Mala Fatra is a land that has completely stolen my heart. If you’re looking for some of the most captivating and awe-inspiring trails in the area, you’ve got to check out Janosikove Diery. I think those who have already explored the hidden gems of Slovak Paradise might have an inkling of the thrilling adventure waiting just around the rocky bend.
Get ready for ladders, splashes of spring water, narrow passages, rocky paths, and plenty of laughter, oohs, and ahs. Trust me, Mala Fatra will tempt you to come back again and again. So, let it enchant you, just as it has enchanted me.
Essential Info for Your Janosikove Diery Adventure
If you want to explore Janosikove Diery, here’s what you need to know:
- The trail takes roughly 3 hours to complete
- The blue trail through Lower Diery is relatively easy
- The yellow trail, or Nowe Diery, is a one-way path
- New Diery connects with Dolné Diery (Lower Diery) at the height of Koliba Podžiar (hostel)
- Beyond this point, the trail leads through the stunning Upper Diery
- Don’t forget to get insurance when heading to the mountains of Slovakia
- It’s also worth considering extending your walk to Maly Rozsutec and Veľký Rozsutec
Unveiling the Story of Janosikowe Diery
I am convinced that you’re probably wondering, „What exactly are these Janosikove Diery?” Located in the National Park of Kryvan part of Mala Fatra, Janosikowe Diery can be found nestled between the Maly and Velky Rozsutec and Bobotów massifs.
↳ Before you head to Tatra Park, I highly recommend reading my complete guide to Tatra Mountains. I showcase the most scenic places you won't want to miss. Make sure to check it out, so you don't overlook anything interesting: Tatra Mountains – An Insider’s Guide to All Attractions and Info
These magical trails consist of three parts:
- Lower Diery
- New Diery
- and Upper Diery
If we translate „diery” from Slovak to English, we get „holes”.But let me say, it’s more fascinating to think of Janosikowe Diery as a series of deep, twisting ravines, through which an eroding stream flows. Over time, this stream has patiently carved rock thresholds, pillars, and overhangs, resulting in the breathtaking attractions.
Adding to the charm, the Slovaks have creatively enhanced the trail by incorporating numerous bridges, ladders, and handrails. The whole experience is both impressive and surprising. However, I believe it’s important to be cautious on the trail through Janosikowe Diery.
Even though the more challenging sections are secured with handrails and ladders, the rocks can be wet and slippery, making it easy to lose your footing. It’s worth noting that insurance in the Slovak mountains is useful here, as it can protect you from potential expenses incurred by the Horská Service.
Getting There and Parking Tips
If you need directions on how to get to Janosikowe Diery and where to park, here’s what you should know:
- The trail can be started in Biely Potok or Stefanova
- Parking at either location will cost a few euros
- For those focusing on Janosikowe Diery, I recommend starting at Biely Potok
- The most convenient parking is at the Hotel Diery in Biely Potok, where the fee is €5, payable in cash or via a special machine
- From the Chyżne border crossing and from Zwardoń, your drive to the destination will take approximately 70 minutes
You may also want to read this article: The Best Times of Year and Weather to Visit the Tatra Mountains
Embarking on the Janosikove Diery Trail
Route: Biely Potok – Ostrvné – Nowe Diery – Koliba Podžiar – Górne Diery – Pod Pálenicou – Sedlo Vrchpodžiar – Koliba Podžiar – Dolne Diery – Biely Potok.
Time: 2h 42 min, Distance: 7.2 km, Elevation Gain: 495 m
Exploring the Janosikowe Diery loop should take about 3 hours. During this time, you’ll cover 7.2 kilometers, marvel at mountain cascades, climb ladders, cross bridges, and discover charming rock nooks and crannies. Of course, the actual time might be longer, as you’ll want to capture photos and take breaks for snacks in the picturesque glades.
I can tell you that many adventurers are also tempted to visit Wielki or Mały Rozsutec (which I strongly encourage, by the way). Keep in mind that such an excursion is a more challenging mountain adventure with a significant elevation gain. To learn more, you can refer to our separate entry, but for now, let’s focus on the Janosik trail.
The connection to the famous bandit leader, Janosik, is not just a coincidence. Contrary to popular belief, Janosik was not Polish. He was actually born in Slovakia, in the nearby village of Terchová, in 1688. It was in this region that he plundered and robbed rich merchants, and he didn’t necessarily distribute the stolen gold to the poor. Regardless, Janosik has become a symbol of the area, and you can find a sizable monument dedicated to him at the entrance to Vratna Dolina.
Exploring Lower Diery and New Diery
Once you’ve paid the parking fee, head „deep into” the hotel complex, and you’ll soon find yourself on the right blue trail. The good news is that entrance to the Mala Fatra trails is free. The trail begins with information boards, takes you over a bridge, and then leads you straight into the adventure. The initial sections may not give away just how stunning this area truly is.
According to the map, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the first attractions. When you spot a wooden bridge clinging to the right side of the gorge, that’s your cue to have your cameras ready. A narrow, rocky gate will appear before you, with metal footbridges leading into the abyss. After all, the thundering Hlboký Potok, responsible for all the local beauty, must still fit here.
As you pass through the rocky corridor, you’ll come across a trail fork. Lower Diery extends to the right, featuring one noteworthy waterfall and metal stairs beside it. To the left, you’ll find New Diery, a one-way and slightly more challenging path with four cascades and metal bridges.
Regardless of the path you choose, you’ll reach the Koliba Podžiar area in about 30 minutes. If you plan to complete the loop today, I suggest taking the left path first, following the yellow trail through New Diery, and returning along the blue trail.
Lower and Upper Diery are formed by the Diery Creek, which flows down from the pass between the Rozsutce mountains. New Diery, on the other hand, is the result of a stream flowing down from the northern slopes of Mały Rozsutec, which later merges with Dierovský Potok at the trail junction.
Sometimes, this part of the trail is divided into Upper Diery and Tesna Rizňa. In Lower Diery, there are 2 waterfalls (1 m and 3.5 m high), while New Diery features 4 waterfalls up to 2 meters high. Upper Diery and Tesná Rizňa gorges boast 9 waterfalls (height 2–4 m).
Discovering Koliba Podžiar and Upper Diery
Koliba Podžiar hostel is nestled in a large, green meadow, offering a spacious and refreshing atmosphere. Here, you can grab a Kofola or beer from what feels more like a small buffet than a hostel. You’ll reach this spot after a 36-minute hike along the yellow trail from the parking lot in Stefanowa. From Koliba Podžiar, the blue trail continues, leading you through the most stunning part of Janosikove Diery, Upper Diery.
The walk through Upper Diery takes about 40 minutes, and the trail features 9 waterfalls! It’s a considerable step up from Lower and New Diery, and I know you’ll be amazed. When you see the green markers at Pod Pálenicou, it’s your cue to start heading back. The quickest way is to follow the green trails and turn right. This path will lead you down to Sedla Vrchpodžiar, right next to Koliba Podžiar. The previous blue trail continues to Sedlo Medzirozsutka, the pass between the Rozsutec brothers. If you have the energy, I encourage you to climb up there as well.
References:
- https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%A1no%C5%A1%C3%ADkove_diery
- https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3507656
