Holiday apartment in Zázrivá: Nature, mountains and Slovak tradition

Zázrivá combines mountain landscapes, short and longer routes, winter sports, and traditional crafts and culture. Between the mountain ranges of the Fatra-Tatra area and the Central Beskids, there are numerous specific points of interest, from the rescue station to the salaš.

Nature and landscape

The municipal area of Zázrivá extends into several mountain ranges of the Fatra-Tatra area and the Central Beskids: Malá Fatra, Kysucká vrchovina and Oravská Magura. The landscape includes numerous meadows, pastures, waterfalls, ponds and streams, which are mostly surrounded by spruce and beech forests as well as mountain pine.

The rescue station in Zázrivá is dedicated to rescuing injured, weakened or otherwise impaired animals, especially birds, from all over Slovakia. In the Zázrivá eco-garden, visitors can see various plant and tree species, a wetland pond, nesting boxes, drinking places, and areas for insects and reptiles.

Hiking and cycling

A 2 km nature trail begins at the entrance to the rescue station in Zázrivá-Dolina. It leads back to the rescue station as a circular route with a shelter and benches, and can be completed at a moderate pace in about one hour.

Eight information boards stand along the nature trail. They provide information about the activities of the rescue station and eco-centre, the animals and plants of the region, birds of prey, Zázrivá, Malá Fatra National Park, the trees in the surrounding area, as well as nature conservation and tourism.

A longer hiking route leads from Zázrivá via Medzirozsutce to Veľký Rozsutec; its stated duration is 3 hours and 20 minutes. A 20 km cycling route also passes through the village: the Terchová–Zázrivá–Hoľa route runs through Zázrivá.

Winter and culture

The Kozinec ski centre in Zázrivá-Havrania has numerous runs that are more suitable for experienced skiers. Dolná Plešivá is a ski centre directly in Zázrivá.

Zázrivá's sights include wooden houses. The Church of the Virgin Mary in Zázrivá dates from 1928. The Zázrivské dni festival takes place at the end of July. The festival includes a cultural programme, Korbáčik-making competitions, farms, craftspeople, a fair with people in traditional costumes, and a procession.

Tradition and crafts

Zázrivský korbáčik is traditionally made almost exclusively by hand: curd cheese is steamed in hot water, pulled into strands, and then braided into a korbáčik. According to tradition, Zázrivský korbáčik has been made in Zázrivá since the second half of the 19th century.

At Salaš Zázrivá, visitors can see a demonstration of the traditional production of fresh and smoked sheep's cheese. Salaš Syrex can be visited year-round; visitors can pet the horses there.

Other places

Other destinations in the directory include Veličná, Dolný Kubín, Kraľovany, Oravský Podzámok, Vyšný Kubín, Párnica, Oravska Poruba and Srňacie.