One could hike Terchová forever and always find something new and beautiful. I already hiked part of Janošik’s Holes (read more here) and this time we went for the whole route. I realized only after the past experience that choosing to go to Little Fatra and not to overcome the Upper Janošík’s Holes as well is a mistake that you would later regret. My tip, if there waddle through it all.
Our waddle:
- Waddle duration: 5 hours
- Distance: 11 km (6.80 miles)
- Route: Blue&red&Green
- Map: link
- Things to see: Janošík´s Lower and Upper Holes, Little Rozsutec, Great Rozsutec, Saddle Medzirosutce
Starting early morning meant not as many people were there yet. Going later means you can get stuck on one of the ladders, due to the number of people and even rows of people are in the Holes.
We had it pretty empty as first, we went early, and secondly, it was a Friday. However, it helps to go early in the morning.
The morning sun gives also a nice view you can not see later.
Accessibility
We started our waddling route at the parking lot at Biely Potok. The most comfortable way is to come by car and just park there. It is paid parking and costs 5 € (almost 6 $) for the whole day.
Note, there is a parking machine where if you want to pay prepare coins for it. We did not have any, but thankfully there was a guy taking care of the parking and he sold us a parking card.
The bus is the second option you have. the closest bigger city is Žilina, from where regular busses go to Terchová. Žilina is about 20 km (12.4 miles) away from Terchová. You can catch a bus about every hour or so. It would be the bus stops Žilina,AS to Terchová,,B.Potok. There is a bus stop near where we parked so you don’t have to waddle from Terchová, which is 2.7 km (1.6 miles). Not that far, but you better save the energy for the actual hike.
As you can see there are many bus stops on the way (red arrows).
The Waddle
The trail through the Holes is not difficult, but you should wear proper clothing and especially shoes, as it can get a little slippery due to the waterfalls. Be prepared.
Starting your waddle you will come into the system of gorges and canyons which are all situated in Rozsutec National Natural Reserve. There are ladders, bridges and information tables all along the trail.
The entire trail has three sections.
- You start to walk through so-called Lower Holes (Dolné diery) where you can encounter two waterfalls and bizarre rock formations.
- After a while, you will reach a crossroad and from there you can go to New Holes (Nove Diery, the yellow tourist trail). There are four up to two meters tall waterfalls. The name New Holes was given due to the fact that the waterfalls were opened as the last to the public.
- When continuing straight on (along the blue tourist trail) you get to the most beautiful area between Great and Little Rozsutec. This place is also called Upper Holes (Horne Diery). Here you will encounter nine waterfalls, ladders, footbridges, and chains along the rocks.
Let me remind you that the narrows are bearing the name of the Slovak national hero – a robber who supposedly took from the rich and gave to the poor – Juraj Janosik (born 1688- hanged 1713. More about the hero you can read here link.
The Lower Holes
The Lower Holes are marked by an educational trail. There are two waterfalls with a height of 1 m (3.2 feet) and 3.5 m (about 11 feet), which are part of the Dierový potok. The route is also suitable for families with children.
Podžiar shed
The Lower Holes end in Podžiar shed, where you can find a buffet in a small wooden cottage. Here you can refresh yourself and sit for a while on the benches or in the meadow by the water. You can even buy some souvenirs or stroke the sheep there. It is a very nice resting place and a crossroad, where you can decide where to go next – you can continue to the Upper Holes or take the yellow route to the village Štefanová.
The Upper Holes
The road leading through the Upper Holes is considered the most beautiful and interesting part of this canyon system. It leads through the cliffs over the metal bridges and ladders across the river. As mentioned, have good shoes on as the splashing water causes the footbridges and ladders to be slippery. Be careful when climbing them.
This part I would recommend for adults and more experienced hikers.
Keep in mind that the road to Upper Holes is a one-way only and for the descent back to Terchová you need to choose the green route.
However, if you want to extend your waddle, you can continue to the Medzirozsutce Saddle and climb one of the two hills – Greater Rozsutec or Little Rozsutec, which we also choose.
In case you are considering to visit the Upper Holes during winter, note that they are closed, due to safety reasons.
Medzirozsutce Saddle
The name literally means Between Rozsutecs and it divides the Little and Great Rozsutec and it is a crossroad, where you decide on your next goal. Either one of the two hills or just waddle back down.
The saddle is very beautiful and we took a break there to enjoy it fully.
More about the saddle and climb of the Little Rozsutec read here link.
