Žilina: Hotels and accommodation

The Žilina region is characterized by forested mountains that cover most of its surface area.

Those considering Žilina as a travel destination usually want to book a hotel.

Culture

Vlkolínec is a remarkably well-preserved rural medieval settlement with wooden architecture typical of hilly and mountainous regions. In 1993, Vlkolínec was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Folk traditions are still preserved in Čičmany today. In 1977, part of the village was declared a monument reserve of folk architecture. Čičmany has more than 130 houses; the exterior walls of the wooden houses are decorated with white geometric patterns.

The Museum of the Slovak Village in Martin is Slovakia’s largest open-air ethnographic museum. The 15.5-hectare site contains almost 150 buildings, some of which are furnished and open to visitors. The museum organizes themed events for visitors featuring demonstrations of traditional production and crafts, as well as customs and folklore.

History

Budatín Castle is located at the confluence of the Váh and Kysuca rivers in the Budatín district of Žilina. It is surrounded by a historic park. The castle houses an exhibition on the wire-working craft, described as the only exhibition of its kind in the world.

The reconstructed section of the former Kysuce–Orava Forest Railway from Kubátkovia station to the Beskyd saddle is now part of the Museum of the Slovak Village. In Vychylovka, visitors can ride the forest railway, which features a unique reversing system.

Nature

Jánošíkove Diery, also known as Diery, are a system of gorges and canyons in the Krivánska Malá Fatra. There are more than twenty waterfalls in Jánošíkove Diery. Marked hiking trails with footbridges, ladders and chains lead through the area.

Včelnica Mellifera offers interactive excursions for children about bees, beekeeping and ecology, including a hands-on visit to the beehives. Včelnica Mellifera also offers an apiary, where visitors can lie directly above beehives and breathe in the air from the beehives.

Trails

Rajecké Teplice is easily accessible from Žilina by bus and train and is known for its healing thermal water. Several marked hiking and cycling routes lead to Vlkolínec from Ružomberok, Malinô Brdo, Hrabovo and Biely Potok.

The second section of the Rajecká cycling route runs along paved roads and is suitable for road bikes.

Cuisine

Koliba Lubenná serves traditional Slovak dishes, including bryndzové halušky and šúľance. Visitors can also buy homemade bread, posúchy, pagáče and buchty from its own bakery selection.

Pivovar Martins has its own beer tavern in Martin, where visitors can sample the brewery’s beers.

Other regional entries: Čadca, Kysucké Nové Mesto District, Tvrdošín, Martin, Liptovský Mikuláš District, Turčianske Teplice District, Žilina District, Ružomberok District, Dolný Kubín District, Bytča District, Martin District, Námestovo District.

To the higher-level travel overview: Slovakia.