Autumn hiking trails you have to try in Liptov
Autumn in Liptov has a charm all its own – the mountains glow in shades of gold and red, the air is crisp, and the hiking trails are far quieter than in summer. It’s the perfect season to head out and explore nature, discovering places that look even more captivating in their autumn colours. Whether you prefer gentle walks, scenic viewpoints, or more demanding hikes, Liptov offers routes you simply shouldn’t miss at this time of year.
1. Kvačianska Valley – Oblazy Mills
Length: about 1 hour, 3 km there and back
Difficulty: easy
The Oblazy Water Mills in Kvačianska Valley are mountain-style mills set in one of
Slovakia’s most beautiful valleys, surrounded by the picturesque Choč Peaks.
These mills, among the last preserved of their kind, remain integrated into
their original natural setting.
The valley, with its stream, wooden bridges, viewpoints at Kobyliny and Malý Roháč, and the iconic Oblazy Mills, glows gold and red in autumn – perfect for families and photographers alike.
2. A walk around Vrbické Pleso
Length: 1 hour easy walk
Difficulty: easy
Description: the autumn atmosphere around this glacial lake, framed by spruce and colourful deciduous trees, is wonderfully photogenic. It’s the largest natural lake in
the Low Tatras, lying 1,113 metres above sea level in the upper western part of
Demänovská Valley. Covering 0.69 hectares, it is 8 m deep, 115 m long, and 62 m
wide. It formed after a glacier retreated from the northern slopes of Chopok
and Dereše. The circuit around it takes under an hour to walk, with benches for
resting and a small wooden bridge where wild ducks often gather.
3. Through Žiarska Valley to Žiarska Chalet
Length: 2–2,5 hours there and back
Difficulty: easy
Popis: Trasa na Žiarsku dolinu začína v Ústí doliny, kde je možnosť parkovania za poplatok. Celá trasa je vedená po asfaltovej ceste, no je tu možnosť odbočiť na starú turistickú trasu cez les. Príjemné, plynulé stúpanie dopĺňa jaskyňa Medvedia štôlňa, ktorá je atraktívna hlavne pre detských návštevníkov. Odmenou vám môže byť chutné jedlo, alebo čapované pivo na Žiarskej chate. Ak sa chcete zabaviť, tak cestou späť si môžete zapožičať kolobežku a užiť si vzrušujúcu jazdu až na parkovisko.
Description: the trail starts at the valley entrance, where paid parking is available. It follows a tarmac road, though you can take an old forest trail instead if you want. The gentle climb includes the Bear Tunnel Cave, a favourite stop for children. At the top awaits Žiarska Chalet, where you can tuck into a tasty meal or enjoy a draught beer. On the way back, hire a scooter and enjoy an exhilarating ride down to the car park.
4. Svidovské Saddle from Liptovský Ján
Length: cca 2–3 hours
Difficulty: moderate
Description: the route begins on the tarmac road beyond Liptovský Ján, near Stanišovská Cave. The quality of the asphalt gradually worsens as the valley narrows. It runs alongside a stream, at times steeper, at times gentler, and leads through a beautiful valley to a forester’s lodge, where the paths divide. Continue straight ahead on the forest road below Ohnište. The rocky ridge on your left will hold your gaze, and somewhere there lies the famous Ján Window. The road winds through forest switchbacks, with the climb easing just before Svidovské Saddle.
5. Forest Story – nature trail to the St John’s Observation Tower in Liptovský Ján
Length: cca 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Description: a walk through the spa village of Liptovský Ján offers several points of interest. Besides the promenade running through the village, you’ll find the Jánska Kaďa spring, historic churches, and manor houses included in the audio guide Wandering through Liptovský Ján. Just outside the village is the new Forest Story nature trail. Don’t miss the short climb to the wooden observation tower, which rewards you with beautiful panoramic views of Liptov.
