Best of Slovakia Stage 1 Žilina - Malá Fatra

The first day of your trip takes you from Žilina to Malá Fatra National Park.

In Žilina, you have two options. If you wish to explore the town, follow the pedestrian street just outside the railway station to stroll around a few streets and squares of the old town.

If you prefer to start the route directly to Mala Fatra, use a temporary underpass to the northern side of the railway station due to its reconstruction.

From here, it is not far to the underpass under the road to reach the designated cycling path along the Váh river. Continue eastwards up the stream and along the hydrodam in pleasant shadow with nice views.

In Strečno, you can either visit its magnificent castle upon the rock above the river, or an elegant monument to the French partisans with cool views above the village.

If the pedestrian bridge is still in reconstruction, use the local ferry (kompa) to cross the Váh river for 1€ fee.

It is just a few kilometres from Nezbudská Lúčka to Varín on the road with minor traffic. Cycling path continues again from Varín to Terchová. Be careful on the bridges with significant descent and sharp curves. Otherwise it is a pleasant ride with very easy ascent.

After only a kilometre on road with traffic you reach Terchova, a birthplace of the legendary Slovak hero Juraj Jánošík. There is also a museum dedicated to his life.

Continue on asphalt road along the creek to your accommodation.

After check-in, if you have enough time and energy, take a walk into the Diery gorges (2.5-3 hours). You would need to cycle around 7 kilometres from your accommodation to Štefanová village. Or you can go for the hike first and then check-in at the accommodation.