Where to go on a trip Žaškov (page 2 of 2)

The international folklore festival Jánošíkove dni in Terchová represents one of the most significant and largest celebrations of folk culture in Slovakia.

The festival takes place at the end of July and beginning of August in the village of Terchová, in the district of Žilina, on the border of the Malá Fatra and Kysuce national parks. The program runs on several stages, with the main venue being the Amfiteáter nad Bôrami, where large gala programs featuring leading folklore ensembles from Slovakia and abroad take place. A characteristic feature of the festival is terchovská muzika (Terchová music), inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, whose specific polyphonic singing and string instrument playing dominate almost every performance. The highlight of the event is usually the traditional horse-drawn wagon procession with proud wagoners and musicians, which passes through the entire village and is among the visually most attractive parts of the festival. In addition to music and dance, Jánošíkove dni is also known for its rich accompanying program, which includes folk art exhibitions, craft markets, and traditional gastronomy. During the festival, the whole village breathes hospitality and respect for ancestral heritage, while the program sensitively connects historical facts about Juraj Jánošík with modern adaptations of folklore motifs.

What can you find here?

In the program zones, you will find a large-capacity open-air amphitheater, intimate stages in the culture house, and a folk stage in the center of the village. It features a folk craft fair with demonstrations of work by blacksmiths, woodcarvers, or lace makers, and stalls with typical specialties such as oštiepok, halušky, and homemade cakes. Visitors can also see a photo exhibition, attend a solemn Holy Mass for the bearers of folk traditions, or watch the evening lighting of the bonfire.

Who is the place suitable for?

The festival is designed for all age groups, from families with children who will appreciate the variety of folk costumes and accompanying games, to professionals and ethnography enthusiasts. It is sought out by tourists looking for an authentic cultural experience, lovers of Slovak history, and everyone who wants to experience the atmosphere of a major event in the middle of mountain nature. Due to the massive attendance, visitors should expect a higher concentration of people and traffic restrictions.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Directly in the village, the statue of Juraj Jánošík and the modern Kostol svätého Cyrila a Metoda church with a unique wooden Nativity scene dominate the area. Hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of the proximity of the Diery (Jánošíkove diery) canyon with waterfalls or take a cable car from Vrátna dolina up below the Chleb peak. If you are looking for further cultural activities, Budatínsky hrad castle is available in nearby Žilina, or you can see the Slovenský orloj astronomical clock in the village of Stará Bystrica.

The ruins of Liptovský hrad are located on the Sestrč hill, at an altitude of 999.9 m above sea level in the cadastre of the village of Liptovská Sielnica, in the Liptovský Mikuláš district. Sestrč is part of the Chočské vrchy, which rise above the villages of Bukovina and Kalameny. The castle is sometimes also referred to as Liptovský Starý hrad or Sielnický hrad. It is the highest-altitude castle in the territory of Slovakia and at the same time one of the highest-altitude castles within Central Europe.

The first mention of the castle dates back to the 13th century, to the year 1262. King Bela IV had the castle built on the site of an original hillfort, which had already served a defensive function in the pre-Christian era. The castle was subsequently destroyed and rebuilt several times in the 13th and 14th centuries. From 1340, it served as the seat of the Liptov County. Hussite troops occupied it between 1431 and 1434, and from 1454 it was owned by Pongrác. He restored the residential part and completed the outer ward wall. In 1471, King Matthias Corvinus conquered the castle and had it destroyed. Out of the original residential tower, cistern, small courtyard, and two gates, only a part of the wall with an overhang of grass-covered earth has been preserved.

In the 1980s, archaeological research was carried out at the site, which helped clarify the overall development of the castle and reconstructed and conserved its foundations. Several remnants of the structure were uncovered, as well as projectiles and blacksmithing materials.

