The Greater Fatra Mountains belong to the most preserved mountain chains in Slovakia. From the north and east surrounded by Liptovska Basin, from the west by the Turiec Basin and from the south bordered by the headlands of Kremnic hills. The whole mountain chain has a high main ridge, which is divided into two crotches: Liptovská and Turčianska. The most beautiful viewing peaks are Rakytov, Krížna, Skalna Alpa, Lysec, Ostrá, Klak and Šiprúň.
This national park is also a significant representation of aborigine animal kingdom. So far, over 3 000 kinds of invertebrates have been identified in this area, most numerous of them: butterflies – 932 kinds, beetles – 717 kinds, doublewinged bugs – 509 kinds and 350 kinds of spiders.
The main characteristic features of this park are it´s wide meadows. The whole mountain chain has a high main ridge, which is divided into two crotches: Liptovská and Turčianska. In the main ridge we find Šturec, which separates two subassemblies: Zvolen to the east and Holná Fatra to the west.
In 1971 the territory was declared a protected landscape area (PLA), an area of 60 610ha. By a government regulation on March 6 2002 the PLA Greater Fatra, was re-categorized to a national park. The are more small-sized protected areas set up throughout the park. The oldest of them is the National Nature Resort called Harmanecká Tisina, established in 1949 primarily to protect the Tertiary relict yew plain, which has now reached a massive presence in the Greater Fatra NP in Central Europe.
Fatra stretches from Kraľovany and Ruzomberok in the north to Turčianske Teplice Banska Bystrica in the south. It is bounded by the municipalities: Kraľovany, Ruzomberok, Liptovská Osada, Liptovské Revúce, Stare Hory, Harmanec, Čremošné, Blatnica, Bela – Dulice, Sklabinský Podzámok, Turčianska Štiavnička, and Podhradie Krpeľany. In the north it is bordered by the River Vah, adjacent to the east of the Low Tatras, in the south-east with the old mountains of southwest Kremnické hills and in the west basin Turcianska (kotlina). The main ridge stretches in the direction of northeast – southwest. It starts with Krížna (1574 m), continues to the highest mountain peak Ostredok (1,592 m) below the Suchy vrch (dry top) (1550 m), Chyžky (1340 m), Ploska (Depressed) (1532 m). Here the ridge divides into two ridges, which separates the valley Ľubochnianky. The eastern branch continues through Liptov Cierny kamen (Black Stone) (1480 m), Rakytov (1567 m), Mala Smrekovica (1485 m) to Šiprúň (1461 m). Western Turčianska branch of Ploska (Depressed) continues through Sopron (1370 m), Maly Lysec (Little Lysec) (1298 m), Klak (1394 m) to the Vah.
The most important factor that influences the climate of Great Fatra, is the geographical position and relief. The result is great weather (temperature) variations on a small area. Fatra in the lower areas has a mild cold climate, and parts of the ridge have cool mountain climate. At longterm average, the coldest month is January In the area of Krížna, Ostredok and Smrekovica the temperature decreases to -7 ° C, the rest of area from -5 to -6 ° C. At the top of mountains the yearlong temperature is below the freezing point. The warmest month is July, when the temperature is about 12 ° C. The annual average rainfall precipitation is 1200-1400 mm. The richest month is July, when it rains from 150 to 175 mm. In winter the snow blanket reaches from 100 to 200 cm.Depending on altitude, the snow will keep up from 100 to 180 days a year.
Fauna & Flora
Thanks to the strong mountainous terrain in the Great Fatra diverse plant communities have been created. We find there many rare and protected species and several endemics. On calcareous rocks of Greater Fatra Mountain aster (Aster serpentimontanus), edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum), alpine Ranunculus (Ranunculus alpestris), horcokvet gentian (gentian Ciminalis), shiny pink (Dianthus nitidus), tiny bell (Campanula cochleariifolia), poniklec Slovak (Pulsatilla Slavica) are bounded.
In forests of Fatra endemic Fatra, cyclamen (Cyclamen fatranse), our most beautiful orchid Lady’s slipper orchid (Cypripedium calceolus), chvostník jedľovitý (Huperzia selago), kortúza Matthioliho (Cortusa matthioli), soldanelka Hungary (Soldanella Hungarica), Anemone forest (Anemone sylvestris) can be found.
