Wherever you look, you will find beautiful scenery of diverse nature. It is one of the most visited regions in Slovakia during all seasons. Ladies and gentlemen, LIPTOV.
From the north, it is bordered by the Great Fatra, Choč Mountains and the Western Tatras. The southern border of Liptov is formed by the ridge of the Low Tatras. The rivers Čierny and Biely Váh originate here, but these are far from the only water elements in this region.
Picturesque waterfalls and the largest water dam in our territory – Liptovská Mara, which bears the label of an oasis of fun and relaxation, are popular attractions in Liptov. Aquaparks Tatralandia, Bešeňová or multifunctional resort Marina Liptov are again the cherries on the list of active recreation in this region.
And what else should you definitely not miss?
Vrbické tarn (Vrbické pleso)
The only glacial lake and the largest natural lake in the Low Tatras. In its clear water, you will find trout on the banks of rare flora, blueberries, cranberries or an interesting carnivorous plant – round-leaved sundew. It lies at an altitude of up to 1,113 m above sea level. m. And it is included among the national natural monuments, and it is covered up to the fifth degree of protection.
Demänovská Ice Cave and Demänovská Cave of Freedom (Demänovská ľadová jaskyňa a Demänovská jaskyňa slobody)
Two absolute jewels of Liptov, which must be seen with your own eyes at least once in your life.
Demänovská Ice Cave is one of the oldest known caves in Europe. It was once called the Dragon Cave. The bones of a huge cave bear were found in it, which were said to be the remains of a dragon. The Demänovská Ice Cave is fascinating precisely by the presence of a permanent ice filling and the massive bizarre shapes of its underground spaces.
The second underground treasure is the Demänovská Cave of Freedom, considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. The variety and number of forms of drip decoration make it an aesthetic miracle. Unique are also waterfalls, ponds with water lilies or formations known as Rococo dolls. Here you will find several extended spaces – halls and domes with beautiful sinter decoration. The largest is the Great Dome, with a length of up to 75 m. In addition to sections of the underground river Demänovka, you can also see cave lakes on the routes. The large lake reaches up to 52 m and is 7 m deep. The total length of its corridors is over 8,400 m!
Vlkolínec
The unique Liptov village Vlkolínec is a wonderful example of traditional folk architecture. It represents the best-preserved monument reservation of this type in Slovakia. Picturesque ancient wooden houses complement buildings such as a wooden well from 1860 or a historic bell tower from the 18th century. Vlkolínec has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
Archeoskanzen Havránok
In the immediate vicinity of the Liptovská Mara dam is situated one of the most important archaeological sites in Liptov – Havránok. In the 4th to the 1st century BC, there was a Celtic fortified seat.
Magical Celtic ceremonies were performed in the remains of the shrine. Remains of walls, cult places of druids, as well as many jewels and other objects, were also found here. Today, you will also see believable replicas in the area, thanks to which you will be able to imagine people’s lives more than 2000 years ago.
Lúčanský and Brankovský waterfalls (Lúčanský a Brankovský vodopád)
A truly unique Slovak, 12-meter Lúčanský waterfall can be found right in the middle of the village of Lúčky. In 1974 it was declared a national natural monument. It is one of the five waterfalls in Slovakia, which are proud of this title. This cascading waterfall was created on the river Lúčanka and clumps into a small lake.
Thanks to its 55 meters, the Brankovský waterfall is the highest in the Low Tatras and one of the five highest waterfalls in Slovakia. It has been a national natural monument since 1980. It is a beautiful view in the spring or after the rainy season when a huge amount of water flows. Still, it is also unreal in winter when it freezes during severe frosts and creates a continuous ice wall – the so-called icefall, composed of several trinkets of various shapes and thus forms a natural work of art.
Thermal bath in Liptovský Ján (Kaďa v Liptovskom Jáne)
Liptovský Ján is famous for the many healing springs in its vicinity. However, one of them stands out. The water in this natural crater with a pool (,,kaďa”) has proven healing effects in musculoskeletal system diseases, female organs, or rheumatic diseases. The water in the pool has about 20 ° C all year round, so it is accessible even in winter. Coincidentally, local women in the spring came up with the beneficial effects of the local water. They found that thanks to the water in the pool, they look younger, are in better condition and are no longer bothered by certain health problems.
Liptovská Mara – adrenaline and relaxation in one
And last but not least, we are introducing you to Liptovská Mara, nicknamed the Slovak Sea. Built to protect against floods and generate electricity, but its secondary function will probably interest you more. But first, let’s talk about her origin.
It was built in 1969–1975; up to 13 municipalities had to be flooded, and Liptovská Mara was named after one of them. As many as about 1,000 families had to find a new home.
Underwater is also part of Liptovský Trnovec. And to get to its bottom at maximum depth, you would have to overcome up to 43 meters!
The dam gained popularity by swimming in the open air in the arms of beautiful unspoiled nature. It is also an excellent fishing location, but water sports and activities lovers will go crazy as well. Boating, water cycling, wakeboarding, windsurfing, paddleboarding, yachting, sightseeing boat trips and other water activities await you here. However, this is only a fraction of the activities you can enjoy here. Adrenaline enthusiasts can taste the free fall, laser arena, bobsled track or a tandem parachute jump.
Liptov is a place where you will not find the word boredom in the local dictionary. It is a magical region full of diverse experiences. So what will yours be like?