Národný park Malá Fatra
Národný park Malá Fatra is located in northern Slovakia in the Žilina Region, within the districts of Žilina and Dolný Kubín. The Malá Fatra mountain range is the fourth largest mountain range in Slovakia, and its peaks boast a high number of visiting tourists. This national park is a sought-after destination for winter skiing and summer walks through wonderful nature.
Malá Fatra was declared a national park quite late. Due to the impact of human encroachment, this area was designated a protected landscape area in 1967. It was not until 1988 that Malá Fatra qualified as a national park. Its administration is today located in the village of Varín, which is also the gateway to the park.
Malá Fatra consists of two parts: the Kriváň part and the Lúčky part (Krivánska Fatra and Lúčanská Fatra). Krivánska Fatra extends north of the Váh River. The highest peak and at the same time the highest peak of the entire Malá Fatra range is Veľký Kriváň, which sits at an altitude of 1,709 m above sea level. No less important peaks are Veľký Rozsutec (1,610 m above sea level) and Malý Kriváň (1,671 m above sea level). The Veľký Rozsutec peak itself is depicted on the emblem of Národný park Malá Fatra.
An ideal hike for both children and seniors
Many a hiker can boast of ascending the third highest peak of Malá Fatra, Chleb (1,646 m above sea level). It is part of the ridge hike of Krivánska Fatra and is easily accessible not only for hikers, but also for families with children or seniors, as they can reach it by cable car. The chairlift starts in Vrátna dolina and takes you from Snilovské sedlo up to the Chleb mountain. From there, you can admire views of Malá Fatra in all its beauty. The Vrátna Free Time Zone resort is an ideal place for skiing as well as adrenaline sports such as paragliding.
Another popular trip in Národný park Malá Fatra is Chata pod Chlebom (1,423 m above sea level). The mountain hut is accessible from the cable car in Vrátna dolina or along the marked hiking trail from the village of Šútovo. On the way to the hut, you can admire the 38-meter-high Šútovský vodopád waterfall or Mojžišove pramene, which spring from the rock wall of Krivánska Malá Fatra.
The second part of the national park, Lúčanská Fatra, lies on the southern side of Malá Fatra. This part is lower and less forested. In summer, hikers usually go on hikes from Fačkovské sedlo, from where they can reach the rocky peak Kľak (1,352 m above sea level). Here beneath it lies the beautiful 30-meter-high Kľacký vodopád waterfall. In winter, skiers will come into their own at the popular ski resort Martinské hole, near the town of Martin.
Malá Fatra will charm you not only with its diverse flora, where forests alternate with dwarf pine and primeval forest, but also with its fauna. Wolves, lynxes, and wildcats live here. A large population of the brown bear has also been confirmed. Be cautious during your walks, as you may come across a viper, grass snake, or fire salamander. Birds thrive here just as well. An attentive eye will spot a golden eagle or a falcon, and if you prick up your ears, you will hear a woodpecker tapping. In Národný park Malá Fatra, there are up to 29 animal species of European importance.
In the footsteps of Jánošík
The tourist center of Národný park Malá Fatra is Terchová. This picturesque village is known primarily thanks to the highwayman Juraj Jánošík. Here you will also find a system of gorges and canyons called Jánošíkove diery, which attract tourists from far and wide. Another visited village in Malá Fatra is the village of Zázrivá. Who wouldn't know Zázrivá korbáčiky? After all, local people have been making cheese since time immemorial. And we guarantee you that bryndzové halušky tastes different here too.
Malá Fatra is a wonderful place to spend a holiday. Whether you are looking for a relaxing stay or an active holiday where you plan to clock up honest kilometers across the national park, you are in the right place. This national park is perfect for hiking as well as skiing. Book your accommodation near Národný park Malá Fatra today. Choose from our offer. We have family guesthouses, comfortable hotels, modern apartments, cozy cottages, and wooden cabins in Malá Fatra for you. Your holiday can begin.