The most beautiful decorations of the main ridge of mountains is the Lazerník sirokolisty (Laserpitium latifolium), veternica narcisokvetá (Anemone narcissiflora), Spis saffron (Crocus scepuensis), luskáčovitý gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea). Among the interesting remains of tertiary flora of the site are huge subjects Hedera helix (Hedera helix), which occurs on the ridge Prostredný Grun, on the walls above the Ostra nad Blatnickou dolinou and the Katova skala pri Sklabinskom Podzámku.
In Greater Fatra Mountains live around 3000 species of invertebrates. The most numerous are represented by butterflies, beetles, flies and spiders. In forests we can find Bystruška flatfish (Carabus Linnea), behúnika mountain (Trechus pulchellus), roháčika bean (Dorcus parallelopipedus), beetle bean (Leptura rubra), Rosalia longicorn (Rosalia alpina), Rosalia zemolezového (Gaurotes excelens), spruce Monochamus (Monochamus Sutor ) and many others.
The butterflies are most numerous, represented by incubus, Abraxas, Adonis ľadencový (Cupido argiades), clover Common Blue (Polyommatus bellargus), Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvae), Erebia medusa (Erebia medusa).
The most rare is jasoňa červenookého Apollo (Parnassius apollo). Vertebrate fauna of the Great Fatra is very well preserved and boasting one of the largest national parks. Great mountains stream belong to trout‘s area. They are, in particular, pstruh potočný (Salmo trutta fario morph) and hlaváč bullhead (Cottus sp). In the spring waters we can find mlok karpatský Carpathian newt (Triturus montandoni) and mlok vrchovský mountain newt (Triturus alpestris). There is abundant salamandra škvrnitá salamander (Salamandra salamandra), from frogs skokan hnedý (Rana temporaria), ropucha obyčajná ordinary toad (Bufo bufo), ropucha zelená Green Toad (Bufo viridis) and the rosnička zelená tree frog (Hyla arborea). The typical mountainous species from reptiles are vretenica obyčajná plain viper (Vipera berus) and jašterica živorodá lizard (Lacerta vivipara). The thermophilic snake species are užovka hladká smooth snake (Coronella austriaca). Abundant types of secondary and lower positions are jašterica obyčajná sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) and slepúch lámavý Slow-worm (Anguis fragilis). In the Great Fatra we can see the rare orol skalný golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), orol krikľavý Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina), sokol sťahovavý peregrine (Falco peregrinus) and the most abundant is myšiak hôrny Grouse Rough-legged (Buteo buteo). In this area live about all kinds of our owls, for example: výr skalný eagle owl (Bubo bubo), kuvičok vrabčí Eurasian pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum). The major species avifauna include all three types of our forest gallinaceous birds – hlucháň obyčajný grouse plain (Tetrao urogallus), tetrov obyčajný black bream (Lyrurus tetris), and jariabok hôrny Hazel Grouse (Tetrastes bonasia). Rare alpine type above the upper alpine forest is vrchárka červenkastá reddish (Prunelle collar). An interesting population of some larger rocky habitants is murárik červenokrídly wall-creeper (Tichodroma muraria) by its color, light and by movements looks more like a sweet bird. The most protected and best known of large mammals are medveď hnedý brown bear (Ursus arctos), vlk dravý wolf (Canis lupus) and rys ostrovid lynx (Lynx lynx). We can find small and rare earth mammals – myšovku vrchovskú Marmot (Sicista betulina) or endemic hrabáča tatranského (Pitymys tatricus) here. The amount of rocky crevices and caves of chalky areas make abundant presence of bats, for example: podkovár veľký large horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus Ferrum-equinum), a podkovár malý small horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros).
Slovakia is a country rich in folk customs and traditions which necessitated the development of folklore and cultural areas. Slovak customs and traditions vary regionally, although their basis and essence remain the same. Some of them have been preserved until today, but more respected in the countryside than in cities.
Folklore, as part of popular culture, including literary, musical, dramatic and dance acts.
