Liptov News – reports and interviews from Liptov region

A perfect spot for a short afternoon stroll close to town. The park rewards visitors with panoramic views, space for a picnic, and a playground. Its most prominent landmark is the military memorial and cemetery commemorating soldiers who fell in spring 1945. Háj Nicovô is also part of a regional cycling route, so you will often see cyclists, runners, and families enjoying the peaceful surroundings. An asphalt road leads up to the park, with parking available at the end. The paved path continues to the memorial, while nearby forest and meadow trails invite you to explore further.

• parking: free – below the park before the railway crossing, or at the car park at the top (POI)
• refreshments: best to bring your own, Arch caffé (perhaps pick up a takeaway coffee on the way)
• terrain: asphalt road from the railway crossing with a noticeable climb; the road is also used by cars (maximum speed 40 km/h)
• for older children: outdoor playground and, educational trail

Š. N. Hýroš Park in Ružomberok is a lovely spot for a short stroll right in the town. Well-kept paths, benches, and a playground make it perfect for a relaxed afternoon without heading far from the centre.

• parking: free in the surrounding streets (POI)
• refreshments: Hýrošova špajza, Blaho u Aďky, Café bar Central
• terrain: asphalt
• for older children: playground by the fountain, Liptov Museum

Peace and shade await in the Arboretum in Liptovský Hrádok, where paved paths wind among rare trees. It’s especially beautiful in spring and autumn, while in summer the trees offer welcome cool shade. If you’d like to add a touch of history to your walk, head to the nearby Grand Castle complex. The castle and manor grounds are well maintained and suitable for buggies, making for a pleasant stop on a family outing, perhaps rounded off with lunch or coffee together.

• parking: free near the castle below Skalka or around the arboretum (POI)
• refreshments: LH Point, Pension pod Skalkou, Restaurant Magdalena Zai
• terrain: town pavements and asphalt paths; some arboretum paths may be uneven
• for older children: explore the arboretum and visit Grand Castle

Milovníci prírody ocenia nenáročnú trasu k Poľovníckemu vodopádu. Asfaltová cesta vedie okolo vodopádu, posledný krátky úsek vedúci priamo k vodopádu je však vhodný skôr pre športové kočíky.

Nature lovers will enjoy the easy walk to Poľovnícky Waterfall. A paved road leads right past the falls. The final short section leading directly to the waterfall is better suited to sports or all-terrain buggies.

• parking: paid – Bobrovecká vápenica (POI)
• refreshments: Horský hotel Mních near the route or Salaš Pastierska
• terrain: paved road with a gentle climb; the final section near the waterfall is rougher and better suited to all-terrain buggies
• for older children: also suitable for: small bicycles or balance bikes

If you prefer somewhere quieter, Iľanovská dolina offers a peaceful walk along a wide forest road with a gentle climb.

• parking: at the end of Iľanovo near the football pitch (POI)
• refreshments: none along the route
• terrain: paved road running through the valley
• for older children: partisan bunker

One of the most popular walks in Liptov follows the paved road to Žiarska chata mountain hut. The climb is gentle and steady, and the reward is beautiful mountain scenery and well-earned refreshments at the end. The route is 5.5 km one way with a gradual ascent. If the full distance feels a little too ambitious, simply turn back halfway – the views alone make it worthwhile.

• parking: paid – entrance to Žiarska Valley (POI)
• refreshments: Žiarska cottage at the end of the route, Salaš Žiar nearby
• terrain: paved road about 5 km long with a gradual climb
• for older children: Medvedia štôlňa sv. Barborka, Šarafiový waterfall, playground at salaš Žiar, scooters available to hire from Žiarska Chata (summer activity)

Another excellent option is the Známa–neznáma (Known-Unknown) nature trail. A wide paved path follows the stream with a gentle uphill climb, and information boards along the way make the walk engaging for older children. At the U dobrého pastiera area you can recharge with excellent food. Older children can visit the animals at the Gazdovský Farmyard or try the traditional swings near the koliba.