You can reach the castle year-round, but the terrain is more demanding and at times dangerous during rains and winter. Otherwise, the hike is suitable for almost everyone, feel free to take your little ones along too. If they have at least a slightly better physical condition, they will definitely manage the trip. You can set off along the yellow tourist trail from the village of Kalameny via Sedlo pod Kráľovou and subsequently via the Poľana saddle. The second route leads along the red tourist trail from the village of Vlachy via Havránok, Bukovina, and Sedlo pod Kráľovou. On the way back, you will also experience a bit of adventure when crossing a wooden ladder that boosts adrenaline in the blood of the brave.

From the castle, you will be treated to breathtaking views of almost the entire Liptov region, the Liptovská Mara water reservoir will be laid out before you like on the palm of your hand, and the surrounding mountains will guarantee to enchant you. The view of the wooden shelter is very nice, and it is interesting to inspect the handmade board games. Many photographers also visit Liptovský hrad for unique shots of the surrounding nature and the night sky without significant light pollution.

The atmosphere of this unique place simply needs to be experienced. Visit the website accommodation Kalameny, choose suitable accommodation near Liptovský hrad, and a great trip can begin. If you want to know what is worth seeing in the surroundings, get inspired by our website accomodation Liptovský Mikuláš as well. The entire region is indescribably beautiful, offering many fascinating natural nooks and historic sites, and it is definitely worth visiting not just once, but easily repeatedly and for several days.

Vlkolínec is a settlement located beneath the Sidrovo peak, which is currently a folk architecture reservation listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The settlement of Vlkolínec is a local administrative part of the town of Ružomberok in the Žilina Region. You can reach it by turning off the road between Ružomberok and Banská Bystrica. However, you can also get to the settlement via paths and trails from almost every direction. The open-air museum is unique in that even today, some of the houses are permanently or temporarily inhabited, making it necessary for tourists to visit only marked exhibitions.

In written sources, Vlkolínec is directly mentioned for the first time in 1461. Another important date was January 26, 1977, when the government of the Slovak Socialist Republic, aiming to protect the cultural value of the site, decided that the settlement would become a folk architecture reservation. Finally, a third significant event took place on December 11, 1993, when Vlkolínec was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List.

The settlement's buildings currently consist of forty-five homesteads, comprising wooden residential houses as well as farm buildings. Since the structures were built on a steep slope, builders leveled the uneven mountain terrain using a so-called a stone foundation. Upon this, they laid hewn logs of coniferous trees. The walls were treated with colorful lime wash, which is a unique Vlkolínec feature. For the roofs, they also utilized what was most abundant in the surrounding area, wood, from which they crafted shingles. Most residential houses consist of three rooms: an entrance hallway (pitvor, used as a kitchen), a pantry (komora, a storage space), and a main room (izba, serving as both a living space and a bedroom).

Besides residential houses, there are other important buildings located in Vlkolínec. Probably the oldest structure in the settlement is the belfry, built in 1770. The belfry, which, just like the houses, consists of a stone foundation and a wooden superstructure, served three times a day as a time signal, while its tolling summoned residents to religious services and alerted them to fires and other dangers. The dominant feature in the center of the settlement is a 12-meter-deep well from 1860, from which all residents of Vlkolínec drew drinking water. Important buildings also include Kostol Navštívenia Panny Márie (Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary) from 1875 and the former school building.

In the meadows surrounding Vlkolínec, visitors can see so-called hay barns, where hay was stored for the winter and brought down only later as needed. Near the settlement, one can encounter several water springs, some of which yield drinking water.

Part of the open-air museum naturally includes refreshments and a souvenir shop. Upon agreement, the offer includes guided tours, craft demonstrations, creative workshops, and, for the more demanding, tastings of local specialties.

If this information has convinced you that Vlkolínec is worth a visit, book cheap accommodation here through our portal and stay in Liptov a little longer, also to enjoy the beautiful surrounding mountains, water parks, or ski resorts. In Ružomberok, you will find a wide selection of apartments or guesthouses, while the nearby Hrabovo recreational resort offers comfortable chalets and luxurious log cabins.

