You can also get to the Spa Lúčky by bus. The route starts at the tourist crossroads Lúčky, Aqua-Vital Park, near the restaurant Kúpeľná dvorana. However, it is both direction-way. You will go along the edge of the forest along the blue-marked hiking trail at the southern foot of Plieška Hill.

The trail is moderately challenging and can be muddy and slippery on some places in colder weather. The route is only slightly difficult due to its length, elevation and terrain. Therefore, it is suitable even for small children.

A path with three educational panels will lead you to Kamaleny village. There is a natural swimming pool called a “pit”. The nature trail begins/ends at the rebuilt and adjusted pit with warm mineral water.

Information boards names

1. Great Moravia
2. Saint Cyril – Constantine
3. Saint Methodius

Information panels in the terrain are not marked with the name of the nature trail. The design of the first and the remaining two panels differ.

Free parking is possible at the beginning / end of the route in the Spa Lúčky, or at the thermal lake in Kalameny. There are also regular bus connections to the villages from Ružomberok town.

In the villages of Lúčky, Liptovská Teplá and Kalameny there are several accommodation and catering facilities.

The route starts at the former Korytnica Spa, where you can refresh yourself with water from one of the springs before the walk. The water from the healing springs has a positive effect on stomach as well as digestive and metabolic problems. Jozef, Žofia, Antonín, Vojtech I a II springs all have highly mineralised water rich in calcium, magnesium and iron.

Follow the green way markers. The route leads along an asphalt road and on to a forest logging track. In less than an hour of pleasant climbing, you will get to a saddle under the Baba mountain, from where you are rewarded by views over the massif of Zvolen (Nová hoľa), a mountain located over Donovaly. After about three quarters of an hour of walking along the logging track, the forest begins to thin out, with the ridge of the Veľká Fatra (from Mt. Krížna to Mt. Suchý vrch) coming into view. On reaching the Hiadeľské sedlo saddle, the route turns left up the track marked by red waymarkers, ascending steeply through the forest, which gradually gives way to dwarf pines. It then continues along the tops of Mt Prašivá and Mt Malá Chochuľa, leading right to the summit of Mt Veľká Chochuľa.  Veľká Chochuľa (1753 m.a.s.l.) is the highest peak of the western part of the Ďumbierske Tatry mountain range, offering nice views to all directions. It lies on the main ridge of the Nízke Tatry mountain range, with Cesta hrdinov SNP (the Path of the Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising) running along its summit.

Until 1974, there used to be a narrow-gauge railway running from Ružomberok to the Korytnica spa. In 2016, the disused railroad was turned into the Cyklokorytnička cycle path, which also serves as an educational trail for families with small children.

Mt Veľká Chochuľa can also be reached from Liptovská Lúžna by following the yellow markers, taking you through the Sedlo pod Skalkou saddle and Mt Košarisko straight to the summit.

You can park the car in the Korytnica village. The route is also accessible by bus – get off at the Liptovská Osada, rázcestie stop.

There are no mountain chalets on the way but there are many accommodation options available in Korytnica, nearby Donovaly and Liptovská Osada. You can have refreshments at the Penzión Svätopluk guest house in Korytnica and, of course, try the water from one of the springs in Korytnica or go to a shop and buy it in a bottle. The beneficial effects of the water were noted already in the 17^th century.

The Šíp mountain is located in Šípska Fatra, which is a mountain range connecting the Malá and Veľká Fatra mountain ranges. It rises right above the confluence of the Orava and Váh rivers, between the villages of Kraľovany and Ľubochňa. The route starts in the Stankovany village, from where you follow the green markers. In about 30 minutes you will reach the Podšíp setllement, where you can admire its well-preserved, traditional wooden houses or just stop by for a picnic. From Podšíp, follow the yellow markers up through Zadný Šíp to the majestic cross on the summit of Šíp (1170 m.a.s.l.), from where you can enjoy amazing views of Veľký Choč.

The area of Šíp (302 hectares) has been designated a national nature reserve due to the presence of rare plant and animal species.

The route is accessible by car, bus and train. You can park the car at the parking lot in front of the Municipal Office in Stankovany. Stankovany railway station. Stankovany, Pri moste bus stop.

