A Cozy Log Cabin Getaway in the Slovak Tatras with Sauna, Tub, and Stunning Mountain Views


Planning a family getaway in Slovakia, we set our sights on the breathtaking Liptov region known for its natural beauty, mountain views, and outdoor activities. With a family of 11 of us traveling together, we needed a spacious place to comfortably accommodate a large group without compromising comfort or charm. While browsing a local accommodation website, we discovered Zrub Koreň, a stunning wooden cabin in the quiet recreational area of “Tri Vody“, near the village of Pribylina. Set close to popular hiking trails and just a short waddle from the open-air Liptov Village Museum, it is the perfect base for a relaxing and adventure-filled stay in the heart of the Tatras.
The area where Zrub Koreň now stands has a surprisingly unique origin story. Once a neglected landfill site, this land has transformed into a peaceful recreational zone called Tri Vody. Thanks to local revitalization efforts, what was once an eyesore is now a charming neighborhood of log chalets surrounded by nature. The cabin sits just a few meters from a cold, crystal-clear mountain river—Račkov Potok—whose refreshing waters originate high in the Western Tatras. This river adds to the serene atmosphere and is a popular spot for cooling off after hikes or the sauna. Interestingly, the name “Tri Vody” (Three Waters) comes from the confluence of three mountain streams, symbolizing the region’s deep connection to nature and renewal.
Location and Accessibility
📍 Adress: Račková dolina 537, 032 42 Pribylina
Zrub Koreň is easily reachable by car and sits in the Tri Vody recreational area near the village of Pribylina, accessible via road 537 that connects the towns of Liptovský Hrádok and Podbanské. If you’re coming from Bratislava, the journey takes about 3.5 hours. You’ll take the D1 motorway northeast towards Žilina and Liptovský Mikuláš, then exit at Liptovský Hrádok. From there, follow the signs toward Pribylina and continue on road 537. After passing through Pribylina, turn left onto the Račková dolina road, which leads directly into the Tri Vody area.
If you’re arriving from Košice, expect a drive of around 2.5 to 3 hours. Take the R4/D1 motorway west toward Poprad, then continue on the D1 to Liptovský Hrádok. As with the route from Bratislava, follow road 537 toward Pribylina and then take the Račková dolina turnoff to reach the cabin. There is free parking available right at the property. The scenic drive, especially along road 537 with views of the Tatras mountains, is part of the experience and sets the tone for a peaceful, nature-filled getaway.
If you are using public transport, regular buses run to Pribylina from nearby towns such as Liptovský Mikuláš and Liptovský Hrádok, which are both connected to major railway lines. From the Pribylina bus stop, Tri Vody is about a 30-–40 minute waddle or a quick taxi ride. This makes the location accessible even for those without a car. With the Račková Valley hiking trails starting nearby and the Open-Air Museum of Liptov Village minutes away, Zrub Koreň sits in a spot that is convenient for both relaxation and adventure.






Zrub Koreň Surroundings
- Račková dolina (Račkova Valley). A scenic hiking area just minutes from the cabin, with trails leading into the Western Tatras. Took the waddle, and it was beautiful, though beware of the bears.
- Western and High Tatras. Breathtaking mountain views and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and cycling.
- Račkov Potok. A cold, crystal-clear mountain stream flowing next to the property, perfect for cooling off or enjoying nature sounds.
- Pribylina village. The nearest settlement with basic amenities and bus connections to Liptovský Mikuláš and Liptovský Hrádok.
- Museum of Liptov Village (Open-Air Museum). We loved it. It’s a cultural attraction showcasing traditional Slovak rural life with preserved wooden homes and barns.
- Ski Podbanské. A small ski resort suitable for families and beginners is just a short drive away.
- Cycling and cross-country skiing trails. Available in nearby Kokava and surrounding forests.
- Peaceful forest surroundings. Ideal for waddles, wildlife spotting, or morning coffee on the terrace with a view.
- Outdoor leisure area. It includes a grill, fire pit, children’s playground directly at the cabin for family fun, and a sauna and tub.
- Local farm shop. Sells incredibly fresh cheese and dairy products straight from surrounding farms. We ended up leaving quite a bit of money there, buying almost every cheese they had (no regrets 😄)!
Check-In Experience
The check-in experience at was smooth and welcoming. While it’s common for the key to be left out for guests, similar to how many Airbnb stays work, the owner was there in person to greet us this time. She was very friendly and took the time to show us around the cabin, explaining where everything was, how to use the appliances, and how to turn things on and off. It made settling in easy and gave the stay a more personal touch. Overall, it was a very nice and efficient start to our getaway weekend.
Rooms and Amenities
The sleeping area at Zrub Koreň is thoughtfully designed to accommodate larger groups while ensuring comfort and privacy. The cabin has a total capacity of 17 guests, divided across four cozy bedrooms: one triple room, one quadruple room, and two five-bed rooms. Each room is furnished with handcrafted wooden beds and high-quality mattresses, which we found to be just the right level of firmness for a good night’s sleep. You’ll find a mix of double beds and single beds, making it easy to arrange sleeping options for families or friends. One of the best features is that each bedroom has its own private bathroom with a shower and toilet, which adds a lot of convenience, especially for groups. An additional separate toilet is also available in the cabin for shared use.
If you’re particular about your sleep setup, we recommend bringing your own pillow. The ones provided were a bit unusual, thin, and not firm at all. We could not even fold them to make them a little higher. While not a dealbreaker, it’s a small tip that could make your stay even more restful.













