gánovské travertíny and Gejzír. Choose accommodation in Poprad according to your preferences and spend a pleasant holiday under the Tatras. Apartments, hotels, guest houses, as well as cozy holiday homes, cottages, and chalets are available.

The Prielom Dunajca National Nature Reserve is a territory carved into the limestone massif by the Dunajec River. The Slovak side of the canyon belongs to Zone A of the Pieninský národný park (PIENAP) with the strictest level of nature and landscape protection. You can find it on the Slovak-Polish border, in the beautiful village of Červený Kláštor. A tourist educational trail with 10 stops runs along the bank of the Dunajec River. This easy hike will enchant you with its stunning natural scenery. Come and enjoy the views of the symbol of the Pieniny region, the Tri Koruny mountain.

In the canyon, which is approximately 9 km long, you will find rock walls whose height reaches up to 300 meters in some places. During a half-day trip, you have the opportunity to admire the rich fauna and flora. Among the rarest plants growing here are the Pieniny rockcress (Arabis pieninica), Pieniny chrysanthemum, Pieniny wallflower, and Pieniny dandelion. If you are lucky, you will also see representatives of mountain fauna, such as the Eurasian eagle-owl, Alpine shrew, Eurasian lynx, Eurasian otter, or the majestic lesser spotted eagle.

There are also several romantic corners in the gorge associated with folk legends. Perhaps the most famous place is Jánošíkov skok. It is a rock at the narrowest point of the Dunajec, where the water reaches a depth of up to 12 meters. On your wanderings, you will also come across the Skalné veže siedmich mníchov rock towers and the legend-shrouded Ostrá skala, from which disobedient subjects were allegedly thrown into the turbulent waters of the Dunajec in ancient times. At the end of the gorge, the karst spring "Storočná voda" gushes forth, which never freezes. Legend has it that whoever drinks from it will live to be a hundred years old. Do you dare to take a sip too?

The educational trail ends at the state border with Poland, in the village of Lesnica. Definitely do not leave without experiencing the Splav Dunajca raft ride. If you like adrenaline, you can conquer the Dunajec on rafts. The village of Červený Kláštor is also famous for the Kláštor kartuziánov monastery, made famous by the mythical monk Cyprián.

Book your summer vacation in Pieniny and visit the newly built, modern Kúpele Smerdžonka spa. It is entirely up to you whether you prefer cozy cottages and traditional wooden houses or take advantage of the services of local guesthouses. You can find a complete offer of accommodation near Prielom Dunajca on our pages accommodation in Červený Kláštor and accommodation in Lesnica.