The Rozhľadňa Terchovské srdce observation tower is located on Oblaz hill and is beautifully visible upon arriving in Terchová from the direction of Žilina. It offers its visitors 3 viewing terraces from which they can observe the surrounding nature of Malá Fatra as well as the village itself. The observation tower is 30 meters high and, thanks to its easily accessible location, is suitable for anyone. That is why the Rozhľadňa Terchovské srdce observation tower is an ideal destination for mothers with children, mobility-impaired visitors, or elderly people.

This relatively newly built observation tower, accessible since October 2015, is the final stop on an educational trail focused on discovering the fauna and flora of Národný park Malá Fatra. The route is approximately one kilometer long. Ascent directly onto the tower is via a narrower staircase.

The name of the observation tower originated from the song: "To terchovské srdce na dvoje sa delí, jedna strana plače, druhá sa veselí..." ("That Terchová heart splits in two, one side cries, the other rejoices..."). The older generation also recalls the filming of the 1935 movie Jánošík featuring actor Paľo Bielik. Until recently, a gallows, a prop from this movie, stood on Oblaz hill. It was precisely this prop that inspired the well-known Slovak artist Alojz Mucha when designing the observation tower.

Oblaz hill is also known as a commemorative site. Several historical events took place here. It is somewhat chilling, but here you can also find a mass grave of local residents from the 19th-century plague epidemic. Today, Oblaz is mainly sought after by visitors because of the steel observation tower. It offers visitors beautiful views of Malý Rozsutec, Veľký Rozsutec, Boboty, Tiesňavy, Poludňový Grúň, Obšívanky, or Sokolie.

The observation tower is accessible free of charge throughout the entire year. Feel free to come here even in winter and enjoy rest in Relax centrum Terchovec in addition to the views of the snow-covered landscape. In summer, you can take a ride on Terchovský vláčik. We can recommend verified accommodation in Terchová, which you can find on our portal.

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 art of woodcarving that came to life under the Chočské vrchy

Forget glass display cases and the strict silence of museums. Woodlandia is a place where art breathes together with nature. In the quiet village of Liptovská Anna, embraced by the Chočské vrchy, a unique open-air gallery has been created. Here, one may encounter life-sized animals that are not found in the forest, but in the meadow. They are hand-carved from exotic teak wood, and thanks to incredible detail, they appear as if they might move at any moment.

What can you find here?

The entire complex is designed as an open-access gallery where visitors may wander freely between the individual exhibits. Whether one is an art lover or looking for an idea for an unconventional walk, Woodlandia will be a pleasant surprise. The sculptures are placed in natural landscapes that give them a new dimension. Should fatigue set in, visitors are welcome to sit in the designated rest areas available within the grounds and enjoy the atmosphere of this place.

An ideal destination for families and peace seekers

Woodlandia is perfectly suited for families with children who wish to combine playfulness with the discovery of art. For the little ones, it is a huge playground full of "living" wooden animals, while for adults, it serves as an oasis of calm. If visitors have had enough of crowded tourist centres and are looking for something authentic, this is a place where one is guaranteed to clear their head. Parking is provided directly at the entrance, so no long hike is required to reach the experience.

What can you visit in the surroundings?

Liptovská Anna is a place where one can rest from the noise of the world. Accommodation here has a specific charm. Whether one is looking for privacy in a traditional wooden cottage or prefers the comfort of a family guesthouse, the local offer will pleasantly attune visitors to the slow pace of the countryside. It is an ideal base for those who want to have the hills within reach, yet wish to enjoy absolute peace under the starry sky in the evening. When in Liptovská Anna, do not miss the historic Kostol svätej Anny, which lends the village a distinctive atmosphere. If one longs for water, Liptovská Mara is just a stone's throw away. And for those with a desire for heights in their veins, the Chočské vrchy are a clear choice.

Woodlandia is a great place to begin your Liptov story.

If you like horses, we invite you to Jazdecký areál Húšť, located in the village of Dlhá nad Oravou, in the Dolný Kubín district. Head to this interesting place and enjoy the view of the beautiful Orava nature from horseback. You can find Jazdecký areál Húšť on the premises of Agrodružstvo Dlhá.

