Žilina region

Village Bešeňová is a nationwide popular locality due to its thermal baths. Very interesting natural formations are also Bešeňovské travertines. In addition, there can be found Renaissance and Baroque mansion in Bešeňová, built in the 17th century.

Budiš village is famous for its mineral springs and mineral water production. In addition, tourists can visit the expositions of original folk architecture.

Čadca is administrative center of Kysuce area. This city was founded in the 16th century during the Wallachian colonization. The most famous sights of the city include the Church of St. Bartholomej, built in Baroque style. Čadca and vicinity offers a lot of possibilieties for skiing and hiking. Other attractions include Vojtovský spring, also known as Slaný spring as a result of specific mineralization and methane salty taste.

Sklabiňa castle is now a ruin. It was built in the 13th century. Turiec governord resided here for a long time, from which inherited the castle in the 16 century the Révay family line. This family built Renaissance mansion near the castle. During World War II, the castle was burned out.

Čičmany located at the border of Strážovské vrchy and Lúčanská Malá Fatra mountains is famous for its painted wooden settlements. There are 140 folk architecture objects with famous patterns of white colour located in this village. In addition, above the village a ski resort can be found.

Dolný Kubín is an important administrative center of Orava, which was from 17th century Orava county seat. The history of this city and its surroundings is linked to the major slovak writers. In Vyšný Kubín was born P. O. Hviezdoslav and in Jasenová M. Kukučín. Dolný Kubín is popular for its ski resorts Kubínska Hoľa and Kuzmínovo.

The village Korňa has a hamlet character and is popular through Korniansky oil well.

Kunerád is currently used as a medical institution. It was built in 1916. It is situatef in the Lúčanská Mala Fatra mountains area.

This city is the administrative center of the lower Kysuce. It is a historic city, which history began in the mid-13th century. In the center of the town interesting old city houses can be found. In the near Radoľa Renaissance palace of 16 century is located, where the exhibition of Kysucké museum is situated.

This castle was built in the 13th century as a royal castle and the center of the region. It's a fairly large castle located near Žilina. In the 16th century it was rebuilt by Thurzo family line. Later they left the castle, and settled in Bytča manor. This castle has deteriorated since that time.

Liptovská Mara is one of the largest dams in Slovakia. It is a popular holiday destination. The main vacation center is located in the village of Liptovský Trnovec. Popular object of Liptovská Mara dam is beautifil church belfry of the same-named village that was flooded. The bell tower is located near the Museum Havránok, presenting settlement of Liptov by Celts.

Liptovský Mikuláš is the largest city of Liptov area. The main historical monuments include the Church of St. Nicholas and Župný dom building. Both are located on the Námestie osloboditeľov square. In Illesházy Mansion Museum of Janko Kráľ can be visited. In 1713 there was reportedly convicted here robber and national hero Juraj Jánošík. In addition to the popular whitewater slalom, one of the main attractions of this city is Aquapark Tatralandia. The aquapark is one of the most famous in Slovakia.

Lúčky is well known spa where women are treated with particular diseases. The attractions include Lúčanský waterfall, formed by travertine. It is also the starting point to Veľký Choč ascent.

Martin is located in the northern part of  Turiec area and is an important city in terms of the history of the Slovak nation. In addition, it is the place where the Slovak Matica resides and where in 1861 was signed the Memorandum of the Slovak Nation and in 1918 Martin Declaration. The city center forms a pedestrian zone. It is called SNP square, where also is located St. Martins church of 13 century. Building of the Slovak Matica is located in here as well, where now resides the Slovak National Literary Museum. In the city of Martin is possible to look up important historical collections relating to national history, situated in the Slovak National Museum. Near the museum is located the National Cemetery, where are buried significant Slovak personalities as Janko Jesenský, Janko Kráľ, but also painter Martin Benka. Martin surroundings offer plenty of opportunities for active relax. Skiers visit popular resort Martinské hole, where they can be lifted by a cableway directly from the city. Other ski resorts are located in Valčianska and Jasenska valleys. Beautiful walking, but as well ski touring can be experienced on the surrounding mountain ranges of Malá and Veľká Fatra. Ridges of these mountains are one of the most beautiful in Slovakia.

