Prosiecka and Kvačianska valleys

The Prosiecka and Kvačianska valleys are two limestone valleys in the Choč Mountains that can be joined into one loop. The first is a wild canyon with ladders, the second a wide valley with a stream and historic mills. Between them lies a high plateau with the hamlet of Veľké Borové. It's a classic full-day trip that we recommend to guests who want to see Liptov beyond the big mountains.

The Prosiecka valley

The valley starts right behind the village of Prosiek, at the Vráta rock gate, above which the Prosečianka stream rises. A blue-marked educational trail runs through the valley, which is almost 4 kilometres long.

• Rock formations named the Bear, the Owl, the Camel and Jánošík.
• At the head of the valley, Červené piesky with a 15-metre waterfall. You climb beside it on ladders.
• Waterfalls and small caves near Polhora.

Over Svorad to Veľké Borové

From the Prosiecka valley, the blue trail continues across the Svorad plateau to the hamlet of Veľké Borové. Meadows and views of the Western Tatras and the Choč Mountains (Prosečné, 1,372 m) make a pleasant break after the canyon.

The Kvačianska valley and the Oblazy mills

From Veľké Borové you descend into the Kvačianska valley, which also has an educational trail. Along the way you'll find:

• Oblazy, a group of old wooden water mills in the upper part of the valley,
• the Nižný and Vyšný Straz canyons,
• the Roháč rock outcrop with a stone cross from 1860 and a view down the valley.

The valley ends in the village of Kvačany. From there you walk back to Prosiek along the road. If you have two cars, leave one in Kvačany in the morning and save yourself the return.

A shorter version with kids

With younger children, it's enough to walk up the Prosiecka valley to the waterfall at Červené piesky and back. It feels like an adventure, kids love the ladders, and you can do it in a morning. The Kvačianska valley with the mills is an easier walk from Kvačany.

Our tips

• The Prosiecka valley is quieter in the morning, with no queues at the ladders.
• Bring plenty of water and food; there is nowhere to buy anything on the way.
• Prosiek is about 25 minutes from the farmstead by car.