Makov – Landscape, Trails and Winter Experiences

Makov features a hilly to mountainous landscape where nature, trails, winter sports and regional history are closely interconnected. For your travel planning, the town offers several clearly distinct experiences: you can choose an MTB route with a measurable elevation difference, follow an educational trail to the Kysuca, visit historical sites or make use of the facilities at Ski Makov.

Landscape in the Javorníky Mountains

The landscape around Makov ranges from hilly to mountainous. The highest point is identified as Veľký Javorník at 1,070 m. The Veľký Javorník National Nature Reserve is located in the cadastral area of Makov in the Javorníky Mountains at an elevation of 1,071 m.

Makov is part of the CHKO Kysuce Protected Landscape Area because of its preserved natural forest stands as well as its landscape and aesthetic values. Another natural monument is the U Papaji elm. It is considered the oldest and most powerful field elm in Central Europe and is almost 500 years old. Thus, the natural history of the area ranges from protected forest landscapes to a single particularly old tree.

Hiking, Cycling and Winter Activities

For mountain bikers, the Makov Centrum–Bumbálka route is designated with a length of 9 km and an elevation difference of 450 m. It is described as a green route for MTB bicycles. Those looking for a shorter hike with a specific natural theme will find the “Ku prameňu Kysuce” educational trail. The easy hike, characterized by a steeper ascent, is 3 km long and includes a total elevation gain of 194 m.

The source of the Kysuca River is not accessible to visitors. The “Ku prameňu Kysuce” educational trail, however, leads to a prepared spring of the Kysuca. There is a rest area and four information panels at this spring.

In winter, Ski Makov offers ski and snowboard rental, ski servicing, and a ski school and ski kindergarten for beginners. The facilities include five easy to moderately difficult downhill runs at elevations of 660 to 948 m, with a total length of 6,000 m. Another route in the mountains is the “Beskydsko-javornícka magistrála”, a 12 km-long ridge route along the border in the Javorníky Mountains. Travel to Melocík is possible by bus from Makov–Ústredie or from the Bytča bus station; this information does not include specific timetables.

History and Local Culture

The classicist Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (“Kostol sv. Petra a Pavla”) in Makov was built in 1803. The “PORAZISKO” information panel focuses on a different historical subject. It covers the local history in connection with the largest anti-Habsburg uprising in the former Kingdom of Hungary and the burial of fallen Kuruc soldiers at this site. In this way, cultural history complements the natural and active attractions with a specific look at Makov’s past.

Other Places for Orientation

You can find further destinations in the selection of places at Korňa, Klubina, Krasno Nad Kysucou, Zborov Nad Bystricou, Vysoká Nad Kysucou, Skalite, Rakova and Turzovka.

For the higher-level travel overview: Čadca.

More Travel Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Vysoká Nad Kysucou, Skalite, Rakova, Turzovka.