• parking: free in the U dobrého pastiera complex (POI)
• refreshments: Stará koliba, Koliba Richtárka, Pivovar Ursus, Koliba Fatranka
• terrain: paved road running through the valley
• for older children: farmyard Hospodársky dvor, Obrovo, nature trail Obrova cesta, Zipline

If you are staying in Jánska Valley, a pleasant buggy-friendly walk leads from the valley to Jánska Kaďa, a natural thermal spring in the village of Liptovský Ján. The route is easy, and this unusual natural feature fascinates children as well. Don’t forget to bring a bottle and fill it with mineral water from the Teplica spring. In summer, you can even cool off in the small lake nearby.

• parking: paid – near the Information Centre in Liptovský Ján (POI), or below the thermal swimming pool (POI)
• refreshments: Koliba Strachanovka
• terrain: paved paths with almost no elevation
• for older children: Podzemie pod vežami – Mincovníčkovo, Minislovensko, náučný chodník Príbeh lesa

The tower of the Church of the Virgin Mary near Bobrovník and the dam wall of Liptovská Mara create a beautiful setting for a walk with sweeping panoramic views. The entire dam wall and the area around the church are paved, with only minimal elevation. In summer, it’s well worth planning your visit for early evening. Combined with a stroll along Liptovská Mara, the sunset over the water makes a perfect end to the day.

• parking: free – near the Church of the Virgin Mary (POI)
• refreshments: best to bring your own
• terrain: asphalt
• for older children: Archeoskanzen Havránok, small bicycles or balance bikes along the dam wall

Water parks, wellness, and relaxation

After a day on the slopes, it’s time to unwind. With the Liptov Region Card, visitors enjoy discounted entry to popular water parks such as Tatralandia in Liptovský Mikuláš and the Bešeňová thermal resort, as well as Gothal in Liptovská Osada, Lúčky Spa, and several wellness centres across the region. And even when it’s freezing outside, children still love the water, with pools to splash in and water slides to race down.

Fun for families

Families will love the wide range of attractions available at discounted prices. Among the most popular are:

• a visit to Východná Farm
• the Gallery of Optical Illusions Ilusia in Liptovský Mikuláš
• the Creative Atelier Paintopia in Liptovský Mikuláš
• the Light Park Lumina Verse in Liptovský Mikuláš
• squash and bowling at Moteli Ranč in Ružomberok
• exhibitions of the Liptov Museum across the region, including entry to the open-air museum in Pribylina

Discounted ski and snowboard equipment rental is another welcome bonus, making winter holidays much easier to plan – especially for families with growing children.

How to get the Liptov Region Card?

Good news – the LRC is free for guests staying in the region. All you need to do is stay at least one night with a partner accommodation provider. The card is available:

• as a plastic card
• or digitally on your phone – by scanning a QR code or clicking a link provided by your accommodation provider

1. Fun Aréna Jasná – Maxiland (Biela Púť)

The fun doesn’t stop after skiing, or even if you don’t ski at all. Fun Arena Maxiland at Biela Púť is a great place for sledging, tobogganing, and evening winter fun. A magic carpet lift takes you up the slope, with sledges, bobsleighs, sliding mats, and other equipment available on site. The open AUDI Crystal Bar adds to the evening atmosphere with good music, and you can warm up with hot drinks or hot chocolate. Entry to Fun Arena is free, with equipment hire available for €6.

2. Magical Forest Jasná – Brhliská

In the 2025/26 winter season, an entirely new enchanted world has appeared at Brhliská, above the Bernardino Burger Restaurant in Jasná. Covering more than 500 m², Magical Forest Jasná is a magical setting that draws children and adults alike into a fairytale inspired by Alice in Wonderland. In this winter kingdom, you’ll be welcomed by giant inflatable sculptures as you search for Max the lost teddy bear and make your way past an enormous teacup, woodland creatures, and dazzling flowers in every colour. After nightfall, Magical Forest Jasná takes on a whole new dimension. A specially designed light installation puts on an atmospheric spectacle, turning the sculptures into animated scenes full of movement, colour, and sound.

Magical Forest Jasná is open daily throughout the ski season, welcoming visitors until the evening hours.

3. Malinô Brdo – taking a cable car into a winter fairytale, with or without skis

If you’re after a calmer winter atmosphere, take the cable car up to Malinô Brdo for a winter outing that’ll suit the whole family. The ride itself is a real highlight for children and comes with lovely views over the snow-covered countryside. Children under six travel free of charge, which makes Malinô Brdo an especially good choice for families with toddlers. Once at the top, you can enjoy sledging during the day in a clearly marked and safe area near the children’s lift. In the evening, after 5 p.m., sledging moves to the lower cable car station in Hrabovo, on the lower section of slope 1b.

