Discover Turiec
the hiking guide
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s in a loving mother’s arm, the Turiec Basin is located between the mighty mountains of the Malá and Veľká Fatra mountains. Beautiful valleys with crystal clear streams, majestic hills with breathtaking views form one of the most beautiful corners of Slovakia. Such a peaceful oasis you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s choose something in Turiec Garden that is to your taste. From simple, picturesque strolls through to more demanding adventurous hikes and adrenalinefuelled experiences.
The TURIEC Region PL UK
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12 10
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AT R Á F
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2 The Sklabiňa Castle 3 The Blatnica Castle 4 Executioner’s Rock
VÁH RIE K A
VRÚTKY MARTIN
5 The Zniev Castle
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6 Šútovský Waterfall
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moderate hike
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17
8 Lysec Hill
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9 Kľak Hill
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18
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AL
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7 Borišov Hill
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easy hike 1 Teplice Serpentines
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ĽK
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15
10 Minčol Hill 11 Ferrata HZS 12 Kľačianska Magura and Suchý 13 Chleb Hill
TURČIANSKE TEPLICE
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14 Drienok Hill
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A EK C RIE TU
challenging and long hike 15 Tlstá and Ostrá 16 The Krivánska Malá Fatra Mountain Range 17 The Lúčanská Malá Fatra Mountain Range 18 The main ridge of the Veľká Fatra Mountains
Teplice Serpentines (Teplické serpentíny)
/ The Veľká Fatra mountains
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unique system of seven ponds sophisticatedly connected by water serpentines and cascades, that brings water to Turčianská Štiavnička. They were built in 1875 by Count Révay. An straightforward path in the shade of trees regularly crosses a stream with small waterfalls. It is especially popular with children. t offers refreshment and fun even in hot summer. It starts at the gazebo with a mineral spring at the southern end of Turčianská Štiavnička. From the highest lake you can continue even higher to the top of the Teplica Hill, to a place called “On the Cross”. Thanks to the local artistic carver, not only an amazing view of the ridge of the Malá Fatra mountains, but also every hill of the panorama is recognizable. It is possible to return back along a forest road.
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Tips for the surrounding area: - The Ján Kostra Birthplace Museum in Turčianská Štiavnička - Slavic idol in Turčianská Štiavnička - The Sučany Castle – over the Podhradie Village
1 easy hike
Turčianska Štiavnička - Teplické serpentíny - Vyhliadka Kríž - Turčianska Štiavnička 3 km - 2:40 h
Turčianska Štiavnička
Minerálny pramen
Pohanská modla
Teplické serpentíny Vyhliadka Kríž
The Sklabiňa Castle
/ The Veľká Fatra mountains
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any castles can be seen from afar and dominate their surroundings. Sklabiňa is different. Everyone who passes through the Turiec Basin looks in vain for a castle. They can’t see it. It is hidden in the foothills of the Veľká Fatra mountains. Although it is not high, from the highest point of the castle you can see into the distance. On one side is Executioner’s Rock (Katova skala), on the other side the Malá Fatra mountains and a view of almost the whole of Turiec, so that nothing could escape the attention of the ancient lords of the castle. In March 2020, the Civic Association Donjon became the owner of the castle, which is trying to revive it. After a short walk from the village of Sklabinský Podzámok or a small parking lot by the road, in addition to the castle, visitors can visit the museum located in the building in the forecourt and a new exhibition on the construction development of the castle with a small lapidary in the southern bastion at the first gate. Entrance to the castle is charged.
