Near Žilina is located the Súľová Rocks National Nature Reserve, which is characterized by its unmistakable pointed rocks formed by conglomerate. They originated in the Tertiary period (Eocene), when rivers carried pebbles of limestones and dolomites, which settled and cemented into thick layers, subsequently folded by tectonic movements.
On a relatively small area, there are diverse rock formations – towers, needles, windows, or bizarre-shaped cones. Among the most famous are Gothic Gate and the cave Šarkania diera. There is also the ruin of Súľov Castle. The hiking trails are easy, accessible from Žilina via the village of Lietavská Závadka or from Bytča. The area is subject to the 5th degree of protection.
Šarkania diera Cave
Šarkania diera Cave is a freely accessible cave and a national natural monument approximately 60 meters long. It is known primarily as an important archaeological and paleontological site.
Common liverwort
It is a protected and popular subject for spring photographers. When and where to look for it in Súľov? Flowering period: It is among the first heralds of spring. In the Súľov rocks, it blooms very early, usually in March and April, often even before the trees fully turn green.
Slovak pasqueflower
Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla) is one of the most beautiful and most striking spring herbs, known for its large bell-shaped flowers. A Slovak unique: In Slovakia (including the Súľovské rocks) grows the beautiful Slovak pasqueflower (Pulsatilla slavica), which is a Western Carpathian endemic – meaning that nowhere else in the world except in our and adjacent mountains will you find it in its natural environment.
Stratený budzogáň
The Lost Mace (also known as the Zbyňov Mace) is a unique rock formation and a popular tourist attraction located in the Súľov Mountains, on the slope below the Žibrid peak, near the villages of Zbyňov and Rajecké Teplice.
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
It is a majestic bird of prey, which became world-famous for one incredible feature – it is the fastest animal on our planet. When it spots prey from above and launches into a steep dive, in the shape of an aerodynamic drop it can reach speeds well above 300 km/h (the highest recorded values approach 390 km/h).
Gothic Gate
The greatest landmark: Gothic Gate is the most famous, most beautiful, and most photographed natural formation in the Súľov Rocks. It is located on a rocky ridge aptly named Orgány.
Fauna of the Súľová Rocks
In quiet corners lives the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo), which is endangered mainly by the destruction of nests. In the rock walls also nest the western jackdaw and the Eurasian hobby. The Eurasian lynx occurs in the area only transiently. You can often encounter the red squirrel.
Flora of the Súľov Rocks
The area hosts a number of endemic plants, for example Carpathian soldanella, middle pasque flower, shining pink or bare primrose. Among the mountain species we find Clusius' gentian, small bellflower, European globe-flower and several species of orchids.
Hiking in the Súľov Rocks
Start: Lietavská Závadka
The trip starts in the village of Lietavská Závadka, which is served by a bus from Žilina. Parking is available in the village, but make sure to leave enough space for buses to turn around.
The path continues along the blue trail - the Way of the Cross towards Roháčske sedlo (shelter, benches). From there we set off along the green trail to the viewpoint and to the Rock Window. Here the terrain is slightly more challenging and will test our footwear.
The section along the green trail offers beautiful views, but be careful, the cliffs are deep. Then we switch to the yellow trail 🟡 towards Lúka pod Roháčom. The final ascent to the cave Šarkania diera leads along ladders and steep terrain – we recommend sturdy footwear and increased caution.
Destination: Šarkania diera
Our goal is the Šarkania diera cave, which is an important archaeological site from the Neolithic.
Route map:
| Route for download | Info | |
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Route for Locus map, Google Earth app | .kml |
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Route for Mapy.cz | .gpx |
Photo gallery:
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