SMREKOVICA. At the Greater Fatra massif we can find mainly nature reserves Skalná Alpa and Jánošíkova kolkaren bowling. There is also a military convalescence the highest placed of its type in Europe, and the eponymous mountain hotel, the highest in Slovakia. Altitude of the military convalescent hospital is 1360 meters.
VLKOLÍNEC.It is a colony registered by UNESCO since 1993. Currently there are about 30 inhabitants. Vlkolínec has dozens of interesting wooden frame houses built in an unique Liptov style, you can see the Rolnicky dom Peasant’s House, a historic wooden well, bell tower, a remarkable church, but also wonderful Vlkolinske luky meadows Vlkolinec.
Ludrová village is placed on the western border of the National Park Low Tatras and Greater Fatra. The first written records are from 1376. There are houses of former yeomans and the Roman Catholic church from the 18th century. The character of the village was changed especially after fires. It is a good place for outcomes in the surrounding mountains and hills Salatin, Ostro sharp, Sidorovo. Nearby is an Unesco memorial Vlkolínec and Likavka castle.
Harmanec Tunnel. An interesting area for travelling by train across The greater Fatra from Banska Bystrica to Diviaky. 35-kilometer long section of railway to the village Čremošné demonstrates a remarkable work of art with nature. There are 22 tunnels and the longest tunnel Harmanec Tunnel reaches the length of 4,698 m. wich is also known as Čremošniansky tunnel. It lies on the line Banska Bystrica – Dolna Lower Štubňa. It is the longest railway tunnel in Slovakia and was the longest in Czechoslovakia. It overcomes the highest point on a mountain saddle between Greater Fatra Mountains and Kremnica, links Harmanec and Čremošné.
The tunnel is monorailed and nonelectrified.
The main part of the Greater Fatra belongs to Vah river basin, only a small part of the streams drain to Bystrica and Starohorská potok to the Hron river. The main flow of the river Vah overflows in a deep mountain valley with its parts and separates the north part from the main part šípska, where the river Vah is already quite a huge river.
The river Bystrica collects its springs on the slopes of the Krizna Greater Fatra. It flows mostly to the southeast and in Banska Bystrica joins the river Hron. Catchment area measures 170 km2.
The Greater Fatra National Park has a natural monument Teplý Canyon Creek, which occupies Teplý creek canyon section of forest adjacent complexes and examples of karst topography, travertine and erosion forms river flow which length is about 180 m, width 20-40 m, depth 10-20 m. In the lower travertine waterfall is created, which results in marked trails.
Brankovský waterfall is a national natural monument launched in 1980. Rock Protection degree – Kurucka rock, through which falls 55 m high waterfall. This place is interesting in the winter, when the waterfall freezes and becomes an icefall. Rock level is formed between the middle Cretaceous rocks – limestone and gray shale slídovými. The natural body can not lack because it is a significant element of landscaping.
Waterfall v Zadkoch (also butts) has been developed in dolomite rocks in the central part of the Fatra. According to water level it changes course and shape. Its height varies between 3 and 4 m.
The most famous cave is Harmanecka cave, which is the only publicly accessible in this general area. Among the most famous caves, which are not accessible to the public include Mažarná cave, cave Jelenská, Túfna Lower, Upper and Túfna ice cave in Šípe.
Harmanecka cave is situated in the valley Harmanec to the northwest of Banska Bystrica, in the southern part of the Greater Fatra. The entrance is on the north side Kotolnice at an altitude of 821 m, 260 m above the bottom of the valley. The access to the Harmanecká cave is from the parking lot on state road Harmanec – Turčianske Teplice northwest of Banska Bystrica. At the entrance to the cave, the visitor reaches the serpentine path to elevation 260 m. Output takes approximately 40 minutes. To exit rout boards are installed educational path.
The most famous of small caves is the cave Mažarná (length 134 m). While i tis not available to the public, the input part is nearby the tourist path, so you can look at the top. Some smaller caves are not available to public at all, for example Padva in a nature reserve, there are no hiking trails.
Castle in Banska Bystrica is an urban type and consists of more objects. It is located in the heart of the city of Banska Bystrica. It is very easy to find near the main square Š.Moyzesa SNP.
