Lakes and dams Dolina

Vodná nádrž Nová Bystrica lies on the Bystrica river in the gorgeous nature of the Kysuce region. It is located near the eponymous village of Nová Bystrica in the Čadca district in the Žilina Region. Thanks to its scenery and cycling opportunities, the surroundings of the reservoir are particularly sought after by hikers and cyclists. Every year, former residents of the villages of Harvelka and Riečnica, which were flooded during its construction, also gather here.

Vodné dielo Nová Bystrica was built in the 1980s. The reservoir, spanning just under 6 hectares, is used as a drinking water supply for the towns of Čadca and Žilina. Bathing, water sports, or even fishing are therefore prohibited here. The water in the reservoir is crystal clear and, for example, trout thrive here very well. However, fishing is punished with a strict fine.

Many may not know that even before the construction of Vodná nádrž Nová Bystrica, the well-known Slovak films Sedím na konári a je mi dobre and Pole neorané were filmed in the aforementioned villages of Harvelka and Riečnica. Older generations will surely remember one of the giants among Slovak actors, Jozef Kroner, who also starred in the film Pole neorané.

A 30-kilometer-long cycle path runs along the Nová Bystrica water surface. Set out along it for a cycling trip. It is tailor-made for both young and old cyclists. It leads around the entire reservoir, and here you can see not only beautiful nature, but also a piece of the history of the submerged villages. Here stands Riečnický kostolík, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, which is also the sole remnant of the villages of Harvelka and Riečnica. This romantic little church is a national cultural monument.

If you want to view Vodné dielo Nová Bystrica from a bird's-eye perspective, head up to the Harvelka lookout tower. This interesting hike, and the even better view of the entire Nová Bystrica reservoir from it, will surely enchant you. We also recommend visiting Nová Bystrica's older sister, Stará Bystrica. It deserves your attention not only because of the famous Slovenský orloj (astronomical clock), which you can find here.

On our portal, we offer you accommodation in Nová Bystrica as well as accommodation in Kysuce. Set out to visit the beauties of this part of Slovakia. Book a cottage, chalet, apartment, or guesthouse and enjoy your holiday in Kysuce as it should be. We have also prepared other tips for trips in the vicinity of Čadca for you. So do not hesitate and browse them today.

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.

Vodná nádrž Krpeľany lies just below the confluence of the Orava river with the Váh river. It is located near the villages of Krpeľany and Šútovo in the Žilina Region on the border of Malá Fatra with Veľká Fatra. Krpeľany belongs to the Vážska kaskáda system. The power plant built on this water structure bears the same name, Krpeľany. The dam is truly a construction feat, and many stop here precisely to enjoy not only the views, but also to appreciate the architectural structure.

Vodné dielo Krpeľany began to be built in 1949 and is the first stage in the Krpeľany – Sučany – Lipovec cascade of hydroelectric power plants. An artificial canal is also built here, which diverts water to the next stage, the Sučany power plant, and from there to Lipovec. The power plant was put into operation in 1957. The entire construction of the water reservoir had a major impact on the village of Krpeľany.

The small village between Martin and Ružomberok suddenly grew not only with new residents – workers who moved here with their entire families. New houses, apartment buildings, a kindergarten, a sports field, a department store, and even a cinema were also built here. From the small village of Krpeľany, it has thus become a popular place for living as well as tourism today.

Although Vodná nádrž Krpeľany is not used as a recreational resort, many hikers and cyclists stop here during their wanderings through the surrounding countryside. If you set out on a cycling trip, we recommend the route from Sučany towards Turany, along the canal all the way to Krpeľany, and across the dam wall along the Váh through the villages of Nolčovo, Konské, and Podhradie all the way to Turčianska Štiavnička. The route is around 18 kilometers long and is easy and flat.

The Krpeľany water surface is not used for bathing, swimming, or water sports. People rather bathe and children frolic in the nearby Šútovské jazero. However, anglers love Krpeľany. The fishing ground is full of cyprinid fish. You can catch catfish, zander, carp, and trout here. The surroundings of the reservoir are quiet and peaceful, ideal for a good fishing trip.

If you set out on a holiday to this locality, we offer you accommodation near Vodná nádrž Krpeľany, accommodation Šútovo, or accommodation in the Martin district. In addition, we have also prepared an overview of other attractions in the vicinity of Martin for you. Do not hesitate and book your cottage, chalet, apartment, or guesthouse today.