The best gravel rides around okres Dolný Kubín

Beautiful views but for half of the route you have to push (walk) the bike, also over rocks.

Lots of steep climbs and descents. Riding from south to north can be tiring.

The Sester Valley, also known as the Malatinska Valley, is a picturesque and deeply cut valley in the Choč Mountains, which crosses the entire range from south to north. It separates the Prosieczny Group from the Sielnické Vrchy and runs along the Sestrčský stream. It is named after the now defunct settlement of Sestrč, whose area was flooded during the construction of the Liptovská Mara reservoir in the 1970s. The route through the valley leads from Bukovina to Malatiná and is closed to car traffic, making it an ideal section for cyclists looking for peace and quiet and wilderness.

Dolný Kubín is one of the main towns of the Orava region and a great starting point for cyclists exploring the Slovak part of the Carpathians. Situated on the Orava River, the town offers a beautiful centre with a pedestrian zone and a historic bridge, as well as numerous shops and accommodation options. The Orava Museum and the castle in nearby Oravský Podzámok are worth a visit. The access to Dolný Kubín leads through picturesque valleys and well-maintained roads, also suitable for trekking bikes. It is a good place to spend the night or regenerate before continuing your route through the mountains or towards Liptov.

Liptovská Mara is the largest water reservoir in Slovakia, located in the Liptovská Basin, between the Tatras and the Low Tatras. It is a popular holiday destination with swimming areas, beaches, water sports and boat trips. The lake is surrounded by asphalt and gravel roads, which are great for cycling trips with a view of the mountains. On the southern shore there is the Havránok lookout - an archaeological site with a replica of a Celtic settlement. In the season, it is worth avoiding weekend crowds - some of the routes run along busy roads. With a bit of luck, we can see a mirror reflection of the Tatras in the water.

Malatiná is a small, picturesquely situated village in northern Slovakia, in the Orava region, surrounded by the gentle hills of the Orava foothills. It is a good place for a quiet stop during a cycling trip - the village is crossed by local asphalt roads with little traffic. The surrounding areas offer beautiful views of the Tatras and the Choč Mountains.

Orava Castle is one of the most beautifully situated castles in Slovakia – it rises on a steep cliff above the Orava River, in the village of Oravský Podzámok. It consists of three levels of buildings, which were built from the 13th century and today create a picturesque complex with courtyards, towers and a chapel. Inside, there is a museum presenting the history of the region, the castle and old life in Orava. You can get there by bike from the main road no. 59 – it is worth being careful due to car traffic. The tour takes some time and is best booked in advance.

Nice ride from Liptov to Orava.