“Into the mountains where the legendary outlaw ruled, we set off—modern hikers with trekking poles instead of battle-axes and outdoor gear instead of fur coats. And while we might not have jingling coins in our pockets like Jánošík’s gang, our reward will be breathtaking views, wild gorges, and, of course, some well-deserved dumplings at the end of the trail.”
One of the goals of slovak tourist challenge 7 Peaks, 3 Lakes is Jánošíkove Diery, a true hiking gem of Malá Fatra. Most people take the classic route through Dolné and Horné Diery, but we decided to spice things up a bit and take a less conventional approach via Boboty. Because if you’re going on an adventure, why not make it interesting?
Boboty – A Rocky Ridge with Picture-Perfect Views
The Boboty massif is located in Krivánska Malá Fatra, between the legendary Tiesňavy Gorge and the wild canyons of Jánošíkove Diery. This 2.5 km long jagged ridge is filled with fascinating rock formations, making you appreciate nature’s sculpting skills. While the very top of Boboty is forested and lacks views, there are several fantastic viewpoints along the way that open up towards Vrátna Valley and the main ridge of Malá Fatra.
From here, we get stunning views of Veľký Kriváň (1,709 m), Stoh (1,606 m), and, of course, the iconic Veľký Rozsutec (1,610 m), the undisputed crown jewel of this part of Malá Fatra.
The Ascent Begins – Heading to Boboty!
We start in Tiesňavy, following the green-marked hiking trail. Right from the start, we’re hit with a steep climb, a surefire way to get the blood pumping. Some sections feature metal chains and ladders, giving us a taste of via ferrata-style excitement. The ascent may be demanding, but the rock formations and viewpoints quickly make us forget the effort (or at least make it worthwhile).
Once we reach a forested stretch, we follow the ridge until we pass the summit marker of Boboty and begin our descent towards the Vrchpodžiar saddle, getting closer to Jánošíkove Diery. We know we’re nearing a major attraction when the number of fellow hikers starts multiplying rapidly.
Jánošíkove Diery – Wild Nature and Waterfalls
Jánošíkove Diery is part of the Rozsutec National Nature Reserve and consists of three main sections:
🟢 Dolné Diery (Lower Gorges) – the easiest and most accessible, featuring charming wooden bridges and footbridges.
🔵 Nové Diery (New Gorges) – a quieter alternative with equally stunning scenery.
🔴 Horné Diery (Upper Gorges) – the most technical part, with ladders, chains, and a dose of adrenaline.
Throughout the gorges, the Hlboký Potok stream has carved its way through the rock over thousands of years, forming an impressive system of over 20 waterfalls, known as Vodopády Dierového Potoka. Some sections look like something out of a fairytale—sheer rock walls, moss-covered stones, and rushing water creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
A Well-Deserved Reward – cottage Podžiar
After descending into Vrchpodžiar saddle, our thoughts shift towards one thing: food at cottage Podžiar. And since one of the key hiking principles is “Never say no to a good mountain hut”, we have no choice but to stop for a feast. Halászlé, dumplings, sauerkraut soup… The toughest decision of the day.
After our well-earned meal, we head back through the Nové Diery educational trail, making our way back towards Tiesňavy. We save the Horné Diery for another day—along with the Rozsutec peaks, because some places deserve to be savored slowly.
A Quick Stop at the Wild Boars
On the way back, we take a small detour by Hotel Boboty, home to one of the area’s more unique attractions—the Wild Boar Enclosure. A place where you can see these creatures up close and realize they’re more than just legends in hunters’ tales.
From here, it’s a relaxing walk to Vrátna and then the final stretch along the road back to our car. The trip is over, but the memories of this amazing day remain fresh, as if it were the first spring hike in Slovakia.
Malá Fatra – A Place You’ll Always Want to Return To
Despite being February, there was surprisingly no snow or ice. Instead of a winter wonderland, we got a sunny, almost spring-like day. And maybe that’s what made this hike even more special—you never quite know what you’ll get in the slovak mountains, but one thing is certain:
Malá Fatra never disappoints.
👉 So, when are we going again? 😊