Mošovce is the birthplace of the famous Slovak author and patriot Ján Kollár. The poet was known for promoting Slavic mutuality, as expressed in the work called Slávy dcera. There is a  park located in Mošovce with a rococo manor house and a Gothic church. Tourists visit holiday resort Drienok, where a swimming pool and campsite is located.

Important administrative center of Orava region. Námestovo was founded in the 16th century during the Wallachian colonization. Church of 17 century, is the oldest monument of the city and is located near the Orava dam. This dam was built in 1953 and now in addition to flood function supports recreation and tourism. Tourism is concentrated in Stará hora a Slanická osada.

It's a beautiful castle, towering on the rock above the river Orava. One of the main tourist attractions of Orava. Orava Castle was built in the 13th century. Thurzo family line rebuilt the castle into a Renaissance look. In 1800 the castle burnt down. It was, however, renewed and gained an exceptionally attractive appearance. Orava Castle offers a vistit of Orava museum collections.

Oravice are another tourist center of the Western Tatras.  The village is located in the northern part of the mountains. Tourists are attracted with the local thermal baths, but Oravice isalso a base for hiking in the gorges of Juráňova dolina valley.

Oravská Lesná has character of a hamlet. The village lies on the border of Orava and Kysuce area, from where a railway led here until the construction of the dam Nová Bystrica. Part of the railway can now be seen at the Museum Vychylovka in Kysuce. Other attractions also include the original folk buildings.

The village of Podbiel located in the upper Orava is attractive thanks to ist complex of more than 60 wooden houses from the 19th century.

Pribylina is one of the main centers of slovak mountain activities. It is an important starting point for hiking in the Western Tatras. The most important objects are folk buildings which are placed in the local Museum of Liptov village.

South of Rajecké Teplice is located Rajec – a village, that had an important position during the medieval times. Rajec sas the most important dwelling of the surrounding area. This fact is confirmed by the size of the main square, where  a Renaissance town hall building is situated.

Rajecká Lesná is a village located in Rajecká dolina valley. It was made famous through the attraction in the form of wooden Bethlehem. It is the largest Bethlehem scene in Slovakia. This important work was created by local wood carver and includes a number of  objects of famous slovak buildings such as Bratislava Castle, Košice cathedral and other buildings. Moreover, the work is rich in moving mechanical pieces and thus it is possible to watch mill-wheel turning, or the number of craftsmen figures in motion.

Rajecké Teplice is a small town where important slovak spa resort is located. The spa is situated mainly in  Rajecká dolina valley. Rheumatic disorders and neuroses are treated here. The spa area is located in a beautiful park with a lake. Rajecké Teplice tourist attractions are as well local thermal swimming pool and numerous possibilities for hiking.

Ružomberok is one of the administrative centers of Liptov area. The first reports of this city are already out of 13 century. The main sights include the Church of St. Ondrej, where is as well located the Mausoleum of A. Hlinka, who worked mainly in this city. Next important personality of this region is L. Fulla. The gallery located in Ružomberok is named right after this important slovak artist. Nearby are situated the ruins of Ružomberok Likava castle, built in the 15th century. Regarding tourism, in addition to hiking the surroundings of Ružomberok are popular destination for skiers. Popular slovak ski resort located here is called Malinô Brdo.