Refreshments and drinks are available at the Krčma Stankovany pub.

Veľký Bok (1727 m.a.s.l.) is a prominent mountain situated in the central part of the Kráľovohoľské Tatras. The mountain juts out of the main ridge and is higher than the ridge, so once at its summit, you can enjoy a wonderful all-round view. There used to be a mountain chalet called Veľkoboká chata in the saddle under Veľký Bok until the Second World War when it was burned down by fascists. The chalet was a part of a network of mountain chalets, lying between the Štefánikova chata pod Ďumbierom chalet and the Štefánikova chata pod Kráľovou hoľou chalet. It is still a missing link in the chain of mountain chalets in the Low Tatras. A small hunting lodge has been built on its foundations, but it is not open to the public.

Veľký Bok is not one of the most visited mountains, so if you are someone who likes wilderness and enjoys the challenge of wandering off the beaten track, this is the hike for you. It takes the whole day. The hike from Malužiná to the top takes around 4-5 hours and its  14 km long. First, follow the blue trail markers and when you reach the saddle under the Veľký Bok, follow the yellow trail markers.

The top can also be reached by following the route from Svarín (Svarín – Pod Chmelincom – Veľký bok and back), marked yellow. Similarly to the Malužiná-Veľký Bok and back route, the total length of this route is 28 km. This hike can also be done as a one-way hike from Malužiná to Svarín or vice versa.

You can park in both villages. The route is also accessible by bus – Malužiná, rázcestie (crossroad) bus stop.

There are no mountain chalets on the way, but there are several places offering refreshments in both villages. There should also be a spring above the hunting lodge.

The route to the summit of Radičiná starts in Ružomberok, Rybárpole and continues through a commercial forest to the Dubovské lúky meadows with traditional haystacks and a view over the majestic Veľký Choč mountain. The route then steeply climbs through the woods to the saddle and a glade with a fire pit. From there, it is only a short walk to the summit of the Radičiná mountain (1127 m n.m.), where you can enjoy a view over the Liptovská Mara dam.

You can also approach the Radičiná mountain from the opposite side, from the Komjatná village, Studničná part. You can park in Ružomberok, Rybárpole or in Komjatná. The route is accessible  by bus and train. Ružomberok – Rybárpole stop.

If you wish to have refreshments before or after the hike, there are plenty of dining options in Ružomberok.

The route starts in the village of Partizánska Ľupča, which was once the oldest mining town in Liptov and whose square boasts an iconic church and burgher houses. The yellow trail marker will lead you out of the village to the Biela Ľupča signpost, past meadows and a fenced water reservoir. Keep right and enter the woods. Continue to the Rumanec signpost where there is a table with benches ideal for a refreshment break. The route offers nice views over the lower part of the Liptovská Mara dam, the Western Tatras mountain range and the Chočské vrchy mountain range.  At the monument of the fallen soldiers, the route enters the woods and will take you through a meadow right to the top of the Predná Magura mountain, where you can find a reconstructed gazebo.

Predná Magura (1171 m.a.s.l) offers great views over the Liptov basin, nearby forested Ľupčianska Magura mountain, the main ridge of the Low Tatras mountain range and over Salatín, a mountain in the Low Tatras. This hike is ideal for families with small children and less fit walkers.

Free parking is available in the village or at the water reservoir. The village is accessible by local bus from Ružomberok or Liptovský Mikuláš.

There are no mountain huts on the route but there is a choice of accommodation in the Partizánska Ľupča village. Just a few kilometres away, there is the Železnô recreation resort with accommodation and a pleasant snack bar on-site as well as a popular Magurka chalet offering accommodation and dining.

Ostré (1067 m.a.s.l.), called Hrdoš by locals, is a rocky mountain visible from the main road leading from Martin to Ružomberok. The starting point for the hikes to Ostré are Komjatná (app. 2 km), Švošov (app. 3 km), Stankovany, Žaškov and Ľubochňa.

When starting from Švošov, follow the yellow trail markers to the Sedlo pod Ostrým saddle, from where a steep but only about 15-minute long climb will take you to the summit of Ostré. There are some trees on the summit but they do not obscure the views over Ružomberok, most of the lower Liptov and Orava. There also is a fire pit at the top.

