Hiking Jánošík’s Lower Holes in Malá Fatra National Park

Slovakia is packed with beautiful national parks, and Malá Fatra is one of those places that instantly reminds you why. With more than 280 km of hiking and cycling trails, it’s the kind of area where one visit is never enough. This trip was extra special for us because it was our very first time exploring Jánošík’s Holes, something we’d wanted to do for a long time.

We only had one night, but it was still totally worth the stop. We stayed in the small village of Štefanová, tucked right under Veľký Rozsutec. The village is full of traditional wooden houses and cottages, many of which are now cozy guesthouses. Since our time was limited, we kept things realistic and decided to hike only the Lower Holes. And honestly? It felt like the perfect introduction. Sometimes a short waddle is all you need to fall in love with a place and start planning your return.

How to Get to Štefanová (Our Starting Point)

Štefanová was both our base and the starting point of the hike, which made everything wonderfully simple. We were staying directly in the village at Penzion Stárek, and from there we could head straight out on foot and start our waddle without any extra transfers or planning.

Coming here by car is definitely one of the best and most convenient options. We parked directly in the small parking space provided by our accommodation, which was perfect.

If you’re visiting just for the day, there’s also ample parking available before entering the village, so finding a spot shouldn’t be an issue. Štefanová is small, so everything is within easy walking distance once you arrive.

That said, public transport is also possible. While we didn’t use it ourselves, we did see a bus entering the village, which means Štefanová is connected by regional buses, usually running from nearby towns such as Terchová or Žilina. From the village centre or bus stop, you can start the hike right away, making Štefanová a convenient base whether you arrive by car or bus.

Jánošík’s Upper Holes: A Gorge Hike in Malá Fatra National Park

Waddling Jánošík’s Lower Holes

First things first. It’s good to know that the entire trail has three distinct sections, each offering a slightly different experience and scenery.

• You begin in the Lower Holes (Dolné diery), where the path leads through narrow rock passages shaped by water over thousands of years. Here, you will encounter two waterfalls along with striking rock formations that set the tone for the hike.
• After a while, you reach a crossroads. From here, you can turn onto the New Holes (Nové diery), marked by the yellow tourist trail. This section features four waterfalls, each up to two metres high. The name “New Holes” comes from the fact that this part of the gorge was the last to be opened to the public.
• Continuing straight ahead on the blue tourist trail takes you into the most dramatic and scenic part of the hike, the Upper Holes (Horné diery). Located between Great Rozsutec and Little Rozsutec, this section is the highlight of the entire route. Here, you will pass nine waterfalls, climb multiple ladders, cross footbridges, and use chains fixed to the rock, making it the most adventurous and rewarding part of Jánošík’s Holes.

Juraj Jánošík Statue in Terchová, Slovakia

Each section of Jánošík’s Holes has its own character. The gorges are accessible via ladders and footbridges, leading you past waterfalls and through areas rich in abundant, sometimes rare flora, making the hike both adventurous and scenic.

The most beautiful parts of both the Lower and Upper Holes are accessible via an educational trail that begins in Štefanová. Our waddle started right in the village, and before joining the main tourist route, the path first led us through a quiet forest section, a gentle and peaceful introduction before the gorges slowly revealed themselves.

After waddling through the quiet, beautiful forest, we stepped out into a wide open meadow. We were lucky with the weather, a perfect hiking day, which also meant we met quite a few fellow hikers along the way. The atmosphere felt lively but still relaxed, exactly what you hope for on a popular trail.

Continuing on, the path led us to another meadow, this one with a very welcome bonus: Salaš pod Poludňovou Skalou. Here you can buy a small snack, grab a drink, and chill for a while before continuing the hike. It’s a great place to take a break, enjoy the surroundings, and gather some energy before heading deeper into Jánošík’s Holes.

This was the last meadow we passed through before the route pulled us back into the forest again, straight into what felt like a true Slovak jungle. The open space quickly disappeared behind us, replaced by dense trees, deeper shade, and that quiet, slightly wild atmosphere that signals the real adventure is about to begin.

The Lower Jánošík’s Holes (Dolné diery) are often seen as the gentler introduction to the whole gorge system, but they are far from boring. This section was shaped over thousands of years by water cutting through limestone, creating narrow passages, smooth rock walls, and small waterfalls that feel almost hidden until you’re right next to them. What makes the Lower Holes especially interesting is that they combine easy accessibility with wild scenery, making them one of the few places in Malá Fatra where you can experience ladders, bridges, and gorges without committing to a demanding hike. It’s also an area rich in plant life, thanks to the constant moisture, which gives the trail a fresh, green feel even during warmer months.

In the end, we made our way back, passing through the meadows once again before returning to Štefanová, where a delicious and well-deserved dinner was waiting for us, the perfect way to finish the waddle.

Best Time to Visit Jánošík’s Lower Holes

The best time to visit Jánošík’s Lower Holes (Dolné diery) is from late spring to early autumn, when the trail is fully accessible, and the waterfalls are at their best. Spring brings fresh greenery and higher water levels, making the gorges feel especially alive, while summer offers comfortable hiking conditions thanks to the shade provided by the narrow canyon walls.

Autumn is another great option, with fewer crowds and beautiful colours surrounding the forest sections, even though the gorges themselves stay lush and green. Early mornings are ideal if you want a quieter experience, as this route is popular. Winter is not recommended, as ice and snow can make the ladders and bridges slippery and unsafe.

Hiking Tips for Jánošík’s Lower Holes

• • Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, as ladders, bridges, and rocks can be slippery.
  • Start early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Bring water and light snacks, even though there are refreshment stops nearby.
  • This route is family-friendly, but children should be supervised on ladders and narrow sections.
  • Avoid hiking after heavy rain, when water levels rise, and paths become more slippery.
  • Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile gorge environment.
  • Take your time and enjoy the scenery; the Lower Holes are about experience, not speed.

Combine Jánošík’s Lower Holes With Other Hikes and Sights

Jánošík’s Lower Holes work perfectly as part of a longer day in Malá Fatra, or even as the starting point for a multi-hike adventure. If you have more time and energy, you can continue into the Upper Holes, where the trail becomes more demanding and adventurous with ladders, bridges, and narrow gorges. From there, many hikers head up to Medzirozsutce Saddle, a natural crossroads between the peaks, and continue on to Malý Rozsutec for a rewarding summit and panoramic views.

If you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, you can balance the hike with a walk through Terchová village, where traditional architecture, local restaurants, and folk culture offer a slower pace after the gorges. Combining these routes lets you experience Malá Fatra from multiple angles, from wild canyon paths to open mountain views and village life, all in one trip.

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Jánošík’s Lower Holes turned out to be the perfect first taste of Malá Fatra. Easy enough to enjoy without rushing, yet wild and scenic enough to feel like a real adventure, this short waddle showed us why these gorges are so loved. It’s the kind of hike that leaves you satisfied, a little tired, and already thinking about when you’ll come back for more.

Pack your bags and waddle on!

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