Experienced riders, as well as complete beginners, have the opportunity to ride a horse in a modern arena or in open terrain. Saddle up your steed and set off on a ride into the surrounding nature. Do you have respect for this powerful and noble animal? Let yourself be taken on a horse-drawn carriage. Treat yourself to this extraordinary experience in both summer and winter. However, do not forget to book your horse or carriage ride in advance by phone.

In addition to recreational horseback riding, experienced instructors at the equestrian club also mentor young talents. The youngest riders start by grooming, feeding, cleaning, and saddling the horse. This is followed by moving around the horse so that it warms up and relaxes. Only after that do the exercises or riding begin. Young riders who want to pursue this sport professionally start with vaulting first, which is essentially gymnastics on horseback. Only later do they proceed to horse dressage and more demanding exercises.

During the summer season, the equestrian club organizes the Výstava koní Orava horse exhibition, bringing together horse lovers and breeders from all over Slovakia. This exhibition is a showcase of horses of all breeds bred in the Orava region and the surrounding area. Visitors can look forward to a rich side program, refreshments, and a raffle.

Orava is a beautiful region with many interesting attractions. Raft logging on wooden rafts in Oravský Podzámok is among the most sought-after attractions during the summer season. After raft logging, visit Oravský hrad castle, which stands proudly atop a 112-meter majestic cliff. Did you know that the movie Thomas the Falconer was filmed at the castle? You do not have to travel far for accommodation. Accommodation near Jazdecký areál Húšť can be found on our accommodation Dlhá nad Oravou page. Fairy-tale cottages as well as modern chalets in the quiet environment of Orava nature await you. We believe you will enjoy your stay in Orava.

Čerenová skala above the village of Liptovská Anna represents one of the most impressive viewpoint spots in the Liptov region, opening up a breathtaking panorama of Liptovská Mara and the surrounding mountain ranges to visitors from a monumental rock plateau.

The location is situated above the village of Liptovská Anna, in the district of Liptovský Mikuláš, on the southern edge of Chočské vrchy. The rock itself is in fact a mesa with an expansive and relatively flat summit plateau, which ends in a steep rock cliff several tens of meters high. The ascent to the top leads through picturesque meadows and steeper forest sections, with the reward for the effort being a unique view of the water surface of Liptovská Mara, the ridge of Nízke Tatry, part of Západné Tatry, and Choč. A wooden double cross is mounted on the summit, giving the place a reverent and symbolic character, along with benches inviting visitors to spend longer observing the surrounding landscape. Thanks to its location and orientation, Čerenová skala is a popular spot especially during sunrises and sunsets, when the light creates an unrepeatable color display on the rock walls and the reservoir surface. The entire area retains its natural character without significant infrastructure development, which will be appreciated especially by tourists seeking an escape from busy mountain resorts into the silence of the Liptov hills.

What can you find here?

At the top, you will find a spacious rock plateau with a wooden double cross and benches for rest. Information elements marking the direction to prominent peaks in the panorama and several prepared viewpoint spots on the edge of the cliff are available. The access trail from the village is marked and leads past the ruins of a historical church, which completes the atmosphere of the location.

Who is the place suitable for?

The location is ideal for moderately fit hikers and families with older children who can handle a short but intense climb through forest terrain. It is sought after mainly by landscape photographers and lovers of silence who prefer the less frequented trails of Chočské vrchy over the main tourist arteries of the Tatras. Caution is required for safe movement on the rock plateau, especially near the edges of the cliff, as well as sturdy hiking boots suitable for uneven terrain.

What can you visit in the area?

Directly at the foot of the hill in the village of Liptovská Anna, you can view the picturesque ruins of the Romanesque-Gothic church Kostolík svätej Anny. Within close reach are the popular Prosiecka dolina and Kvačianska dolina, which rank among the most beautiful gorges in Slovakia, or the unique archaeological site Havránok above Liptovská Mara. For relaxation after a hike, thermal pools in Bešeňová or the Tatralandia water park near Liptovský Mikuláš are available.