The route from Švošov is also accessible by train. You can park the car in the villages.

This easy half-day tour to the Rovná Hoľa mountain will reward you with stunning views to all directions, especially of the Western and High Tatras. Follow the yellow marked trail that starts in the Nižná Boca village and continues up the valley where it joins the path leading to the saddle of the Črchľa valley where you can find a spring of fresh water. Continue through the forest and dwarf pines to the top of the Rovná (flat) Hoľa mountain (1723 m.a.s.l.). As the name suggest, its top is flat so when there, you can enjoy open views to all sides. Perhaps the most unique is the view of Ďumbier, of its steep walls and gullies leading to the Ďumbiersky Kotol basin. To the west there are views of the Chopok and the massif of the Bôr mountain and to the north you can admire the views of the limestone massif of the Ohnište mountain with its famous rock window.

You can also reach the summit of the Rovná Hoľa mountain from Vyšná Boca, Čertovica and Svidovské sedlo.

You can park in the village. The village is also accessible by bus.

There is a spring of potable water along the way to the saddle of Črchľa. You can have refreshments in the Nižná Boca village, for example at the Chata Barborka chalet located close to the lift. There are many accommodation options in the village to choose from.

Chabenec (1955 m.a.s.l) is a majestic mountain on the ridge of the Western Tatras offering views to all directions. The route starts in the Magurka settlement, where gold as well as silver and antimony was mined in the past. You can learn more about the history of mining by following the Magurský zlatý chodník trail which kids will enjoy as mush as adults.

Follow the green markers towards the Ďurková saddle. At the Nad sedlom signpost, follow the red route markers towards Malý Chabenec and to the top of Chabenec. Once you have had your fill of great views, you can return to the Magurka setllemenet using the same route or you can extend the route by walking to the Útulňa Ďurková mountain hut, which is located below Mt. Chabanec and is a popular resting place for people hiking the ridge of the Low Tatras.

There is free parking in the Magurka settlement, but the access to the settlement is via rural, narrow road that often gets icy in winter.

A popular Magurka chalet located right in the settlement offers both accommodation and delicious cuisine. There is also the Útulňa Ďurková mountain hut offering shelter for the night. The hut is mainly used by hikers crossing the ridge of the Law Tatras. It is located below the saddle, so you need to descend a few metres form the route to get there, but the refreshments and the atmosphere are worth it. Just a few kilometres away, there is the Železnô recreation resort with accommodation and a pleasant snack bar on-site.

Holý Vrch (1723 m.a.s.l.) is a less majestic and less known peak of the Western Tatras. There is a popular tourist route that will take you to the summit of the impressive Baranec Mount running through it. The peak is characterized by its pyramid shape and it is accessible all year round, with no seasonal closures.

The starting point for hikes to Holý vrch is either the Žiarska Dolina valley (app. 3 km along the yellow markers) or Jakubovany (app. 6 km along the blue markers). The summit is not marked, it is above a signpost located on the ridge leading to Baranec. It takes about 1,45 hour to reach the summit from there.

The route from Jakubovany starts near a former ski lift, continues along an asphalt road and past the cottages, where it turns left to the forest. Above the place where the trail crosses the Tatranská Magistrála touristic route, there is a signpost directing hikers to the Jakuboviansky Vodopád waterfall, which can be reached within 5 minutes. After visiting the waterfall, hikers need to return back on the trail and ascend to the top of the Tri Kolky Mount, where they can rest and enjoy the views of the basin. The second part of the route takes hikers on an energetic climb to the top.

You can park in the Jakubovany village or use the car park close to the former Jakubovany ski lift. You can also walk to the starting point from the final bus stop in Jakubovany.

There are no accommodation options on the way but you can have refreshments in the village, for example at the Jakub pub.

Although the Demänovská dolina valley is one of the most visited mountain areas in Slovakia, there are still places with not too many people around. One of such places is the Vyvieranie gorge, from where you can continue to the Pusté mountain, Krakova hoľa mountain and the Demänovská hora mountain.

The route is not circular, so you need to use public or other transport. Park the car at the ATC Bystrina camping grounds located at the beginning of the village of Demänovská Dolina, near the turn off to the Pavčina Lehota village. Right at the turn off, there is a bus stop that will take you to the Demänovská jaskyňa slobody cave.