Tips for the surrounding - Sklabinská and Kantorská Valleys - Executioner’s Rock (Katova skala) - Teplice Serpentines
2 easy hike
Sklabinský Podzámok - The Sklabiňa Castle - Sklabinský Podzámok 2 km - 1:00 h Múzeum Sklabiňa
Hrad Sklabíňa Sklabinský Podzámok
The Blatnica Castle
/ The Veľká Fatra mountains
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ew castles are as easily accessible as the ruins of the Blatnica Castle. It stands low and only a short distance from Blatnica -one of the most beautiful villages in the Turiec Region. A straightforward nature trail leads to it. Although it does not need to be climbed high, it offers an eye-catching view into the distance. The castle offers a view of the Gaderská Valley, the top of the Pekárová Rock or Tlstá. The castle was built to protect the road called “Magna via”, the royal postal road that passed through Turiec. In the vicinity of the castle there are rich archeological sites, among the gems is especially the Blatnica sword. In the castle grounds you can see a replica of the sword. It is mentioned in the legend of the brave young Blatoň, who saved the lives of Pribina and Mojmír, the princes of Nitra. They went hunting under the Plešovický ridge, where oxen lived. An injured animal rushed furiously at them. The brave Blatoň did not hesitate and killed the beast with a dagger. In return, he received a gift from the princes. A beautiful sword and land for a future castle. Apparently, according to him, the castle was named Blatnica and the area was named TURIEC in honour of the memorable hunting of oxen (in Slovak language –TUR). The Diadem Civic Association has been involved in saving the castle for several years.
Tips for the surrounding area: - Gaderská and Blatnická Valleys - Mlynčekovo - countless fun mills and grinders of various kinds on the Gader stream - Devil’s Gate - at the end of the Gaderská Valley, the first film about Jánošík was shot here - Church of St. Andrew in nearby Sebeslavce
3 easy hike
Blatnica, Memorial - The Blatnica Castle - Blatnica, Memorial 4,8 km - 1:30 h Hrad Blatnica
Blatnica
Začiatok Gaderskej doliny
Executioner’s Rock
(Katova skala) / The Veľká Fatra mountains
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he focal point of the tour starting in Sklabinský Podzámok is an interesting rocky formation that appears in many legends. According to one legend, a girl was turned to stone and needs to be set free. Interesting stone “figures” and caves line the entire forest path. The fact is that our ancestors built a prehistoric fortified settlement here, and based on the findings, this locality can be included among the most important archaeological monuments in the Turiec Region. The peak offers an amazing view of the ridge of the Veľká Fatra mountains and the Turiec Basin. It is possible to descend along it following the red sign to the village of Podhradie. The whole area around Executioner’s Rock (Katova skala) is closely connected with partisans and the Slovak National Uprising.
Tips for the surrounding area: - Kantorská Valley –Memorial of the Slovak National Uprising - The Sklabiňa village - the center of the partisan movement - Sklabiňa Castle -a royal castle, later the seat of the Turiec county
4 easy hike
Sklabinský Podzámok - Katova skala - Podhradie 7,8 km - 2:30 h
Podhradie
Hrad Sklabiňa
Katova skala
Sklabinský Podzámok Odbočka Katova skala
Zniev Castle / Žiar
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lthough the focal point of this hike is the ruins of the second highest castle in Slovakia, the walk is not demanding. On the contrary, the winding, colourful footpath is perfect for families with children and less able tourists. First you will pass by the picturesque Calvary, where it is worth making a small detour and leaving the green sign for a while. The pine forest is suddenly replaced by areas of beech trees and meadows, which will lead tourists to the ruins of the Zniev Castle and provide wonderful views of the Veľká Fatra mountains and the Turiec Basin. The top of the hill is located less than 10 minutes walk west and reveals a view of the dense ridge of the Lúčanská Malá Fatra mountain range. There is no sign of the wooden castle that once stood here.
