Jánošík's Holes Enter the world of waterfalls and gorges
Jánošík's Hollows, or simply „The Hollows,“ are among the most sought-after and photogenic tourist routes in all of Slovakia. They are located in the Rozsutec National Nature Reserve and consist of three main parts: Lower, New, and Upper Hollows.
You can enter Jánošík's Holes from Biely Potok (Hotel Diery, or Podrozsutec settlement), or from Štefanová. You will find all the details in our articles.
This unique set of canyons and gorges has been carved into the limestone rocks by the Hluboký stream over millennia. The result is a fascinating world full of bizarre rock formations and over twenty magnificent waterfalls that you will overcome during your hike.
Tourism for families and adrenaline enthusiasts
Whether you're planning a relaxed Sunday outing with the children, or seeking a proper challenge with elevation gain, Jánošíkove diery has something to offer you:
Lower Holes: They are ideal for families with children and less experienced hikers. The route is safe, enriched with educational boards, and crossing the footbridges is manageable for both young and old explorers. There is only one ladder on the route, approximately 3m high, which even small children can manage.
New Holes: You can reach Nové diery via a short one-way green route from the Ostrvné crossroads to the Nové Diery crossroads. This section already includes a few rather long ladders in partially confined spaces. After that, there is nothing on the route through Nové diery that even non-hikers couldn't manage. However, you will find wonderful viewpoints along the route.
Upper Holes: This is the real wilderness! A steeper climb awaits you, and you'll tackle waterfalls using a system of iron ladders and chains. After rain or in winter, this section transforms into a true adventure, recommended only for more experienced hikers with the right equipment.
All routes can also be beautifully combined with a hike up the majestic Veľký or Malý Rozsutec with breathtaking views of the entire Malá Fatra.
We have prepared a series of detailed articles for you, which offer tips on specific routes, information about parking, difficulty levels, and current conditions. Choose your next trip from our blog below and set off for new experiences!
The natural wealth of Jánošík's holes
Jánošíkove Diery owes its exceptional species diversity to temperature inversion. While high-mountain plants survive in the cool, damp shade of the deep gorges, thermophilic species prevail on the sun-drenched peaks.
On the limestone rocks of Jánošík's Holes, a rare mosaic is created, where protected gems such as the Slovak pasqueflower, alpine aster, Clusius' gentian, and lady's slipper orchid bloom. The entire Malá Fatra mountain range protects over 1,100 plant species, of which four are world endemics (Alchemilla sojakii, Alchemilla virginica, Euphrasia pectinata, and Sorbus margittai).
The local fauna is just as varied, and it is divided into three spheres:
Dense forests: They are a refuge for the Carpathian big three – the brown bear, the Eurasian lynx, and the grey wolf.
Water: In the clean Stream of Holes, the Eurasian otter is actively fishing.
The sky: A majestic golden eagle patrols above the gorges, alongside an extremely fast peregrine falcon.