From there, follow the green trail markers down the valley alongside the Demänovka river.

The route runs alongside a busy road leading to Jasná, but the road noise is minimal. Continue over small bridges to the confluence of the Demänovka river and a stream flowing from the Dolina Vyvieranie valley and welling up from the depths of the karst underground. After you enter the Dolina Vyvieranie valley, the trail will lead you along the bed of a stream which is not wide nor deep. Since the valley is a part of the National Nature Reserve, there are some fallen trees as well as trees that have been pruned in order not to block the trail along the way. The valley starts opening up in the middle part of the route. Later, the route gets quite steep and serpentine, taking you to the side of the valley and out of the woods. At one point, the trail crosses a creek with rock cascades. The part of the route leading from the Iľanovské sedlo mountain saddle to the bottom of the Demänovská hora mountain is flat.

It will take you along a quiet traversing path located just below the ridge. NAPANT (Low Tatras National Park) maintains the route, so the path is very comfortable. The landscape changes again and the scent of pine trees fills the air. At the western side of the Demänovská hora mountain, which is the last peak of the ridge, the path will lead you to a panoramic grassy and rocky terrace overlooking the Demänovská dolina valley, the Liptovská Mara dam, Liptovský Mikuláš and its surrounding.

The yellow trail markers will guide you to the crossroad from where it is possible to reach the Demänovská hora mountain as well. Continue towards ATC Bystrina instead. The ascent is steep but short, so most people can make the summit with no problems. The circular views you will get are glorious and definitely worth taking a short breather for. At the peak, you will find a small wooden cross and a visitors book for you to sign.

The descent is quite steep at the beginning but the trail serpentines make it easier. On the whole, the hike is very pleasant and not tiring. The route finishes at the ATC Bystrina camping grounds.

You can park the car at ATC Bystrina. The car park has sufficient capacity.

You can also get here by local bus. Bus timetables>>>

The villages of Pavčina Lehota and Demänovská dolina have a range of accommodation and dining options.

You can find and book your accommodation here.

Approach: 10 min.

Take the Demänovská dolina exit from the D1 highway and continue to the parking lot in front of the Demänovská Cave of Liberty (Demänovská  jaskyňa slobody). Then follow the yellow footpath markers on a path leading to the top of Siná. Enter the valley and walk past a meandering creek. After about 200 metres leave the footpath to Siná and turn right to the footpath that will take you right beneath the rocks. From here you will see a row of rocks which you will reach easily in about 5 minutes.

Description:            12 glue-in stainless steel bolts + abseil chain.

Probably the most beautiful route in Horné skaly. The challenge is a boulder at the beginning of the route, under the first anchor. That is why it is better to fix the first anchor to the ground. The route then continues onto a slightly steep face with good holds, allowing you to move as if you were dancing.

Approach: 10 min.

Take the Demänovská dolina exit from the D1 highway and continue to the parking lot in front of the Demänovská Cave of Liberty (Demänovská  jaskyňa slobody). Then follow the yellow footpath markers on a path leading to the top of Siná. Enter the valley and walk past a meandering creek. After about 200 metres leave the footpath to Siná and turn right to the footpath that will take you right beneath the rocks. From here you will see a row of rocks which you will reach easily in about 5 minutes.

Description:            7 glue-in stainless steel bolts + abseil chain.

One of a few warm-up routes Siná has. It leads through a distinctive block with good holds ideal for using piaz moves. The climb to the “balcony” is a bit of a challenge but the final moves are on good holds through an overhanging rock.

Approach: 15 min.

Take the road leading from Ružomberok towards Dolný Kubín. At Komjatná turn right and carry on for about 2 km up the hill. You will see Studničná – part of the Komjatná village – from there. Park the car on the hill, right next to the chapel that stands next to the road. Then take the field path towards Komjatná. Cross the meadow and walk the steep short hill that will lead you to the forest. Turn left to the forest and follow the footpath. It will take you 5 minutes to get to the top of the reef. There is a path on both sides of the reef leading down under the rocks.

Description:            15 glue-in stainless steel bolts + abseil chain.