Tips for the surrounding area: THE KLÁŠTOR POD ZNIEVOM VILLAGE - Calvary with the Church of St. Cross - the Memorial Room of the Village - the 1st Slovak Catholic Patronage Grammar School
5 easy hike
Kláštor pod Znievom - Kalvária - Zniev - Kláštor pod Znievom 8,2 km - 2:40 h
Kláštor pod Znievom
Zniev
Kalvária
Šútovský Waterfall
(Šútovský vodopád) / The Malá Fatra mountains The Šútovský Waterfall is ideal for a family trip. It is a steady walk, without significant ascents, leading to one of the highest waterfalls in Slovakia. The waters that fill the 38 meters high waterfall originate in the Mojžišove pramene (Springs of Moses). Thanks to them, the waterfall is abundant and breathtaking regardless of the season. To the Springs of Moses, the top parts of the Krivánská Malá Fatra mountain range and to the Cottage under Chleb, it is necessary to continue along the sign and expect a steeper ascent. Tips for the surrounding area: - Cottage under Chleb (Chata pod Chlebom) -cottage with year-round operation - Veľký Kriváň (1,708.7 m above sea level) -the highest peak of the Malá Fatra mountains
6 easy hike
Šútovo, Rieka - Šútovský vodopád - Šútovo, Rieka 8.6 km - 2:30 h
Šútovský vodopád
Šútovské jazero
Šútovo, Rieka
Borišov / The Veľká Fatra mountains
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t might seem that all roads lead to Borišov. Signs of all colours lead to it from every side. From the Turiec Region it is mainly the ascent from Balcierov (starting in the Necpalská Valley -10 km) or from Havranov (starting in the Belianská Valley -7 km). A moderate hike is a popular place for tourists not only for a beautiful circular view from the very top, but also for the Cottage under Borišov (Chata pod Borišovom), which is located just below it. The route can be made special by hiking to the nearby Ploská hill, or continue in any direction.
Tips for the surrounding area: THE NECPALY VILLAGE - Necpalské Waterfalls - Local Museum -Notary - Church of St. Ladislaus -church with medieval frescoes - Lookout tower on the Brotnica Hill
7 moderate hike
Necpaly - Balcierovo - Chata pod Borišovom - Borišov -Balcierovo - Necpaly 21,8 km - 5:30 h
Necpaly
Vodáreň
Plavá, prístrešok
Borišov Dolný Borišov Balcierovo
Chata pod Borišovom
Lysec/ The Veľká Fatra mountains
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mong the various peaks of the Veľká Fatra mountains, this impressive hill is immediately recognizable. It is unique in that it is half “bald”. Its northern side is wooded, and the southern side is formed by hillsides that provide breathtaking views. The ridge of the Veľká Fatra mountains and the end of the Malá Fatra mountains, including Veľký Rozsutec or Kľak. In good weather, the Low, High and Western Tatras will also appear. To begin the route you can choose between the Jasenská Valley (blue sign) or the Cottage Lysec. For a change, you can descend following the yellow sign. It is tempting to continue through Malý Lysec to the Cottage under Borišov, which, as a tourist hotspot, is a more time-consuming transition. In winter, it is a popular destination for ski alpinists.
Tips for the surrounding area: - Jasenská Valley - Lookout tower on Kalník and Na Tŕní - Turčianske Jaseno -Church of St. Margaret - Memorial Room of the Jessenius family
8 moderate hike
Kašová - Chata Lysec - Lysec- Medzijarky - Kašová 10.6 km - 4:25 h
Kášová Chata Lysec
Medzijarky
Belá-Dulice Slávková dolina ústie
Lysec
Kľak Hill (Malofatranský Kľak)
/ The Malá Fatra mountains
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nother of the unique hills that is worth a visit is Kľak in the Malá Fatra mountains. Whoever sees it once, will no longer mistake it with another hill. One of the best (even the longest) starting alternatives is the Vrícko village. The green sign leads by the national natural monument –the 30-meter high Kľacký Waterfall. It is best to visit the glowing waterfall in the spring, when its flow is strongest due to the melting snow. It is only a short distance from the signpost under the rock to Kľak itself. The circular view from its top of all the surrounding mountains is breathtaking. You can descend along the yellow sign, which leads through Reváň to the Fačkovské saddle.
Tips for the surrounding area: - Kľacký Waterfall - 30 m high, national natural monument
9 moderate hike
Vrícko - Kľacký vodopád - Kľak - Fačkovské sedlo 11 km - 4:05 h
Bak
Kľak
Pod Skalou
Kľacký vodopád
Reváň
Vrícko
Fačkovské sedlo
Minčol Hill (Malofatranský Minčol) / The Malá Fatra mountains
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he steep ascent leads along the yellow tourist sign from the final bus stop Kolónia Hviezda ATC through the Prašivé Saddle to the very top. Minčol is dominated by a double cross and certainly belongs to the most beautiful Slovak viewing hills. It is also associated with the history of the Slovak National Uprising. From the top you can enjoy the view of the ridge of the Lúčanská Malá Fatra mountain range, the Krivánská Malá Fatra mountain range, the Veľká Fatra mountains, Tatras, Javorníky and Beskydy or the adjacent Turiec and Žilina Basins. A steep descent following the blue tourist sign leads to Vrútky (municipality). But the summit itself is a crossroads of several tourist routes, you can also descend to the villages of Turie, Višňové or Strečno.