6. Čutkovská dolina pri Ružomberku
Length: 5 km
Difficulty: easy
Description: This peaceful valley is ideal for an easy walk. The route begins by the Koliba u dobrého pastiera, restaurant, home to the charming Obrovo complex and a
mini zoo – perfect for families. On the way you’ll pass the Čutkovská Reservoir
with lovely views, and then follow the nature trail along the stream to small waterfalls, including the Jelení Waterfall. The 4–5 km route is suitable for children, offering the
tranquillity of the forest, the sound of babbling water, and a welcome dose of
nature.
7. Ďumbier (2 046 m n. m.) from Lúčky
Length: 6–7 hours (14 km)
Difficulty: difficult
Popis: Najvyšší vrch Nízkych Tatier. Výstup z Lúčok v Demänovskej doline je výzvou, ale odmenou sú panorámy celého Liptova a Tatier. Vhodné len pri stabilnom jesennom počasí. po zelenej značke z Lúčok cez Širokú dolinu a Krúpove sedlo až na Ďumbier (2043 m n.m.) s návratom po červenej značke vedenej po hrebeni cez Demänovské sedlo na Chopok (2024 m n.m.) a následne po modrej značke dole cez Lukovú až na Mikulášsku chatu. Oddýchnuť a načerpať nové sily môžete na Kamennej chate pod Chopkom alebo v Reštaurácii Rotunda, ktoré sa nachádzajú zhruba v polovici trasy. Zostup z Chopku si môžeme skrátiť jazdou na lanovke v rámci strediska Jasná. V tejto oblasti sa nachádza aj autobusová zastávka, z ktorej sa odveziete späť na parkovisko na Lúčky alebo priamo do Liptovského Mikuláša.
Description: the highest peak of the Low Tatras. The ascent from Lúčky in Demänovská Valley is demanding, but the reward is sweeping views of Liptov and the Tatras. Recommended only in stable autumn weather. Follow the green trail from Lúčky through Široká Valley and Krúpovo Saddle to Ďumbier (2,043 m), then return along the red ridge path via Demänovské Saddle to Chopok (2,024 m) and continue on the blue trail down through Luková to Mikulášska Chalet. Rest and refuel at Kamenná Chalet below Chopok or at the Rotunda Restaurant, both roughly halfway along the route. You can shorten the descent from Chopok by taking the Jasná cable car, which connects to a bus stop for return transport to the Lúčky car park or directly to Liptovský Mikuláš.
8. Baranec (2 185 m) from Žiarska Valley
Length: 7–8 hours (16 km)
Difficulty: difficult
Description: start at the paid car park at the valley entrance, and follow the yellow trail steeply uphill above the tree line to the Holý vrch crossroads, with spectacular views over the whole of Liptov. From the summit of the majestic Baranec, continue gently down through Smrek to Žiarske Saddle, then descend more steeply on the green and blue trails through Žiarska Valley to Žiarska Chalet, open year-round for food and lodging. From the chalet, you then have several options for the descent. You can continue down the tarmac road, follow the original blue-marked forest nature trail, or hire a mountain scooter and ride down to the car park – the final point of the route.
9. From Magurka to Latiborská hoľa (1 643 m)
Length: cca 5 hours (12 km)
Difficulty: moderate
Description: a peaceful trail in the Low Tatras, less crowded than Chopok or Ďumbier. A pleasant, gentle climb from Magurka Chalet along the blue trail takes you up to the Low Tatras ridge, returning on the yellow trail back to the chalet.
10. Havránok Archaeological Open-Air Museum with views of Liptovská
Mara
Length: 2 hours
Difficulty: easy
Description: the trail starts at the car park below Havránok and follows a short climb through woodland or along a gravel road to Havránok Archaeological Open-Air Museum – a remarkable archaeological complex and reconstructed Celtic settlement from the Iron Age.
Along the way , you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Liptovská Mara, the Western Tatras, and the surrounding hills. Havránok also offers the chance to explore reconstructed wooden fortifications, shrines, houses, and original structures from the Púchov culture (around the first century BCE).
After your visit, you can continue along a short trail offering further viewpoints over the reservoir and the landscape of Liptov.