SK, Mala Fatra: Frozen Janosik’s Holes – VIDEO

An ideal place of start is the village of Terchova. This village is situated about 20 kilometers from Zilina. Once you arrive at the village go to Diery hotel in Biely Potok district. From there you can take a tourist trail. An alternative to this is Stefanova, a village where is also a parking lot. We would like to remind you that the trail is not difficult yet you should wear proper clothing in winter and carry necessary equipment.

This system of gorges and canyon is situated in Rozsutec national natural reserve. There are ladders, bridges, or information tables along the trail. The latter serve you to inform you about life in this reserve as well as its geology.

The entire trail has three sections. First you walk through so-called Dolné diery where you can encounter two waterfalls (icefalls in winter). There are also bizarre rock formations. They create specific microclimate in some places which ensures great diversity of species living here.

You will walk along the Dierovy Stream in trial’s entire length. It actually formed Janosik’s Holes. After a short while you will reach a crossroad. From there you can go to Nove Diery (the yellow tourist trail). There are four up to two meters tall waterfalls. These are protected natural landmarks. The name (New Holes) was given due to the fact that the waterfalls were opened as the last to the public.

When continuing straight on (along the blue tourist trail) you get to the most beautiful area between Velky and Maly Rozsutec. This place is called Horne Diery . Nine waterfalls, ladders, footbridges and chains are all there. This section is close during the winter yet many tourists don’t care about it. Here you can find eco systems that thrive in cold and humidity as well.

A winter walk across Janosik’s Holes is magical. Ice covers rock walls. Water pours down icicles, river creek is covered with snow. It’s quiet everywhere. Only people wandering in the mountains broke the silence. They too wanted to preserve their moments there in their memories and cameras. Anyhow, this frozen beauty is a great spot where you can make a one-day family trip.

GPS: 49°15'26.2"N 19°04'00.7"E (hotel Diery)

Text: Oskár Mažgút

Music: "Frost Waltz" - Kevin MacLeod

Video: Jozef Dovičin