Veľké Borové – Gorges, Observation Tower and Church Art

Veľké Borové combines unusual natural formations, short hiking experiences and notable examples of religious and rural culture. Particularly distinctive is a natural grass basin formed by erosion at the entrance to the Prosiecka Valley from Veľké Borové. During spring rains and snowmelt, it can fill with water almost to the rim and empty again within 15 to 20 minutes. This short-lived landscape feature makes the valley entrance a place where the effects of water can be observed directly.

Landscape and Views around Veľké Borové

A prominent destination is the Súšava observation tower. Behind its traditional appearance lies a rebuilt transformer station designed in the style of traditional folk architecture. The circular route to the tower is classified as an easy hike. It is 3.1 km long and includes 160 m of ascent and 160 m of descent; the stated duration is 1.05 hours. This makes the observation point a clearly defined tour, without conflating the route details with a general assessment of the terrain as a whole.

From the gallery of the Súšava observation tower, there are views of the Roháče, Skorušinské vrchy, Chočské vrchy and Oravská pahorkatina mountain ranges. The Ráztocký Waterfall offers a different landscape feature: it plunges about eight metres into a rocky gorge and is accessible from Veľké Borové. The approximate height refers to the waterfall itself, not to a hiking route or an elevation difference in the surrounding area.

Educational Trail through Prosiecka and Kvačianska

At the southern end of Veľké Borové, the educational trail through the Prosiecka and Kvačianska valleys begins. The trail comprises 12 stations with information boards covering geographical, biological and historical topics. It therefore combines different fields of knowledge rather than focusing solely on landscape descriptions. In the nearby Kvačianska Gorge, the watermills of Oblazy form part of this educational trail. In the nearby settlement of Oblazy, the so-called “brunčiakovská” Lower Watermill was built by the municipality of Veľké Borové. The reconstructed saw can also be viewed inside the Lower Watermill.

Church and Local History

There are also points of cultural and historical interest in the village itself. The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (“Kostol Povýšenia sv. Kríža”) is a Classicist building dating from 1823 and was erected on the site of an older wooden religious structure. Its interior contains wall paintings from the 1940s, including “Oplakávanie Krista” and depictions of the four Evangelists. These are complemented by a late Baroque altar of the Holy Family from the first half of the 18th century and a baptismal font from the end of the 18th century. The condition of the church is considered good; it continues to serve its religious purpose.

A small Classicist building from the 19th century complements this picture. It contains statues of Saint John the Baptist and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Those choosing the educational trail through the two valleys will also find a local restaurant in Veľké Borové offering refreshments.

Other Local Pages

For further orientation, you can also view Jamník (Jamník), Kralova Lehota (Kralova Lehota), Liptovsky Jan (Liptovsky Jan), Nižná Boca (Nižná Boca), Pavlova Ves (Pavlova Ves), Liptovské Matiašovce (Liptovské Matiašovce), Liptovské Kľačany (Liptovské Kľačany) and Žiar (Žiar).

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