Jánošíkove diery

The Jánošíkove diery are three linked gorges in the Malá Fatra where streams have cut narrow clefts through the rock, and the trails go up the beds themselves on fixed ladders, chains and wooden walkways, past waterfalls and through slots barely wider than a person. The routes are one-way and mostly upward. They are named for Juraj Jánošík, the outlaw of Slovak legend, who came from Terchová below.

What you actually see

• The ladder routes - fixed ladders and chains up the stream beds.
• The narrow slots - clefts barely wider than a walker in places.
• The waterfalls - a series of drops climbed past on the fixed routes.
• The one-way system - trails marked in a single direction to manage the traffic.

When to go

May to October is the season; the routes close in winter and after heavy rain. Weekends and holidays are extremely crowded with queues at the ladders. Early starts avoid the worst.

Honest expectations

Queues at the ladders on summer weekends can be very long and the routes are one-way, so backing out is difficult. The rock and metal are slippery when wet. Closures after rain are enforced for good reason.

Nearby

Terchova is below, and the Mala Fatra ridge is above.