SR: Lúčky, Bešeňová - Travertine Beauty

In this article we are not introducing the villages as such, neither their history or cultural monuments. The objective we’d like to turn your attention to inanimate natural curiosity that develops, grows and changes it’s shape due to various factors. The most natural attraction is TRAVERTINE. For a start let’s explain what travertin actually is – it is a limestone rock or rather a type of limestone, which is produced by precipitation of mineral freshwater or thermal springs. Very often there are preserved prints of leafs, track of grass and organisms.

Bešeňová Travertine

Due to iron hydroxides are redder at the spring and gradually fade from the source. The color scheme also affects the life cycle of the weed Algae. This area was already in 1951 declared a natural geological reservation.

Travertine field was divided, or rather declared, on four separate objects (Kaplický terrace Red, White terrace and pool). Currently, this site highlights just a small sign at the overgrown path above the village. There is no parking for cars only one small landing, or rather a widespread way. Yet here are worth stopping. Since the brand is well-worn footpath that leads to the spring, where love to go home "service tap" the water. From there you need to go a few yards to the west and you will find yourself face to face in front of a large pile of colored travertine on its top is bubbling pond, surrounded by grassy vegetation. The experience will be all the stronger if you visit the site at sunset. The romance is priceless.

Travertine Lučanská waterfall

If there would be a little romance for you, be sure to visit just a few kilometers away Lučanská waterfall formed otherwise than as travertine. Located on the northern edge of the basin liptov in the spa village Lucky, just below the church of the Holy. Cross.

Thirteen meters tall waterfall cascading Lučanská falls into the pool from the edge of the travertine terraces. The sound of falling water is always different. It depends on the season and rainfall. It is interesting that never freezes, thanks to the hot springs spa, which flowed into it, so it can be admired all year round.

Perpendicular wall waterfall is due to erosion, the effects of water break off the whole bench travertine, while deepening the bottom waterfall. Since 1974, this site was designated a National Natural Monument. During research here found the remains of palaeontological and archaeological finds. Enchanted waterfall and several filmmakers. For all mention the creator of fairy princess Fantaghiro. In the summer months it is a popular place for families with children, who found in him a natural swimming pool.

In the recent past, you could also try rafting on the surface of the lake here. Surrounding travertine walls serve small climbers to practice, even if it has negative consequences for the actual unit. The whole area is equipped with benches and waste bins with information panels and there is a small paid parking lot in front of the waterfall (€0.50/1 hour).

What to add? Take the entire family, children, or parents on a trip to the effortless natural beauty of Slovakia, for example to those communities that offer more than its own history and architectural landmarks. Feel the touch of freshness, joy, but also relaxation and tranquility.

GPS:

49°06'13.9"N 19°26'09.8"E (Bešeňová Travertine)

49°07'44.1"N 19°24'13.2"E (parking lot by the waterfall)

Text/photo: Oskar Mažgút

Translation: Lenka Chroustovská