Among those in the vicinity of the castle is undoubtedly the historic cemetery, located next to Matejová house. There are many buried historics fossiled.Juraj Janosik and national writers. The cemetery is an impressive view of the castle complex. Banska Bystrica is the starting point for hiking trails in the surrounding mountains like. Kremnica Hills, Greater Fatra, Low Tatras, Polana and others with various recreational and tourist facilities.
Velka Fatra Hotel is situated in the spa town of Rajecke Teplice. The procedures are taking place adjacent to a luxury spa Aphrodite, which is connected to the hotel. Velka Fatra Hotel is located in the pleasant atmosphere of a spa park, near the picturesque lake, in a quiet rock Sunny. It is ideal for less demanding clients and for families with small children.
Malina Hotel is located in the recreation center Malino Brdo in Greater Fatra mountains at an altitude of 960 m above the center of the lower Liptov – Ružomberok.
The hotel is situated in the ski resort Ski Park Ruzomberok – near the ski lifts with artificial snow.The hotel is suitable not only for recreation and family visits, but also for corporate and business meetings, presentations, social events and congress tourism. In addition we also offer free Internet access – Wi-fi free zone.
*** Oasis guest House restaurant is located in the spa town of Teplice Turčianske where treating kidney diseases, urinary tract, musculoskeletal, gynecological and nervous disorders. The temperature of the thermal hydrouhličitej sulphate-calcium-magnesium hypotonic water is 46.5 C º, approximately 150 meters from the hotel spa, where you can receive massages and various treatments.
Facilities in the summer:
In the summer there are two thermal pools (one is now reset). The thermal swimming pool, 50 meters from the hotel, sports complex is located in Litzezentrum. It is a complex rope of 80-10 meters above the ground. Visitors under the supervision of instructors waiting cleaning training, work with climbing equipment, climbing simulator, alpine lift, jump adrenaline Big swing, Tarzan leap, and various fun games and competitions. Greater Fatra, Kremnické hills and mountains of Lesser Fatra that surround the valley Turcianska, provide opportunities for hiking and biking.
Facilities in the winter:
Sports facilities in the winter ski resorts offer Čremošné – Bear Medvedia Valley (5 km) Krahule – Skalka (17 km), Snowland Valca (22 km) Jasenská Valley (24 km) and Martinske Hole (30 km).
Among the most famous valleys in the Great Fatra are Ľubochnianska Valley (longest), Gader Valley, Blatnická Valley, Belianska Valley, cantor Valley, Jasenska Valley, Necpalská Valley, Žarnovická Valley, Bystrická Valley, Nižné Matejkovo and Vysne Matejkovo.
Greater Fatra belongs to the favourite tourist destinations. There are many marked trails. For its character and beautiful views it is destined for overnight trips – the ridge. The starting points are: Mošovce, Blatnica, Jasenská Valley, Ľubochňa, Smrekovica Liptovská Osada, Liptovské Revúce, Old City, Turkey, Harmanec, Kralova studna Queen well, Chata pod hut under Borišovom.
Popular tourist routes
Chata pod Borišovom – Ploská – Kýšky – Suchý vrch – Ostredok – Krížna (4,5 hours), Vyšná Revúca – Suchá dolina – horáreň pod Tisovým – salaš pod Krížnou – Rybovské sedlo (2,5 hours), sedlo Šturec – vých. Prašnické sedlo – záp. Prašnické sedlo – Rybovské sedlo – Krížna (4,5 hours), Jelenec – Prašnica – vých. Prašnické sedlo – Suchá dolina – Vyšná Revúca (2,5 hours), Malý Šturec (Harmanecké sedlo) – horský hotel pod Kráľovou studňou – Krížna – Veľký Šturec (sedlo) – Zvolen – Donovaly (27 km, 12 hours), Ľubochňa – Kopa – Ľubochnianske sedlo (Vrchfatra) – Príslop – Kľak – Jarabiná – chata pod Borišovom – Ploská – Ostredok – Krížna (49 km, 20 hours), Vyšná Revúca – Magury – sedlo Ploskej – Ploská (2,5 hours), Vyšná Revúca – Zelená dolina – poľana Radovô – salaš pod chalet below Kýškami – Kýšky (2 hours)
SKI PARK Ruzomberok is situated in the beautiful Greater Fatra mountains at an altitude of 545-1209 m. It is located about 1 km from the center of the town of Ruzomberok a pleasant Hrabovska valley. Ski Park Ruzomberok is famous for its excellent geographical location, because Ružomberok road lies on the tourist Zilina – High Tatras. It is a popular resting place not only for domestic visitors but also for foreign tourists. This is one of the most centers in Slovakia, with a high standard of services, service programs and customer care.During the summer season you can utilize Ski Park Ruzomberok 8 – the local cable car to be exported directly to the Centre to Malino Brdo. Near Centre offers excellent opportunities to visit attractive destinations like the wooden village Vlkolínec (UNESCO), where you have the possibility to tour around Sidorova whether taste the crest of a shift towards Greater Fatra Smrekovica. For lovers of cycling in the vicinity of the center is a lot of interesting cycling.
