Krpeľany: Hiking, the Váh Reservoir and History

Krpeľany brings together features that appeal to different interests when choosing a travel destination: the reservoir on the Váh, routes for hiking and cycling, an archaeological site and a Neoclassical manor house. If you are looking for a hotel in Krpeľany, you can choose your destination based on whether scenery, outdoor activities or local history matters most to you.

The Krpeľany Reservoir on the Váh

The Krpeľany Reservoir was built on the Váh River between 1952 and 1957 and is part of the Vážska kaskáda cascade system. It has a volume of approximately 8.3 million cubic metres; the flooded area covers 1.26 square kilometres. Volume and area describe two different dimensions of the reservoir and place it within the river landscape.

Another point of interest is the technical infrastructure of the Krpeľany hydroelectric power plant and reservoir. At this point, the Váh splits into two sections. Access to technical facilities may be restricted; take this into account when planning your visit.

Hiking and regional trails

The Tiesňava educational trail is in Krpeľany, beyond the Váh diversion canal. The trail has four information boards; their number may change following maintenance or extensions. The trail can be reached by bus, train or car. Parking is available at the introductory information point. As transport connections and parking options may change, check them before you travel.

Krpeľany is also a starting point for trips to the northern part of Veľká Fatra. The 48th Výstup na KOPU was scheduled for 30 May 2026. The ascent was due to start at the TJ Dynamo Krpeľany sports grounds and lead to Kopa, at an altitude of 1,187 metres in Veľká Fatra. This date refers to the event’s scheduled date at the time; check current dates before visiting rather than assuming it will take place on the same day again.

A cycling route starts in Sučany and follows the Váh diversion canal to Krpeľany.

Archaeology, architectural history and folklore

Southeast of Krpeľany lies Hrádok Pohanovo, also known as Pohanovo: an archaeological site with a surrounding rampart that was used in the La Tène period and the Middle Ages. It is listed as number 2198/1 in the Central Register of the Slovak Monuments Fund. After the Slavs arrived in the Turčianska kotlina basin, the site was inhabited from the second half of the 10th century until 1250.

Another feature of the town’s history is a Neoclassical manor house dating from the first half of the 19th century. Krpeľany’s cultural traditions are also maintained by children’s and adult folklore groups with their own folk music. Together, these represent archaeological history, a 19th-century building and a living musical tradition, with none replacing the others.

Getting there by train or car

Krpeľany has a railway station on route 400 between Žilina and Košice, with direct passenger services. As timetables and transport services may change, check the connection for your travel day. By car, the village is connected to the E 18 highway via road 01893.

Krpeľany offers several distinct points of interest to help you choose between different travel interests: the educational trail and routes towards Veľká Fatra, the river and reservoir facilities, and the area’s archaeological and cultural history. The information about rail and road connections also helps you plan your journey separately from these excursion themes.

Discover more destinations: Bystrička, Košťany Nad Turcom, Lipovec, Sučany, Laskár, Turany, Martin

Return to the regional travel overview: Okres Martin.