Tips for the surrounding area: - Lookout tower on the Špicák - Strečno Hill -The Strečno Castle -reconstructed ruins of a medieval castle on a high cliff above the Váh river
10 moderate hike
ATC Turiec, Vrútky - Minčol - Vrútky, Piatrová 12,7 km - 5:00 h
S. Okopy
Vrútky, Piatrová Minčol S. Prašivé
S. za Hradišťom
ATC Turiec Vrútky
Ferrata HZS
/ The Malá Fatra mountains
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ven in the Malá Fatra mountains, you can test your skills and courage on a secured hiking trail, for which the name Ferrata was adopted. A one-way path set in the canyon of the Pivovarský stream. It is possible to start at the final bus stop in the Martin -Stráne area. At the beginning, only wooden footbridges and beautiful scenery intersect the stream, including the remains of mining trucks and rails. The first technical tools, beams on rock walls and iron risers start at a height of 930 m above sea level. In 2017, a new section with a metal floating bridge was added here, which enhances the adrenaline experience. At an altitude of 1,130 m above sea level, the Ferrata branches into two paths with different levels of difficulty (B and C) to meet again at the top. The forest path continues towards the ridge of Martinské hole uplands and tourist cottages. From them you can continue further along the ridge or return back to Martin following the tourist sign through Hodinovka (one hour). You can manage it on foot or with another dose of adrenaline on downhill scooters. Both lead to that place where this hike began.
WARNING! The tourist closure applies to Ferrata from 15 April –31 May and 15 September – 31 October.
11 moderate hike
Stráne - Ferrata HZS - Martinské hole - Stráne 12,7 km - 5:00 h
Martinské hole Partizánský kanón Ráztoka
Ferrata HZS
Podstráne Martinské Hole
Kľačianska Magura and Suchý / The Malá Fatra mountains
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lthough the first part of this tour is relatively steep, overcoming 750 meters, it is very popular. The reason is the year-round Cottage under Kľačianska Magura with a beautiful view of the ridge of the Lúčanská Malá Fatra mountain range, Turiec and the Veľká Fatra mountain. From there, the green tourist sign continues through the forest to the saddle below Suchý. It continues with a rapid ascent to the ridge of the Krivánská Malá Fatra mountain range, to the top of Suchý with beautiful views in all directions. It is possible to choose another cottage for the descending route –Cottage under Suchý and next to the ruins of the Starhrad Castle descend to Nezbudská Lúčka. Tips for the surrounding area: - Lookout Tower on Špicák Hill -near to the Strečno Castle - the Strečno Castle - reconstructed ruins of a medieval castle on a high cliff above the Váh river
12 moderate hike
Turčianske Kľačany - chata pod Kľačianskou Magurou - Suchý chata pod Suchým - Nezbudská Lúčka/Strečno 17 km - 6:45 h
Nezabudská Lúčka
Chata pod Suchým
Suchý
Kľačianska Magura
Turčianske Kľačany
Chleb / The Malá Fatra mountains
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relatively demanding hike to Chleb goes through many magical nooks. It starts in the village of Šútovo, from where a straightforward walkway leads to one of the highest waterfalls in Slovakia, the 38-meter-high Šutovský Waterfall. From there, a steep ascent leads to the Springs of Moses, which act as its source. It is a place that offers the first views of Stoh, Žobrák or the Krpeľany Dam with the adjacent ridge of the Veľká Fatra mountains. If you want to enjoy the ridge and the view of all parts of the world, continue along the blue tourist sign to Kopiská. From there to the saddleback behind Hromové and along the red sign to the top of Chleb itself. Via the Snilovské saddle, just a stone’s throw away is the highest peak of the Krivánska Malá Fatra mountain range -Veľký Kriváň (1,709 m above sea level). The ideal descent is a green tourist sign with the nearby Cottage under Chleb, which is operated all year round. In winter, it is a popular destination for ski alpinists. The continuing green sign winds the sidewalk through Zajacová back to the Šútovo village.
