Easy hiking for beginners: 6 tips in Liptov

Easy hiking with children in Liptov is an ideal way to spend a family day in nature without exhausting the children after an hour. Getting up early, endlessly pedaling uphill, tiredness or unpleasant cold - do any of these come to mind first when you hear the word hiking? It could be because you have experienced something similar, or you have simply naturally succumbed to prejudices and fears. It is important to try to give hiking another chance, as it represents an irreplaceable active relaxation in nature. In our blog, we looked at why it is worth trying hiking at all and what beginners should not forget when hiking. We also bring tips for easy hiking routes in Liptov, ideal not only for beginners but also for children and pensioners.

Easy hiking? Try one of our tips

The High, Low and West Tatras, Choč Mountains and Veľká Fatra offer dozens of tourist routes, in addition to the more challenging ones, there are also easy walking tours perfect for beginners. In our article, we have selected six diverse easy Liptov routes that are worth trying. To start, we bring you a list of them, more detailed information about each can be found below.

• From the White Pilgrimage to the Cemetery of the Victims of the Low Tatras
• Observation tower on Súšava mountain
• To the wild boar menagerie
• Zlatnica Nature Trail
• Vlkolínec from Hrabov
• Prosiecka and Kvačianska Valley Educational Trail

Hiking (even for beginners) has many benefits

A break from city life and hustle and bustle, pleasant time spent with family or friends, and getting to know nature. Hiking has several benefits that will convince you that it's worth giving it a chance.

• Improves physical fitness and strengthens muscles
• Calms and relaxes the mind, improves mental health
• Reduces stress
• Improves sleep quality
• Brings with it discovering new places

Moreover, hiking is an activity ideal for all age groups, practically at any time of the year.

If you are a beginner tourist, you should know this

What is important to do before you go hiking for the first time? First of all, preparation should not be underestimated. For an easy hike, you should go in comfortable sportswear and quality shoes. hiking bootsthat will help prevent unwanted injuries. 

Don't forget your fluids, map, and first aid kit

Other equipment is also important; bring a practical tourist backpack with sufficient fluids and at least minimal snacks. It is recommended to have a map and compass in your backpack, but a fully charged smartphone with navigation apps and an external charger is also a practical alternative. You should also have a practical travel first aid kit with basic pills (for headaches or indigestion), bandages, adhesive plasters, and disinfectant.

During the summer months, you should not miss a head covering even on an easy hike and sunglasses. It can also be found sunscreen, as the mountain sun can burn the skin quite unnoticed. On easy winter hiking you will definitely appreciate chopsticks or a hot tea in a thermos. All seasons can also surprise you with unexpected rain, so it is great to have a raincoat or waterproof windbreaker with you. In addition to equipment, do not underestimate the preparation for the hike. Decide on a route that is in line with your abilities and physical condition and at least study approximately where the route leads.

Easy hiking? Liptov and the Tatras are perfect for it

Are you looking for a pleasant, relaxing, easy hike? Choose Liptov. Just decide on the route that interests you the most, plan the details and set off with a smile for new natural experiences. The tips in our list are sorted by estimated time - all of them are easy, but the first hike in the list will take you one hour, the last six.

1. From the White Pilgrimage to the Cemetery of the Victims of the Low Tatras

• Area: Low Tatras
• Route length: 1,7 kilometers
• Estimated time: 1 hour
• Distance of the starting point from Demänová Resort: 12 kilometers
• Suitable for children? From 3 years old. Since it is a very short route with minimal elevation gain, even kindergarteners can do it on foot. For smaller children (1-2 years old), we recommend taking a baby carrier on your back, as the forest terrain is not suitable for regular strollers.

Minimal ascent and descent, low difficulty and charming Liptov nature. The walking route starts at the Biela púť ski resort with several free parking lots. Following the yellow tourist sign you will reach the observation tower with a view of the Demänovská Valley and later to the destination of the route - the symbolic cemetery of the victims of the Low Tatras. You can also return along the same route, the hike can be extended with a visit to the Demänovská Cave of Freedom.

2. Observation tower on Súšava hill

• Area: Western Tatras
• Route length: 3,1 kilometers
• Estimated time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Distance of the starting point from Demänová Resort: 39 kilometers
• Suitable for children? From 4 years old. If you are going with smaller children, choose the longer route (it goes around the hill on the right), which has a gentler climb. For the shorter, steeper route, we recommend a hiking carrier for the little ones, as the final climb to the tower will be hard on children's legs.

On the Súšava hill, a sixteen-meter-high viewpoint awaits visitors, from which you can see Chočské Vrchy, Roháče, Malá Fatra, Oravská Magura and Babia Hora above the treetops. The route to the viewpoint starts and ends in the village of Veľké Borové and is ideal for smaller children. There are two routes to the top; the shorter one with a greater climb leads directly, the longer one goes around the hill from the right side and the ascent takes approximately 15 minutes longer.

3. To the wild boar menagerie

• Area: Western Tatras
• Route length: 7 kilometers
• Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Distance of the starting point from Demänová Resort: 14 kilometers
• Suitable for children? From 5 years. The route profile itself is very easy (field and meadow roads), but due to the distance of 7 kilometers, smaller children may get tired faster. However, for children from 5 years old, it will be a pleasant walk and the wild boar menagerie is a great motivation for them. You can also complete the route with a high-quality sports all-terrain stroller.