Strečno and Starý hrad Castles are popular ruins located on Mala Fatra mounatain range in the area of the breakthrough of the river Váh. Castles therefore have had strategic position. Strečno Castle was built in the 14th century. Tthere was a relatively frequent change of owners here, because of the important position of the castle. In 1776 the castle was the place of preparation of the Wesselényi uprising. In the present there is exposure of Považské Museum located here. On top of the Zvon peak, which is located near the Castle, Memorial of french soldiers can be viewed, who were fighting hard to defend the castle Strečno during the Slovak National Uprising. Ruins of Starý hrad castle are accessible from the village Nezbudská Lúčka. The castle was built in the 13th century. It was owned by robber knights called Pongráčovci. Those collected toll from the wood rafters floating wood down the river Váh . The tradition of rafting in this area came to life again and is part of active tourism.

Teplička nad Váhom is situated in Žilina Basin. The main sights include the renaissance manor and local church, where the coffin containing the remains of Žofia Bosňáková is located. She was the wife of earl Wesselényi from the Strečno castle. Žofia became known for her piety and compassion, qualities that make her famous among the villeins. After death, she was mummified and stored in the castle crypt.

Terchová is a famous tourist center in Malá Fatra. There are several buildings of folk architecture located in this village. The nearby attractions include the popular Vrátna dolina valley, which is entered through the area of rock faces - Tiesňavy. Vrátna is a popular ski resort. Terchová vicinity offers numerous possibilities for hiking. Environment of Malá Fatra National Park offers a beautiful ridge crossing, the possibility to sleep in mountain tourist huts as Chata pod Chlebom or Chata pod Suchým. Frequent tourist targets are peaks of Veľký and Malý Rozsutec or Jánošíkové diery – a damous cascade of waterfalls and ladders. Terchová is located near the mountain village Štefanová, which is an excellent starting point for hiking the ridge of Krivánska Malá Fatra.

Turčianske Teplice is a spa town in southern Turiec area. Musculoskeletal disorders, gynecological, urological and skin diseases are treated here. Spa already operated in the 16th century. The spa facilities built by the citizens of Kremnic. One of the most interestings spa objects is a the so-called Blue bath polygon.

Turzovka is a famous pilgrimage place, situated in the upper part of the river Kysuca. On the peak Živčáková in 1958 allegedly revealed St. Mary to Matúš Lašut. The access to the local chapel is possible by bus from the village of Korňa, or on foot from Turzovka.

Tvrdošín is located in the upper Orava area. The town was founded in the 13th century. Its location was on an important business road to Poland. Tvrdšíns main attraction is pretty wooden church of 15th century. In the city part called Medvedzie is located a gallery presenting the work of painter Mária Medvecká.

The gallery of  J. Hála, famous czech painter, who was an admirer of life of the locals. The natural beauty is concentrated into the Važecká cave.

Vlkolinec is a unique place, concentrating gems of slovak folk architecture. It covers mainly wooden houses which are included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage as well. The village lies at the foot of the hill Sidorovo, where you can take nice hike via the tourist trail.

This village is known for keeping slovak folk tradition alive and especially by Východná Folk Festival.

Žilina is one of the largest towns in Slovakia and it was built by settlers originating from Tešín. In the 19th century gradually increased transport importance of this city, thus strengthening its overall position in the region of central Považie. This was particularly a result of important railway junction located here. This fact influenced the orientation of the local school system. University of Žilina is oriented to education in the field of transport. Žilina has a beautiful historical center. The main attractions include St. Mary's Square, which is surrounded by arcades. On this square is situated Jesuit church and monastery from 18th century. The main dominat is the Gothic church of the 15th century and one of the oldest towers of Slovakia the Burian tower of 16 century. An important monument is late Romanesque church of  St. Stephan of 13 century. It is located in the district called Závodie. Outside the historic center of Žilina is located Budatín castle built in the 14th century. In the Castle is situated Považské Museum.

Zuberec village is located at the foot of the western part of the Western Tatras. It is one of the major centers of tourism in slovak mountains. Near Zuberec is located Museum of Orava village. Impressive atmosphere of the museum completes especially the surrounding of beautiful natural environment.