Rajecká Lesná: Pilgrimage, Woodcarving and Winter Sports

Rajecká Lesná combines pilgrimage, woodcarving, an artificial geyser and winter sports in one destination. The Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary was consecrated on 27 May 1866; the pilgrimage church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary was solemnly declared a minor basilica on 7 September 2002.

Culture and Pilgrimage

The Slovenský Betlehem in Rajecká Lesná is 8.5 metres long, 2.5 metres wide and 3 metres high. In addition to the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem and the life of Christ, the exhibition also depicts the history of the Slovak people. The building’s first floor houses a gallery with woodcarvings by prominent Rajec carvers such as Brieštenský, Veselý and Bača.

The presbytery next to the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary contains preserved remnants of Gothic frescoes from the early 14th century; today, they are protected as cultural monuments.

The Calvary in Rajecká Lesná, also known as Frivald, was built in 1920–1921 with financial contributions from local compatriots who lived and worked in America. A Lourdes chapel was built next to the Calvary, and a spring rises near the chapel. Pilgrimages with the Stations of the Cross take place at the Calvary on the feasts of the Most Holy Trinity and the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, on Good Friday, and on the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius. So-called Fatima Saturdays take place from May to October on the first Saturday of each month.

Trails and Landscape

The artificial geyser in Rajecká Lesná shoots water about 10 metres into the air, creating a colourful rainbow. An asphalt road leads directly from Rajecká Lesná to the geyser. The “Rajeckou dolinou na dvoch kolesách” cycling route also passes through Rajecká Lesná.

Winter Sports

Skipark Rajecká Lesná has artificial snowmaking, a snowboarding park, snow tubing, an ice rink and a children’s park; evening skiing is also available. It offers suitable slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers.

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Further Destinations

You can access further destinations directly: Jasenové, Stráža, Dlhé Pole, Strecno, Teplička Nad Váhom, Lietavská Lúčka, Belá, Čičmany.

To the higher-level travel overview: Žilina District.