Tips for the surrounding area: - Royal Meander - Krpeľany Reservoir - Teplice Serpentines
13 moderate hike
Šútovo - Šútovský vodopád - Chleb - Snilovské sedlo - chata pod Chlebom Zajacová - Šútovo 19 km - 7:20 h
Chleb Šútovský vodopád
Kopiská
Chata pod Chlebom
Šútovo Rieka
Zajacová
Šútovo
Drienok / The Veľká Fatra mountains Moderate and relatively long hike, no matter if you start in any of the surrounding villages. The shortest way is from the village of Rakša. But you can also start in the more distant Blatnica village, follow the green sign and get to know the bowels of the 6-kilometer-long Blatnická Valley. This is followed by a steeper ascent through the forest to the grassy peak. Drienok, sometimes also called “Drieňok”, offers wonderful views of the ridge of the Veľká Fatra mountains up to the Kremnické hills. The descent along the blue tourist sign will lead the footpath to the Mača signpost, from where it is possible to continue the descent to Mošovce or the village of Rakša. Tips for the surrounding area: - Blatnica - one of the most beautiful villages in the Turiec Region with traditional oil-makers architecture - The Ján Kollár Museum in Mošovce - The Michal Miloslav Hodža Birthplace Museum in Rakša
14 moderate hike
Blatnica - Blatnická dolina - Drienok - Mošovce 19,3 km - 6:30 h
Blatnica
Juriašová dolina, ústie
Mošovce Drienok Mača Malý Rokytov, úbočie
Tlstá a Ostrá
/ The Veľká Fatra mountains
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lstá and its smaller completely different sister Ostrá belong to the most diverse and most attractive one-day tours of the Veľká Fatra mountains. The route begins with a gradual ascent along the asphalt road of the Gaderská Valley along the glistening stream. After about half an hour, it breaks off to the right and the blue mark enters the forest stand. Here begins a steeper ascent through the tangle of serpentines next to the Mažarná Cave. The diverse footpath stops on a thick hill with a sprawling top meadow and views of the opposite Ostrá, rock cliffs and terraces towering over the Horse Mine (Konský dol) and the Turiec Basin. Something more than an hour’s walk through the forest to Zadná Ostrá continues. From here, the views of the majestic peak of Ostrá and Drienok open up.
Tips for the surrounding area: - The Gaderská Valley - The Blatnica Castle - The Devil’s Gate -the first film about Jánošík was shot here - The Mažarná Cave - 130 m long cave
15 moderate hike
Blatnica - Jaskyňa Mažarná - Tlstá - Ostrá - Blatnická dolina - Blatnica 16,8 km - 7:30 h
Vapenná dolina ústie
Tlstá Blatnica
Muráň
Ostrá Zadná Ostrá
The Ridge Hike of the Krivánska Malá Fatra Mountain Range - 1.DAY The ridge hike can be started in Turčianske Kľačany or in the village of Nezbudská Lúčka. The steep ascent to the western part of the beginning ridge -Suchý hillcannot be avoided. However, the subsequent panoramic view during the whole tour is worth it. Most of the route passes through the uplands and the view is breathtaking. One of the most beautiful is the view of Malý Kriváň from Biele skaly (White Rocks). The ridge of the Krivánska Malá Fatra mountain range can be conveniently divided into two days of transition with an overnight stay at cottage under Chleb. It is only a short walk to the cottage from the Snilovské saddle.
38 km - 1-2 days Turčianske Kľačany - Suchý - Veľký Kriváň - Chleb - Stoh sedlo Medziholie - Zázrivá
16 challenging long hike
1. DAY: Turčianske Kľačany - Kľačianska Magura - Suchý - Malý Kriváň Veľký Kriváň - Chleb - Chata po Chlebom
1. DEŇ: 18,2 km - 7:00h
Chleb Malý Kriváň
Suchý
Kľačianska Magura
Turčianské Kľačany
Veľký Kriváň
Chata pod Chlebom
The Ridge Hike of the Krivánska Malá Fatra Mountain Range - 1.DAY
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he second part of the ridge offers a view of the Western and High Tatras, Poludňový Grúň and the beautiful Rozsutce or Stoh. The route is perfectly marked all the time, from the beginning of the ridge you just have to keep the red sign. The Medziholie saddle gives a choice. One option is to descend from the ridge along the green tourist sign to Štefanová. The second is to choose the blue tourist sign to the Medzirozsutce saddle and through Jánošíkové diery to Biely Potok. The third is to conquer the unique Veľký and Malý Rozsutec and end the ridge route only in Zázrivá.