Ski center Kasova. A big advantage of this center is that it has built snowmaking systems (cannon company Latemar). In this ski ceter there are different types of lifts (lifts to 3 200 m, 3 lifts of 200 m), together (without cable) give a capacity of 3,000 persons per hour. The transport capacity of the lift is 2400 persons per hour. Four-LIFT ENTERPRISE contributed significantly to the satisfaction of the skiers by reducing waiting times. It has a length of 647 m to 140 m elevation, the shipping time is 5.4 min. The whole ski area is highlighted.
Jasenská Valley ski resort is situated in the Turcianska Greater Fatra on the northern slopes of Lysec mountains. It offers seven lifts, a lift, seven ski trails and information center, snack bars, ski service, storage, ski-school, natural ice rink and horse-riding / the sledge /.
Spa house Velka Fatra, thanks to its high standard is one of the most visited residential facility in Turcianske Teplice. The hotel is situated directly on the spa colonnade. Velka Fatra hotel is completely renovated, and it may surprise room amenities such as modern furniture made on the peace. In the hotel Velka Fatra there is a thermal pool and balneotherapy can undergo the procedure too. Every room has a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.
Spa Rajecke Teplice have a very rich history going back to the 14th century. It is in a pleasant calming environment of the park, around a pond with fountains and a rock where the clients, customers and guests have comfortable accommodation in spa hotel facilities. Everything is within reach and close around the balneological center. Aphrodite Hotel directly in the Spa Cathedral is greeting the guests, not only in exceptional comfort rooms and suites, as well as stylish and versatile environment, treatment options, rehabilitation and relaxation in the thermal springs.Thermal springs acroterian type with the temperature of 38 ° C thermal water is used in balneology center in the Spa House Aphrodite in the treatment of inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the locomotor system, joints, spine, nervous diseases and occupational diseases. In a pleasant calming environment of the park, around the pond with fountains and stone creations clients and guests have a comfortable accommodation in a spa hotel facilities. Everything is within reach and close around the balneological center. In addition to four-star hotel accommodation is provided in 6 different categories of accommodation facilities which are situated near the spa house in the beautiful surroundings of the spa park, around a pond with fountains and stone creations.
Spa Turcianske Teplice – The first written mention of hot water (Aqua Calida) at today’s Turčianske Teplice is from 1281. The unique thermal water in swimming pools and spa bath springs from the mountain of Greater Fatra and Kremnické Hills. The second drill holes on the surface of the seven strands 30 l sulphate-hydro carbonate calcium-magnesium hypotonic water containing more than 1500 mg of dissolved minerals in a litri.Freely mineralized thermal water of Turcianske spa has proven therapeutic effect on diseases of the locomotive system, urologic, gynecological and neurological disease. High content of calcium, magnesium and fluoride is used for drinking cures to prevent osteoporosis and several types of kidney stones, anti-bilious and intestinal difficulties. The temperature of thermal water springs ranges from 38 °C to 47 °C. At the spa a team of experienced practitioners is working – experts with core specialization in several fields of medical (internist, orthopedic, rheumatologist, urologist) and other superstructure of physiotherapy, balneology and rehabilitation (FBLR). They will assist you, which procedures are appropriate to treat your health problems that prevent them from occurring with respect to your current health status.