Žiar – Žiarska Valley, mountain trails and Dolinky

Žiar combines a clearly defined natural area with trails of widely varying difficulty. In the Žiarska Valley, which is part of the High Tatras National Park, an asphalt valley route, marked hiking trails, forest roads for mountain bikes and challenging alpine tours converge. This makes it possible to get to know the area through either a manageable hike or longer mountain destinations.

Hiking between valley paths and alpine routes

A blue-marked hiking trail runs through the Žiarska Valley, with a stated walking time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. A six-kilometre asphalt road runs through the valley and ends at the Žiarska chata mountain hut. The hut is located at an altitude of 1,325 metres above sea level and is the only high-altitude mountain hut in the Western Tatras. It provides visitors with accommodation and catering services. Those looking for a more challenging mountain tour will find a starting point in the Žiarska Valley for high-mountain hikes in the Žiarska, Veľká and Bobrovecká valleys, as well as to the peaks of the Roháče, Baníkov and Baranec. The route to Baranec is designated as a difficult alpine circular hike: it is 17.4 kilometres long and has a stated duration of 7.5 hours. A very difficult alpine hike leads to Baníkov over 19.1 kilometres, with 1,252 metres of elevation gain and a stated duration of 6 hours and 45 minutes. The Baranec route is therefore shorter, while the Baníkov tour is classified as very difficult and includes 1,252 metres of elevation gain. For an easier outing with children or without alpine ambitions, the “Walkerským krokom k diviačej zvernici” route is a good option. It starts on an easily accessible dirt road behind the houses of Žiar and is suitable for beginners and families with children. The Žiarska Valley educational trail complements the nature experience with five stops and fifteen thematic areas. Mountain biking is also possible on the forest roads of the Žiarska Valley.

Winter, waterfall and regional history

At the edge of the municipality of Žiar lies the Žiar-Dolinky Ski Centre at the foot of the southern slopes of the Western Tatras. The Dolinky Ski Centre has two ski lifts and two runs, one of which is covered with artificial snow. An illuminated run also enables evening skiing, and there is a ski school as well. The Šarafiový Waterfall in the Žiarska Valley is part of the landscape. The cascade system is approximately 20 metres high, with the highest tier reaching around 3.5 metres. In terms of cultural history, the history of Žiar dates back to cleared land at the end of the 13th or beginning of the 14th century. Traditional activities of the inhabitants included catching wolves with special nets. Salaš Žiar draws on the pastoral tradition with folk dishes and traditional sheep-milk products.

Mining and practical orientation

The Medvedia štôlňa – Sv. Barborka is the only accessible historic mining site in the Liptov region. Visitors receive a headlamp before entering; special clothing or footwear is not required. From the Žiar, Žiarska dolina bus stop, which can be reached by bus from Liptovský Mikuláš, it is approximately a 20-minute walk to the Medvedia štôlňa. A paid car park in the Žiarska Valley is located approximately 500 metres from the mine. There is also a paid car park at the beginning of the Žiarska Valley. Another memorial site is the Symbolic Cemetery for the Victims of the Western Tatras. It was created by mountain rescue service employees in response to mountain accidents. If you would like to compare other places in the Slovakia overview, you can also find Hybe, Gotovany, Huty, Závažná Poruba, Liptovské Kľačany, Pribylina, Veľké Borové and Liptovské Matiašovce.

For the higher-level travel overview: Liptovský Mikuláš District.