16 challenging long hike
2. DAY: Chata pod Chlebom - Chleb - Stoh - Veľký Rozsutec - Malý Rozsutec - Zázrivá 2. DAY: 20,4 km - 9:40 h
Zázrivá
Malý Rozsutec
Veľký Rozsutec Poludňový Grúň
Chleb
Chata pod Chlebom
Stoh
Crossing of the Lúčanská Malá Fatra Mountain Range
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t is possible to begin the journey through the Lúčanská Malá Fatra mountain range in the village of Strečno. Around the Strečno medieval castle and the lookout tower Špicák, a steeper ascent to the Javorina saddle with the Memorial of the 1st Czechoslovak Army Corps continues. The route to Martinské hole uplands continues through Saračníky and Minčol. You can stay in one of the cottages here, or continue to Horná lúka, where the Grandhotel Partyzán Shelter has an open door. The route continues through a more demanding section via Hnilická Kýčera, Skalka and the unique Kľak Hill in the Malá Fatra mountains (Malofatranský Kľak). The descent to the destination Staré cesty belongs to the steeper ones.
17 challenging long hike
Strečno - sedlo Javorina - Martinské hole - Hnilická Kýčera Skalky - pod Kľakom - Staré cesty 42 km - 1-2 dni
Strečno Nezbudská Lúčka Sedlo Javorina
Minčol Križava vysielač Pod hornou lúkou
Hnilická Kýčera
Pod Kľakom
Staré cesty
Skalky
Crossing of the main ridge of the Veľká Fatra Mountains
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any attractive peaks of the Veľká Fatra mountains and the long valleys leading to their slopes lead directly to the ridge crossing. There are several possibilities, but it is always a long route with a large elevation gain. The fixed point is always the possibility of an overnight stay. It is best to divide it into two to three days with overnight stays in the Kráľova studňa hotel, in the Cottage under Borišov (Chata pod Borišovom), in the Limba pod Rakytovom shelter or in a mountain chalet near Koniarky and Ploská. The ridge of Veľká Fatra mountains leads through a varied mountain landscape with breathtaking views. The beauty of the landscape is completed in the summer months, especially by flora and sheep farming, which still prevail here. The winter season offers great conditions for alpine hikes and snowshoeing crossings.
55,8 km - 1-2 days Dolný Harmanec - Krížna Ostredok - Ploská - Rakytov - Skalná Alpa - Smrekovica Ružomberok
18 challenging long hike
1. DAY: Dolný Harmanec - Krížna - Ostredok - Chata pod Borišovom 1. DAY: 28,5 km - 7:50h
Chata pod Brorišovom Ploská Koniarky Ostredok Kraľová študňa
Dolný Harmanec
Krížna
18 challenging long hike
2. DAY: Chata pod Borišovom - Ploská - Rakytov - Sklaná Alpa - Smrekovica - Ružomberok 2. DAY: 30,4 km - 9:55 h
Ružomberok
Smrekovica
Skalná Alpa
Chata pod Borišovom
Rakytov
Ploská
A. Kmeťa 22, 036 01 Martin, Slovensko Tel./ Fax: + 421 (0)43 4238776 Mobil: +421 915 833 963 tik@martin.sk, www.facebook.com/tik.martin/ www.turiec.com Mo.- Fri. 9:00- 17:00
Published by:
Mesto Martin, 2020
Graphic design: ZojaART Anna M. Mihaliková Photography:
OOCR Turiec, PKT Diviaky, Miroslav Čillo, Lukáš Čierny, Anton Záhradník, Eva Paceková, Rastislav Brunovský, Miroslav Eliáš, Michal Prieložný, Michal Kraus