National Park of Malá Fatra

The National Park of Malá Fatra is situated in the westernmost Slovak high mountains Malá Fatra. Gorges, rock peaks and an attractive ridge tour are among its attractions.

The Krivánska part of the Malá Fatra Mountains was designated the protected landscape area in 1967 for unusual abundance of its natural assets and the plant and animal species it contains. It was re-classified in 1988 to National Park of Malá Fatra. It spreads on an area of 226 km² (87.26 mi²). The area of its protective zone is 233 km² (90 mi²).

The main subject of protection is the territory with varied geological history and dissected relief forms, rare and precious biocenoses, flora and fauna, and the exceptional value of forest and mountain compounds with precious dwarf pinewoods, rapacious animals such as the wolf, lynx or bear. The administration of the national park seats in Varín.

The waterfall Šútovský vodopád, Horné Diery and Dolné Diery and the tops like Malý Rozsutec, Veľký Rozsutec or Veľký Fatranský Kriváň are the most popular destinations among tourists.

The ideal starting point for trips in the park are the localities Terchová, Vrátna and Štefanová.