This pleasant circular hike called Walker's Trail to the Wild Boar's Den starts and ends at the football field with a large parking lot in Smrečany. The route starts on a dirt road beyond the village of Žiar with a view of Baranec Hill, continues along a meadow path to the bridge over the stream and the wild boar's den. The circuit is ideal for hiking beginners, but also for families with children and everyone who wants to spend their free time on the beautiful Liptov meadows.

4. Zlatnica Nature Trail

• Area: Low Tatras
• Route length: 8 kilometers
• Estimated time: 3 hours
• Distance of the starting point from Demänová Resort: 30 kilometers
• Suitable for children? From 6 years old. The route is 8 kilometers long and takes about 3 hours, so it is more suitable for schoolchildren on foot. Smaller children (from 4 years old) can handle it if you take frequent breaks at the information boards. However, the trail is also accessible by bicycle, so you can take smaller children in a bicycle stroller or bicycle seat.

The Zlatnica nature trail, also known as the Golden Boca Trail, leads from the village of Nižná Boca to the village of Vyšná Boca. It has been open to tourists for almost twenty years and offers eleven stops with information boards along its route, where you can learn a few interesting facts about the nature, mining history and culture of the region. The trail is open all year round and can be walked not only on foot, but also on a traditional or electric bicycleYou can look forward to enchanting nature, views of the surrounding mountains, the Kyselka mineral spring and the original Liptov chalet.

5. Vlkolínec from Hrabov

• Area: Large Fatra
• Route length: 10,8 kilometers
• Estimated time: 4 hours
• Distance of the starting point from Demänová Resort: 30 kilometers
• Suitable for children? From 7 years old (the entire walking route is in both directions). The route has only minimal incline, but the length of almost 11 km may be too long for smaller children. A great tip for families with children from 4 years old is to use the cable car to Malinô Brdo, which will significantly shorten the route, give the children an experience and then just walk to Vlkolínec.

A walking trail with minimal climbing, ideal even for the youngest tourists, begins and ends in Hrabov, at the boarding station of the cable car to Malinô Brdo. In summer, a rope park and a water reservoir with the possibility of boating are also open in this part, which can be a motivating point after returning from the hike. The trail leads through the local Calvary and Vlkolínske meadows with views of the surrounding mountains and rock formations. The goal of the hike is the jewel of the region - the foothill settlement of Vlkolínec, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can return along the same route, but also via the Malinô Brdo ski resort using the gondola lift, which may shorten the easy hike a bit.

6. Prosiecka and Kvačianska Valley Nature Trail

• Area: Choc Mountains
• Route length: 17,6 kilometers
• Estimated time: 6 hours
• Distance of the starting point from Demänová Resort: 19 kilometers
• Suitable for children? From 8 years old (to complete the entire circuit). The crossing of the Prosiecká dolina includes steel ladders, wooden bridges and walking on stones, which requires sure-footedness. This long circuit is too demanding for smaller children. If you have younger children (from 4 to 5 years old), we recommend crossing only part of the Kvačianská dolina to the Oblazy mills and taking the same route back (wide forest path).

An educational trail with eleven stops, wooden lookout towers and enchanting mills. The Prosiecka and Kvačianska valleys are among the most visited tourist destinations in Liptov and if you haven't seen them yet, we recommend you do so as soon as possible. The walking circuit starts and ends in the Kvačianska Valley and leads through the Prosiecka Valley with rock formations connected by steel ladders. You can look forward to the Červené piesky waterfall, after which the hike continues to the Svorad karst plain to the village of Veľké Borové. From here you will pass through the Borovianka gorge to a unique technical monument known as the Oblazy water mills. You will get back through the easy Kvačianska Valley. 

Easy hiking with children in Liptov: How to choose the right route?

Hiking with the youngest members of the family requires a different approach than a regular adult hike. The key to success is not the number of kilometers traveled or the elevation gain, but the experiences and diversity on the route. Liptov offers an ideal environment where you can combine easy walking with discovering natural attractions.

Routes for strollers and the smallest tourists 

For families with babies in strollers or small toddlers, paved forest roads and asphalt trails are ideal. A great choice is a walk around Vrbické pleso in Demänovská dolina or a leisurely trip to the wild boar zoo near Smrečany, where children's legs can handle the flat terrain without unnecessary fatigue.

Interactive stops that will keep children entertained while they walk 

Older children need motivation along the way. A trip to the Kvačianska Valley to the Oblazy water mills or a visit to the Vlkolínec monument reserve serve as a perfect destination, with children discovering wooden sculptures, animals, educational boards, functional mill wheels and streams along the way.

Tips for parents before setting off on the trail:

• Plan frequent breaks: Take a short break every 45 minutes to recharge and play.
• Incentive package: Keep your favorite snacks or fruit ready in your backpack.
• Backup plan for tired legs: For longer routes, carry a hiking carrier or scarf with you.

After returning from the trip, you will appreciate the facilities at Demänová Resort, where a safe playground awaits children. FUN center, outdoor playgrounds and a children's pool, while parents can enjoy some real relaxation in the wellness.

• Looking for more inspiration for family trips? Check out our guide 11-places-in-Liptovo-that-are-worth-seeing-with-children

Stay in the heart of Liptov, just a stone's throw from nature trails

High Tatras, Little Fatra or Choč Mountains – easy hiking can be found almost anywhere in the Liptov region. Have you been looking for a charming easy peak hike, but don't live nearby? Head to Liptov for a long weekend. Options for accommodation there are dozens, but if you imagine a comfortably furnished apartment, from where you won't be far away and where after a whole day in nature you will be able to enjoy massage a wellness, come to us. Nothing can replace relaxation among the mountain peaks with easy hiking and pleasant accommodation.