Each bathroom is spacious, featuring a toilet, a shower, and a sink. The design is minimalistic and efficient, providing everything you need without clutter. While towels are provided, we recommend bringing some more toilet paper, depending on the length of your stay, as supplies can be limited. Additionally, no toiletries like shower gel or shampoo are available in the bathrooms, which is quite common in chalets of this type, but it’s worth noting so you can come prepared.
Facilities and Activities
The Common Area
The common area downstairs is designed with luxurious wooden furniture that fills the space with the warm scent of fresh wood and newness. The open-plan layout elegantly combines the dining area, a cozy living room, and a stylish kitchen. You’ll also find a large solid wood dining table, a sleek leather sofa set, and a television, making it the perfect space for relaxing or gathering with family and friends. The cabin is thoughtfully equipped for families with little ones, too. There are toys ready to keep children entertained, and if you’re visiting with a baby, the hosts are happy to provide a crib and a high chair upon request.








Downstairs, there is also a separate toilet and an additional room, perfect for anyone who might prefer to avoid climbing the wooden stairs to the sleeping area. This extra space adds practical flexibility to the layout. We had a small issue figuring out how to find some TV channels, but honestly, we weren’t there to watch much TV anyway. What truly stood out were the stunning floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light and offer breathtaking views outside, almost like watching nature’s show.
There is no WiFi available at Zrub Koreň, which was inconvenient, especially for those who like to stay connected or need to work remotely. While the cabin’s location encourages unplugging and enjoying nature, it’s something to keep in mind if internet access is important during your stay.





The wooden kitchen has modern appliances, including an electric oven, induction cooktop, chimney hood, microwave, kettle, dishwasher, and a freestanding fridge-freezer. This setup makes cooking and cleaning convenient, whether preparing a quick meal or a full family dinner. However, we did notice a few small things missing that would have made the kitchen even more practical: a water jug for easy access to drinking water and a broom to sweep up any dirt or crumbs. A small vacuum cleaner was available, but it was only helpful for picking up tiny bits that fell on the floor. Also, a coffee machine was noticeably absent, which would have been a nice addition for coffee lovers.
The Outdoor Area
The outdoor area of Zrub Koreň is just as inviting as the inside. There’s a spacious terrace outside the cabin, perfect for relaxing, with two sunbeds available for soaking up the sun or enjoying a quiet afternoon nap. The space is well equipped for outdoor cooking and gathering, featuring a fire pit, grill, goulash pot, and even a wood-fired hot tub (which requires advance preparation and heating). Families with children will appreciate the small playground with swings and toys, making it a great place for kids to play while adults unwind. It’s a comfortable, multifunctional outdoor space that encourages both relaxation a

















The cabin also offers a private sauna, which was one of the highlights of our stay. After warming up in the cozy wooden sauna, we cooled off by taking a dip in the cold mountain stream beside the chalet, a refreshing and exhilarating experience. Sauna sheets were provided, but they were quite small, like cut-in-half towels, so they didn’t fully wrap around the body. As a result, you either had to wear a swimsuit or go in naked, depending on your preference. It’s a small detail to keep in mind if you plan to use the sauna frequently.









Value for Money
At a rate of €350 per night for the entire cabin (with a minimum stay of 2 nights) and €400 per night during the winter season, Zrub Koreň falls into the higher price range for the Liptov region. However, considering the cabin’s size, comfort, private bathrooms for each room, full amenities, and thoughtful family-friendly features, the price is justifiable, especially if split between a larger group. While it’s not the most budget-friendly option, it offers a solid value-for-money ratio for travelers seeking a well-equipped, clean, and spacious accommodation near the Tatras. The premium feel is affected by the lack of WiFi, non-secluded location, and a few missing conveniences (like a coffee machine). Still, it’s a worthwhile investment for groups prioritizing space, comfort, and an excellent base for exploring Liptov.



Verdict
★★★☆☆
Overall, Zrub Koreň is a beautiful, spacious, and clean mountain chalet that comfortably accommodates large groups and families. The interior is thoughtfully furnished, and the combination of private bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a cozy common area makes it a convenient choice. However, the location isn’t completely ideal as it sits right next to road 537, which makes crossing to reach the Open-Air Museum or nearby hiking trails a bit tricky, especially with kids. Since it’s in a recreational area with several other cabins, it lacks that secluded, “middle-of-nature” feeling some travelers might be looking for. From a design perspective, the hot tub felt oddly placed; positioning closer to the cabin would be ideal, while the sauna might have been better located closer to the river for a more natural cooling-off flow. Still, the setting, amenities, and comfort level make it an excellent base for exploring the Liptov region, just don’t expect complete wilderness or total silence.
Pros
+ Each room has a private bathroom
+ Child-friendly amenities
+ Nice outdoor area
+ Sauna (though for an extra charge)
+ Clean and tidy
+ Great natural light
+ Pets allowed for extra cost
+ Close to attractions
Cons
– No WiFi
– Pillows were uncomfortable
– Missing some small essentials
– Location next to the main road (537)
– Lacks seclusion
– Awkward hot tub placement
– Sauna sheets are too small
All Ratings
Category | Rating |
Location and Accessibility | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
Cleanliness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |
Amenities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Check-In/Check-Out | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
WiFi and Connectivity | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Overall Experience | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ |

1 thought on “Zrub Koreň Review– An Elegant Wooden Retreat in the Heart of the Tatras”
Comments are closed.