With the large number of marked trails, it’s easy to plan easier options for families with children and less experienced hikers. More ambitious hikers can extend their route through Jánošíkove Diery with an ascent of Veľký Rozsutec or Malý Rozsutec.

How is Jánošíkove Diery divided?

Dolné Diery

The lower part of the Jánošíkove Diery system begins shortly past Hotel Diery and follows the blue trail. Right at the start, you pass through a narrow gorge to the Ostrvné junction, then continue over several footbridges past a few smaller waterfalls and cascades to the Podžiar junction, where Dolné Diery ends.

Descent: Dolné Diery is the least difficult section of Jánošíkove Diery, so it is often used as the descent route.

Alternatives: From the Podžiar junction, you can continue into Horné Diery.

Nové Diery

Nové Diery branches off at the Ostrvné junction in Dolné Diery. The yellow trail leads through a fairly short ravine with several very narrow passages, a few larger waterfalls, and ladders. At the end of the ravine, the path turns right, climbs the hillside to a viewpoint, and then continues along a pleasant forest trail to the Podžiar junction.

Descent: Nové Diery is one-way and can only be used for ascent. Dolné Diery is the best option for descending.

Alternatives: From the Podžiar junction, you can continue into Horné Diery.

Horné Diery

The most beautiful and adventurous part of Jánošíkove Diery is Horné Diery, where you’ll find the highest concentration of waterfalls, including several fairly tall ones. Ladders and a number of footbridges run directly above the falls, so you can enjoy them up close. Horné Diery continues from both Dolné Diery and Nové Diery at the Podžiar junction and follows the blue trail.

Descent: Horné Diery is one-way. For the descent, use the green-marked trail from the Pod Tanečnicou junction via Pod Pálenicou to the Vrchpodžiar saddle, from where it is a short walk on the yellow trail back to Podžiar, then continue on the blue trail through Dolné Diery.

Alternatives: From Horné Diery, you can also continue to the Medzirozsutce saddle and from there climb Veľký Rozsutec or Malý Rozsutec.

Access and entrance fee for Jánošíkove Diery

Entrance fee: entry to Jánošíkove Diery is voluntary

Seasonal closures: Jánošíkove Diery is open year-round. In winter, however, the hike is much more demanding, and crampons should be part of your gear. The only closure in this area affects the red trail leading to the summit of Veľký Rozsutec from both the Medzirozsutce and Medziholie saddles, from 1 March to 15 June.

Terchová, Biely potok (Hotel Diery)

The entrance to Jánošíkove Diery is located right by Hotel Diery, about 2.5 km from the center of Terchová in the direction of Zázrivá. You can park here in a paid car park or take a bus from Terchová. Most hikes into Jánošíkove Diery start from Hotel Diery.

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Štefanová; Vrátna Valley

Štefanová is a small settlement in Vrátna Valley and is a perfect starting point for a loop hike through Horné Diery and up Veľký Rozsutec. It is also easily accessible by bus, and there is a large paid car park.

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Jánošíkove Diery with children

Is Jánošíkove Diery suitable for a trip with children? That’s a tricky question with no clear-cut answer. A lot depends on each child’s ability and confidence — and, in truth, the parents’ as well. Still, families with children are a common sight here, so in general it’s fair to say that kids can manage it. Sometimes they may even do better than some adults. ?

Dolné Diery is not demanding and should be manageable for almost everyone. As a test of how they handle taller ladders, you can try Nové Diery with them. If they cope with that without trouble, you can probably also consider the longer and more demanding Horné Diery.

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