One of the best routes in Komjatná. It starts with a 10-metre long corner that leads to a rest shelf. It then continues with a rounded edge over which you will get to the final face. The route is airy and will test your endurance.

Approach: 15 min.

Take the road leading from Ružomberok towards Dolný Kubín. At Komjatná turn right and carry on for about 2 km up the hill. You will see Studničná – part of the Komjatná village – from there. Park the car on the hill, right next to the chapel that stands next to the road. Then take the field path towards Komjatná. Cross the meadow and walk the steep short hill that will lead you to the forest. Turn left to the forest and follow the footpath. It will take you 5 minutes to get to the top of the reef. There is a path on both sides of the reef leading down under the rocks.

Description:            11 glue-in stainless steel bolts + abseil chain.

A nice route for getting acquainted with the area. It finishes with a comfortable stance from where you can climb the route called Zuzkina, which has the difficulty level of VI. Take a long enough rope! The route is named after the Televíkend TV show in which the route was climbed.

Approach: 15 min.

Take the Liptovský Ján exit from the D1 highway, drive through the village and into the Jánska valley. Pass the thermal swimming pool and the Strachanovka hotel and restaurant. Continue past the Bystrá hotel (on your right) and take the first right. Park your car in the parking lot next to a waterworks building and then walk the valley past the creek for about 10 minutes. At the point where the forest footpath crosses the creek keep to the right and walk the path uphill to the rocks (5 minutes).

Description:            12 glue-in stainless steel bolts + abseil chain.

A beautiful long endurance route that will challenge your finger strength at the beginning and test your endurance at the end.

Prístup: 5 min.

Approach: 5 min.

Take the Demänovská dolina exit from the D1 highway and continue to the parking lot in front of the Demänovská Ice Cave (Demänovská  ľadová jaskyňa). From there walk the asphalt road past the RiverSide hotel and then take the footpath on the left side of the creek. It will take you 5 minutes to get to a high distinctive wide overhang with quickdraws.

Description:            12 stainless steel rivets + abseil chain.

An endurance route with long reaches through good pockets. The route is fairly predictable and tall climbers have an advantage.

Foto: Marek Černý

Foto: Igor Pap

Approach: 5 min.

Take the Demänovská dolina exit from the D1 highway and continue to the parking lot in front of the Demänovská Ice Cave (Demänovská  ľadová jaskyňa). From there walk the asphalt road past the RiverSide hotel and then take the footpath on the left side of the creek. It will take you 5 minutes to get to a high distinctive wide overhang with quickdraws.

Description:            5 stainless steel rivets + abseil chain.

The easiest route ideal for getting acquainted with drytooling. There are deep pockets in a steep rock wall. SUE and the neighbouring route Snaživec are suitable for warm-up climbs.

Foto: Marek Černý

Approach: 15 min.

Take the Demänovská dolina exit from the D1 highway and continue to the parking lot in front of the Demänovská Cave of Liberty (Demänovská jaskyňa slobody). Then walk the asphalt road to the Repiská hotel (15 min.). There is an arch towering above the hotel. From there you can either continue walking the asphalt road or use a steep footpath that will take you directly to the arch. The footpath is located next to the retaining wall of the hotel.

Description:            19 stainless steel rivets + abseil chain.

Quickdraws.

The route best reflects the character of the climbing area. After a series of pulls and side pulls, the route starts on a technical face and it follows through a distinctive cave where you can rest. It then leads through a difficult overhang, almost a roof, and above the edge of the arch. Series of moves on two- and three-finger pockets.

Approach: 15 min.

Take the Demänovská dolina exit from the D1 highway and continue to the parking lot in front of the Demänovská Cave of Liberty (Demänovská jaskyňa slobody). Then walk the asphalt road to the Repiská hotel (15 min.). There is an arch towering above the hotel. From there you can either continue walking the asphalt road or use a steep footpath that will take you directly to the arch. The footpath is located next to the retaining wall of the hotel.

Description:            13 stainless steel rivets + abseil chain.

Beautiful distinctive pillar formation located in the right part, dividing the biggest arch and the lower wall. A long route up a slightly steep pillar that gets steeper close to its top. The middle part leads through natural pockets that will challenge your technique and strength.