Jánošíkové diery - main entrance (Štefanová)
Jánošíkové diery - main entrance (Štefanová)
Location
What are Jánošíkove diery?
A System of Gorges and Canyons
Jánošíkove diery – commonly referred to simply as Diery – are a system of gorges and canyons in the Kriváň part of the Malá Fatra Mountains, located within the Rozsutec National Nature Reserve near the village of Terchová. They were carved by the Dierový Stream and consist of three main sections: Dolné diery (Lower part), Nové diery (New part), and Horné diery (Upper part).
Nature and Waterfalls
The area features more than twenty waterfalls, collectively protected as the Dierový Potok Stream Natural Monument. Unusual rock formations and a unique microclimate provide an ideal habitat for rare plant and animal species that thrive in cool, moist conditions.
Access to Jánošíkove diery
Jánošíkove diery can be accessed from two hamlets belonging to the municipality of Terchová – Štefanová and Biely Potok. The hiking trails are equipped with wooden footbridges, ladders, and chains.
Routes
Three Sections of Jánošíkove diery
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Dolné diery The most accessible section, featuring an educational trail. It follows gentle terrain with wooden footbridges and small bridges and includes two waterfalls (1 m and 3.5 m). Suitable for young children and seniors.
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Nové diery A gorge branching off from Dolné diery, with a narrower canyon and four waterfalls (1–2 m high). It is accessible only in one direction – from the Ostrvné junction towards Podžiar. A moderately challenging route.
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Horné diery The wildest and most spectacular section, featuring nine waterfalls (2–4 m high). The route includes steep iron ladders and chains. It is closed during winter and periods of heavy rain. This is a challenging one-way route.
Loops
Hiking Loops
Small Loop — 6 km, approx. 2.5 hours
This route passes through Dolné diery and Nové diery. It is suitable for children and seniors. Route: Biely Potok – Ostrvné – Nové diery – Podžiar – Dolné diery – Ostrvné – Biely Potok.
Large Loop — 12 km, approx. 5 hours
This route also includes Horné diery, featuring the highest number of waterfalls and ladders. You can also continue your hike to Malý Rozsutec or Veľký Rozsutec. Route: Biely Potok – Ostrvné – Nové diery – Podžiar – Horné diery – Medzirozsutce Saddle – return via Horné diery and Dolné diery.
During summer, we recommend starting your hike as early as possible in the morning to avoid crowds and afternoon thunderstorms. In winter, the trails and ladders may be icy, so we recommend using crampons and trekking poles.
Access
The main entrance from Štefanová
Vrchpodžiar Saddle
From the hamlet of Štefanová, the trail leads through Vrchpodžiar Saddle directly to Podžiar, where you can access both Nové diery and Horné diery. This is the ideal option if you want to combine your visit to Jánošíkove diery with a hike to Veľký Rozsutec.
Loop from Štefanová
Route: Štefanová – Vrchpodžiar – Podžiar – Dolné diery – Nové diery – Ostrvné – back via Podžiar – Vrchpodžiar – Štefanová. A great alternative if you prefer to avoid parking at the often crowded Biely Potok car park.
One of the advantages of starting from Štefanová is that the car park is usually less crowded than the one at Biely Potok. The trail over Vrchpodžiar Saddle is slightly more demanding than the gentler approach from Biely Potok, but it rewards hikers with beautiful views throughout the ascent.
Info
Practical Information
Parking
Paid parking lot at Hotel Diery (Biely Potok) right at the entrance — it fills up quickly in the season, we recommend arriving early in the morning and leaving right from the main entrance from Štefanová.
Footwear
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential, as the wooden footbridges and rocks can be slippery throughout the year.
Children
Dolné diery are suitable for children from around 4 years of age. The trail is not accessible with a stroller.
Dogs
Dogs on a leash are allowed in Dolné diery and Nové diery. Horné diery are not suitable and can be dangerous for dogs.
