Hut to Hut Mala Fatra

Your journey begins in the town of Martin, a gateway to the Mala Fatra region. Historically, Martin played a significant role in Slovakia’s national revival and remains culturally important today. The town is also a great place to familiarize yourself with the Slovak mountains you’ll soon be exploring. Rest well as the adventure kicks off the next day!

The hike begins with a steady ascent from Martin, following the road to Podstrane. As you transition from town to wilderness, you’ll soon enter a gravel road leading to the mountain ridge of Martinské Hole, known for year-round activities that make it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts. On your climb, the scenery transitions from verdant lowland forests to panoramic views. At the summit, the path ascends to Velká Lúka, with 1,476 m the highest peak of the Lúčanská part of Mala Fatra. The views from here stretch over the entire Turiec Valley, with distant glimpses of the High Tatras. The day ends with an overnight stay in Martinské Hole.

After a short ascent to Krížava, you’ll begin a long descent into the valley, passing several notable waypoints. Minčol offers wonderful ridge-line hiking with sweeping views of both the Little and Big Fatra mountain ranges. On the way, you’ll pass the Polom Memorial, commemorating a key battle in World War II, a crucial event in Slovakia’s resistance against Nazi forces. Near the end of the day, you will encounter the picturesque ruins of 14th-century Strečno Castle, perched dramatically above the Váh River. From here, Strečno, your destination for the day is just a short walk away.

Today’s hike takes you back into the mountains. You’ll begin with a mostly flat section through the picturesque countryside, following the Hradský Potok stream. After about 3 km, the path begins to climb steadily, leading you past Old Castle, a historic ruins of a 13th-century Gothic stronghold hidden in the forest. From here, you’ll ascend further to the ridge of Plešel before reaching your destination, Chata pod Suchým.

This is a day of high adventure as you hike deeper into Malá Fatra’s heart. The day starts with a steep ascent to Suchý, a rugged peak known for its rocky cliffs and panoramic views. After some flatter sections, you’ll pass Biele Skaly, a white limestone formation that adds contrast to the surrounding greenery. The trail takes you over several peaks, including Stratenec, Priehyb, Maly Kriváň, and finally, Velký Kriváň – the highest peak in Malá Fatra at 1,709 m. From here, it’s a descent to Chata pod Chlebom, your accommodation for the night.

Today’s trek is predominantly downhill, guiding you back into the lush valleys of Malá Fatra. You’ll descend through the scenic Šútovská valley, famous for its thick forests and serene atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll pass Šútovský Waterfall, a 38-meter cascade that is one of the highest waterfalls in Slovakia. Continuing down the valley, you’ll reach Kraľovanské Jazero, a crystal-clear lake where you can rest and reflect on your journey before reaching the village of Kraľovany for the night.

Your adventure in Malá Fatra comes to an end. After a week of traversing some of Slovakia’s most rugged and beautiful terrain, it’s time to head back with memories of dramatic peaks, rich history, and serene natural beauty.