4. Demänová rezort – a paradise for children

Demänová Resort is packed with activities that will keep children entertained all day long. A firm favourite is snow tubing – racing down the slope on inflatable rings, alongside other attractions such as the FUN Center, where you’ll find fairground rides and a climbing wall. These activities are subject to a fee, and tickets for individual attractions are also available online. There’s plenty for younger visitors too. A free mini zipline is available for children aged five and over, with a safe ride reaching a maximum height of 1.5 metres. Little ones can also enjoy the much-loved 3D maze, free of charge and suitable from the age of three. Inside, children can explore footbridges, small playhouses, a variety of obstacles, and a fun slide right at the top.

5. An adventure in town: discover the tracks of St Nicholas

If you’re looking for an activity in town, the children’s game Discovering the Tracks of St Nicholas in Liptovský Mikuláš is an excellent choice for families. This playful town trail combines movement with exploration, leading children through well-known and lesser-known spots, with a series of fun tasks along the way. Each winter, St Nicholas comes to town and leaves behind small clues. In the historic centre, he has hidden five riddles. Can you find them all? Pick up a leaflet with the riddles and follow the trail through the historic streets. On completing the leaflet, children can collect a small gift and enjoy a bite to eat or a coffee at a discounted price.

Tip: On Fridays, the Janko Kráľ Municipal Museum hosts fun activities as part of the exhibition The Story of Water – Liptovská Mara. These sessions are free of charge and run from 12 December to 6 March 2026, between 6.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.

6. Ice rinks in Liptov

Public ice rinks are perfect for a quick burst of fun and an easy way to fill a morning or an afternoon. Children can practise their balance, and parents get to enjoy time together on the ice. Rinks open to the public at set times can be found in Liptovský Mikuláš, Liptovský Hrádok, Ružomberok, and Jasná. When temperatures drop, outdoor ice surfaces also appear in villages such as Závažná Poruba, Pavčina Lehota, and Liptovský Ján. Most ice rinks in the towns also offer skate hire.

7. Žiarska chata –  a winter walk with a reward

An easy walk through a snow-covered valley leads to a well earned stop at Žiarska Chata, where warm tea, cabbage soup, or a steamed bun awaits. The route is 5 kilometres long, suitable even for younger children, and offers lovely views along the way. It’s worth bringing sledges, bobsleighs, or sliding mats, as the trip back down is even more fun and turns the walk into a complete winter outing.

8. The Liptovský Ján educational trail and the Svätojánska observation tower

If you enjoy mixing fresh air with a bit of learning, the educational trail in Liptovský Ján is a great choice even in winter. The route is easy and well suited for families, with information boards along the way introducing local nature and places of interest. The climb up to the observation tower at the end of the trail adds a small sense of adventure for children and rewards parents with wide panoramic views.

9. Brankovský Waterfall, a winter fairytale

Brankovský Waterfall is one of the region’s most beautiful natural sights, and in winter it takes on a special kind of magic. Frost often turns the flowing water into striking ice formations, icicles, and frozen cascades, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. The walk to the waterfall is easy and suitable for children, who will enjoy exploring the surroundings and observing the ice formations.

10. Vlkolínec – living history with Little Wolf

The village of Vlkolínec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes on a truly distinctive atmosphere in winter. Snow-covered wooden houses, deep quiet, and the calm mountain setting create the feeling that time has stood still. A walk through the village feels like stepping back into the past. For children, a visit is a chance to discover how people once lived, what traditional houses looked like, and how everyday village life unfolded in earlier times. Through the children’s game Experience Vlkolínec with Little Wolf of Vlkolínec, young visitors explore the area through riddles and small discoveries, with a little reward waiting at the end.

Bonus tip: an experience that never disappoints

When the weather turns cold and outdoor plans feel less tempting, the Bešeňová and Tatralandia water parks are a reliable choice. Children can splash about in warm thermal pools and enjoy a wide range of slides. A day at a water park adds variety to the holiday week and guarantees memorable experiences.