Vrátna Valley

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Limestone pinnacles and thick forest conspire to make Vrátna Valley one of Slovakia's most majestic areas to hike or ski. A scenic road winds south from Terchová up through craggy Tiesňavy Gorge, past picnic sites and roadside lookouts, to Vratna Výt'ah cable-car station. It hauls you to Snilovské saddle (1524m) below two peaks, Chleb (1647m) and Velký Kriváň (1709m). Both peaks are popular hikes, each taking 1½ to two hours (return).

For a long, tough trek, hike northeast from Chleb over Hromové (1636m), Poludňový grúň (1460m) and Stoh (1608m) to Medziholie saddle (1185m), which takes about 5½ hours (one way). From there you can descend on the green trail to Štefanová village where there's a bus stop, accommodation and restaurants.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Museum of the Slovak Village

    Museum of the Slovak Village

    11.59 MILES

    This picturesque recreated village – Slovakia's largest skanzen (open-air museum) – showcases over 120 faithfully reconstructed 19th-century dwellings in…

  • Orava Castle

    Orava Castle

    15.25 MILES

    The sight of Orava Castle, roosting on a forest-cloaked hilltop, sends a chill down the spine. Vampire aficionados may recognise its stern silhouette from…

  • Vlkolínec

    Vlkolínec

    15.08 MILES

    Vlkolínec's squat, colourful houses evoke medieval Europe with just a hint of Hobbiton. This tiny mountain hamlet, dating to the 14th century, has…

  • Strečno Castle

    Strečno Castle

    8.07 MILES

    Folded into a bend in the Strečno River, this medieval castle offers stupendous views over the surrounding valleys. Written mentions of Strečno Castle…

  • Slovenský Betlehem

    Slovenský Betlehem

    20.95 MILES

    There are several places in Slovakia where wood-carvers have put their lathes to the challenge of creating a Nativity scene, but 'Slovak Bethlehem' is the…

  • Radenov House

    Radenov House

    28.7 MILES

    Split between two romantic timbered buildings, Čičmany’s museum has displays on local culture and folklore, especially rites of passage from birth to…

  • Juraj Jánošík Statue

    Juraj Jánošík Statue

    4.36 MILES

    The cyborg-like statue of Juraj Jánošík, Slovakia's Robin Hood, gazes across the town of Terchová from a hill, looking as though he's stepped out of a…

  • Burian's Tower

    Burian's Tower

    13.71 MILES

    During the 16th century, cries from this tower were the first warning of an approaching army. These days, visitors ascend this baroque-style former bell…

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Nearby Slovakia attractions

1. Juraj Jánošík Statue

4.36 MILES

The cyborg-like statue of Juraj Jánošík, Slovakia's Robin Hood, gazes across the town of Terchová from a hill, looking as though he's stepped out of a…

2. Horné Diery

4.43 MILES

This precipitous gorge is known as 'Jánošík's Holes' for its rock formations ravined by about 20 waterfalls. A tricky 2½-hour circuit, involving walkways…

3. Považké Museum

4.63 MILES

Check out the exhibits (Slovak only) depicting the notorious highwayman Juraj Jánošík's exploits (and gruesome death) at this small museum in Terchová,…

4. Strečno Castle

8.07 MILES

Folded into a bend in the Strečno River, this medieval castle offers stupendous views over the surrounding valleys. Written mentions of Strečno Castle…

5. Turiec Gallery

10.35 MILES

Trace Slovak identity through the last century or so of modern art at this diverting gallery, the best in central Martin. There's a permanent collection…

6. Museum of the Slovak Village

11.59 MILES

This picturesque recreated village – Slovakia's largest skanzen (open-air museum) – showcases over 120 faithfully reconstructed 19th-century dwellings in…

7. Holy Trinity Cathedral

13.71 MILES

Consecrated in 1586, this triple-nave cathedral has a coppery spire that dominates A Hlinku nám together with its twin, Burian's Tower, an Italian-style…

8. Burian's Tower

13.71 MILES

During the 16th century, cries from this tower were the first warning of an approaching army. These days, visitors ascend this baroque-style former bell…

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