I’ve been to Mala Fatra several times, and each time I find myself completely enchanted by its beauty. It’s a unique place with delightful trails that offer a little bit of everything. If you want to experience valleys similar to those in the Slovak Paradise, Tatra ranges, and stunning panoramas, Mala Fatra is the perfect destination.
Mala Fatra is divided into two parts: Luczanska and the more interesting Krynanska. I can tell you that this place is also famous for its flower carpets, which reach their peak between mid-May and early June.
Janosikowe Diery and the Vratna Valley
Interestingly, it’s not the peaks that attract the most attention, but the Janosikowe Diery – a system of gorges and canyons in Mala Fatra (Tatra Mountains). These breathtaking geological features were named in honor of the famous robber Juraj Janosik, who hailed from the nearby village of Terchowa. In the Vratna Valley, you can find an almost 8-meter-high steel sheet monument dedicated to him.
It’s worth mentioning that Mala Fatra is actually bigger and taller than its sister, the Great Fatra in Tatras. The confusion comes from the term „fatra,” which means pastures, and the larger, more accessible ones were in the latter range.
↳ Before you head to Tatra Park, I highly recommend reading my complete guide to Tatra Mountains. I showcase the most scenic places you won't want to miss. Make sure to check it out, so you don't overlook anything interesting: Tatra Mountains – An Insider’s Guide to All Attractions and Info
Getting to Mala Fatra (Lesser Fatra)
If you need to know how to reach Mala Fatra from Poland, don’t be fooled by its proximity to the Polish border on the map. The inconvenient road system means you’ll have to drive about 70 km from Chyżne or 63 km from Zwardoń. Although these distances aren’t too bad, the type of roads and numerous speed limits make the journey to your destination longer. In both options, you’ll need to plan for over an hour of travel time from the border.
Parking and Public Transportation Options
Most tourists choose Velky Rozsutec and the surrounding Diery as their first destination in Mala Fatra. If you opt for this, it’s best to leave your car in Biały Potok at the parking lot next to the „Diery” hotel. Parking is paid (€5/day), but it’s hard to find other options in the area. This is where the blue trail that interests you starts.
For those traveling by public transport, the journey can be more challenging. While you can get from Krakow to Dolny Kubin via a direct bus from FlixBus and then change to Slovak public transport, it’s not the most economical or time-efficient solution. However, if you’re traveling from the west, you can take a train through Zwardoń to Žilina and then travel a few kilometers by bus. To plan your trip, it’s worth using the Czech-Slovak online search engine.
Trails in Mala Fatra – My Top Recommendations
In the captivating Little Fatra of Kryvan, I think most tourists tend to focus on three main areas. The first includes Velky and Maly Rozsutec with their intriguing gorges. The second is the often overlooked Stoch and Granówka up to Chleb.
And the third area features the highest peak of the Lesser Fatra, Velky Krivan. Some people even decide to traverse the entire range, following the red trail. It all depends on how much time and energy you have. Being there, you need to know that I highly recommend exploring as much as possible. So, let’s dive into what these adventures look like in practice:
1. Janosikowe Diery and the Rozsutec Brothers
The first trail proposal, the Rozsutec brothers, will take you just over 6 hours to complete. The route is full of attractions from beginning to end. It’s best to leave your car in the previously mentioned car park in Biały Potok, which costs €5 per day. From here, the blue trail leads you into the gorges.
The local rocks are like a miniature version of the Slovak Paradise in Tatra Mountains. The ladders may be a bit smaller, but you’ll still traverse the trail through charming narrow passages, footbridges, and bridges. I believe it’s worth hitting the trail early, as it’s the most popular part of Mala Fatra and attracts more visitors every hour.
- For a detailed description of the trail to Velki Rozsutec, click here.
- For a description of the trail through Janosikowe Diery, click here.
At the Medzirozsuce pass, by choosing the left path, you’ll reach Maly Rozsutec. Along the way, you’ll encounter a short, relatively simple sequence of strings, and that’s it. The peak is rocky with expansive views. You’ll find plenty of spots to sit down and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Importantly, the descent on the other side, also with a few chains, won't lead back to the pass, but directly along a parallel green trail to where you parked your car.
From the Medzirozsutce Pass, the other direction takes you on a one-hour ascent along the red trail to Wielki Rozsutec. Here, you’ll also find secured spots with chains and ladders, but they’re simpler than those on Maly. Just remember that the red trail to the top is closed from March 1 to June 15 to protect nesting golden eagles. During this time, you can alternatively walk around the lower part of the peak, following the blue trail. The trails reconnect on the other side of the peak at the Medziholie pass.
2. Stoh and Chleb – Lesser Fatra’s Full Karst Experience
The second proposal is an incredibly scenic ridge walk, showcasing the best of Mala Fatra. I suggest leaving your car in the parking lot in Stefanowa. The price should be similar to Biały Potok, which is €5/day. The timed route should take about 7 hours, plus the return transfer from Vratna to Stefanova. The route diagram is shown on the map below.
The approach to Stoh is tiring, but let me say, it’s worth it a hundredfold! The panorama from the top is simply amazing. However, when you reach South Gruń, you’ll have the opportunity to leave the ridge and descend to Chata na Grúni.
If you still have the energy, I wholeheartedly recommend continuing the hike to Chleb and Velky Krivan! It’s worth noting that Velky Krivan is the highest peak of Mala Fatra. From below Kryvania, you can either take a relatively uneventful green trail down or ride the cable car.
Between Vratna and Stefanova, a „choo-choo” train and buses from the Slovak CSAD (price €2) operate. Hitchhiking on this section has worked great in the past.
- For a detailed description of the Stoh and Chleb trail in Mala Fatra, click here.
3. The True „Graniowka” of Mala Fatra
The third option is essentially a continuation of the previous route. That’s why it’s a good idea to stay overnight at Chata pod Chlebom. If you plan to spend the night, I recommend making a reservation in advance, because although the trail can sometimes be empty, the shelters are often bustling with life. Accommodation prices near Chlebom start from €8, while at Gruni, they start from €13.
The trail to Strecno will take you about 5 hours and 36 minutes according to the trails. The highest peak is at the beginning, and then there’s practically only descent along the way. An additional attraction awaits you in the form of the ruins of the Stary Hrad castle.
If you actually choose this variant and left your car in the parking lot, even in Biely Potok, you can get to it using Slovak public transport. From the cottage, you can also descend to the village of Sutovo, passing through the Shutovsky Waterfall, which is 38 meters high and fed by the Spring of Moses.
Mala Fatra Practical Information
Before we wrap up, I think it’s important to remember to purchase insurance that covers potential search and rescue operations in the mountains, including helicopter assistance. The cost of such insurance is quite low, just a few euro cents per day, while the costs of rescue operations can be enormous. Keep in mind that these expenses aren’t covered, so you’d have to pay the bill yourself.
When planning your walks on the map at home, I prefer using the mapy.cz application. If the trails aren’t displayed, find the „Zmenit mapu” button in the upper left corner and select „Turisticka”. In winter, it’s worth checking the avalanche risk.
Lesser Fatra Accommodation
You can easily find accommodation in Stefanowa, which is the closest to the trails. However, since most of you will probably arrive by car, you can try staying overnight in nearby towns like Biela Potok or Terchová itself. There are plenty of rooms available. If you prefer camping, there’s practically one nearby: Camping Belá Nižné Kamence. However, if you’re interested in shelters, I can recommend below option:
Remember to stay safe on the trails!
References:
- https://www.npmalafatra.sk/
- https://www.regionmalafatra.sk/en/
- https://slovakia.travel/en/national-park-of-mala-fatra
