Set out to explore the beauty of Liptov with the whole family. Stunning scenic views aren’t just reserved for skilled hikers or hardcore athletes. We’ve picked easy, accessible trails you can comfortably enjoy even with your little ones. Family hiking in Liptov has a lot more to offer than you might expect.
Havránok and the Liptovská Mara Area
One of the half-day trips that even younger kids can handle with ease is a walk to the open-air Celtic fortification museum at Havránok. It’s located in the cadastral area of Liptovská Sielnica, just 2 km south of the village Bobrovník. This archaeological site above the dam wall of Liptovská Mara—the largest water reservoir in Slovakia—is a national cultural monument.
Park your car by the iconic little White Church and head uphill along a paved road toward Havránok. As you step out of the car, Liptov opens up in front of you like a postcard, with sweeping views of the Low and Western Tatras and the “Liptov Sea” below.
This is one of the most iconic and most photographed spots in the entire region. The walk up to the Celtic fortification is a fairly steep 1.2 km, and along the way the views of the whole area gradually unfold. Once you reach the top, they become even more impressive.
The mix of Liptov’s nature, panoramic mountain scenery, and the open-air museum of an ancient settlement is something kids usually enjoy as well. Besides the walk itself, they’ll also pick up a bit of history about the original inhabitants of this area.
Vrbické pleso
Just a short walk from the Ski & Wellness Residence Družba hotel, you’ll find one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Slovakia. Vrbické pleso is the largest natural lake in the Low Tatras, measuring about 115 meters in length and reaching depths of up to 8 meters.
It’s a moraine lake, formed after a glacier retreated from the northern slopes of Chopok and the Dereše area. Since 1975, it has been a protected natural monument, with the highest level of environmental protection in place.
A marked yellow trail circles the lake, and the full loop takes about an hour to complete. You can reach Vrbické pleso from the hotel on foot by walking down the Biela Púť ski slope, which takes no more than 15 minutes downhill.
Hiking through Žiarska Valley to Žiarska Chata
One of the most visited valleys in the Western Tatras is Žiarska Valley, which leads to the popular Žiarska Chata mountain hut. From the Ski & Wellness Residence Družba hotel, it takes about 40 minutes by car to reach the paid parking area at the entrance to the hiking trail. From there, the route up the valley to the hut is 5.2 km long, and along a steady climb you’ll gain about 420 meters in elevation.
The hike follows an asphalt road, with the option to branch off onto an older forest trail. It’s a popular walk for active families with kids, seniors, less experienced hikers, and even cyclists.
On weekends, you’ll also often see parents pushing strollers or hikers continuing from Žiarska Chata further up to Žiarske Saddle and Baranec peak. Along the way, younger visitors will enjoy a stop at the unique Medvedia štôlňa (Bear Mine), one of the area’s most popular educational attractions. Family hiking in Liptov really has a lot to offer.
