SK, Žilina Region – A Region of Natural Beauties II

Did you know that when you visit the Žilina region, you can follow in the footsteps of the Templars? This important order also visited Slovakia, in the middle of the 12th century. You can start looking for their presence in the citadel of Orava Castle, in Blatnička, Likava Castle, Sklabinský Castle, in the Church of St. Martin in Martinček, in the church of All Saints in Ludrová, in the church of Radoľa or in many other places. You can learn more about the Templars in the region here.

A Tip for Biking

An interesting cycling route is the Castle Cycle Route, which connects three castles in the Žilina Region and at the same time leads around the first section of the Vážská Cycle Route. The length of the route is 18 kilometers and connects Budatín Castle with Strečno Castle and Starhrad (Old Castle). Almost the entire section of the bike path has an asphalt surface and begins in the parking lot at Budatín Castle, from where the signposts will lead you through parks and a waterworks to the villages located directly below the medieval castle ruins.

Winter Tourism

If you like winter, mountains and magical views, go on a hiking trip along the circular route of the nature trail Súľovské skály. It starts and ends in the narrow Súľovská gorge, right next to the parking lot in front of the Súľovčanka cottage, which you will find between the villages of Súľov and Jablonové.

The nature trail with 17 information boards leads through the most interesting part of the Súľovské skály National Park. Along the way you can admire, for example, the 13 meter high Gothic Gate, which is one of the most famous natural openings in the rock, or the ruins of the castle Súľov. In winter, the crossing of the trail is extremely difficult and entry is allowed only at your own risk.

Folk Buildmanship

For enthusiasts of folk architecture, we definitely recommend a visit to the Museum of the Slovak Village in the town of Martin, which is the largest ethnographic exhibition in nature in Slovakia. There are a total of 143 residential, farm and sacral buildings from Orava, Kysuce, Turce and Liptov.

The Museum of the Liptov Village in Pribylina is also unusual, which includes, for example, an exposition of the forest railway and an educational trail. The open-air museum is open to the public all year round and various cultural events take place here.

Please note that due to the current pandemic situation, it is necessary to find out in advance the accessibility of individual sites and monuments.

GPS: 49°09'58.0"N 18°34'43.6"E  (Súľovské rocks)

Text: Infoglobe

Photos: Oľga Maňáková, Radoslav Biskupič, Oskár Mažgút