Jánošíkove Diery

Staying in the Malá Fatra mountains and not going to Jánošíkove Diery (Jánošík’s Holes) would be a shame. No matter if you are staying in our region for your summer or your winter vacation, a walk through Jánošíkové Diery is simply a must.

More than 20 waterfalls

Jánošíkové Diery is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Malá Fatra mountains. It consists of a system of valleys and canyons located in Krivánska Malá Fatra – the highest part of the mountain range. The trail is located in National Nature Reserve Rozsutec. Jánošíkove Diery, also called Diery (Holes) for short, consists of three self-contained parts: Dolné Diery (Lower Holes), Nové Diery (New Holes) and Horné Diery (Upper Holes). The beautiful formations were created by Dierový Potok, a stream that flows through the area. There are more than 20 waterfalls in the area, together forming the Dierový Potok waterfall complex.

Footbridges and ladders

The bizarre rock formations with a specific climate are home to several interesting species of plants and animals. Jánošíkove Diery can be entered from two settlements – Štefanová or Biely Potok. There is also an educational trail in Dolné Diery. Horné Diery is closed in winter. Jánošíkove Diery is accessible thanks to its interesting marked hiking trails with footbridges, ladders and chain grips.

The idea of building an astronomical clock in Slovakia came in 2003, when the Square of Saint Michael the Archangel was undergoing reconstruction. It is the biggest wooden statue in Slovakia. The composition depicts a sitting Mary, Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, the patron saint of Slovakia.

The statue design by academic sculptor Viliam Loviška was first created using a clay model, which was then used by architect Ivan Jarina to draft the technical drawings. The peculiar shape of the shingle roof was made possible by the 80 wooden beams that make up the frame of the astronomical clock.

Belské Skaly (Belá Rocks) is a popular spot for rock-climbing located in the Malá Fatra mountains at the end of the Belá Valley. In 2015, it was made freely accessible to hikers. A well-kept hiking trail passes through the area, including a footbridge over the local stream and safety chains that make the terrain more accessible. In the topmost parts of the rocks, there are three lookouts that offer marvellous views of the Belá Valley, the Žilina Basin and the village of Belá. The Belské Skaly area is divided into several sectors with names like “Volanie divočiny” (Call of the Wild), “Kút objaviteľov” (Explorer’s Nook), “Strieborné platne” (Silver Slabs), etc. The rocks themselves are formed by limestones and dolomites, while some parts even contain karst formations, such as limestone pavements and smaller caves. The Belské Skaly area can be accessed from the village Belá.