Districts: Žilina, Bytča, Čadca, Dolný Kubín, Kysucké Nové Mesto, Liptovský Mikuláš, Martin, Námestovo, Ružomberok, Turčianske Teplice, Tvrdošín
Population: 694,129
Area: 6,788 km2
The region is situated in the north-west of Slovakia. It borders on Poland and Czech Republic in the west and north respectively.
The metropolis of the region is Žilina and the linkage with the national and cultural history of Slovakia is obvious in the town Martin. The most beautiful castle in this region is Oravský hrad Castle and the oldest architechtural monuments include ruins of medieval castles mostly situated in beautiful spots that offer wonderful views (castles Strečno, Starý hrad, Lietava, Hričovský hrad, Súľovský hrad, Likava, Liptovský hrad). Popular architecture can be seen in several communes. Among them is Vlkolínec (UNESCO monument). The most important representatives of popular sacral architecture are wooden churches in Svätý Kríž, Tvrdošín, Leštiny and Istebné. Spas Rajecké Teplice, Turčianske Teplice and Lúčky offer therapy and relaxation.
As far as the natural assets are concerned, the region contains almost everything. The mountain ranges Malá Fatra, Veľká Fatra, Chočské vrchy and above all Západné Tatry and Nízke Tatry are a paradise for hikers or cyclists. The attractions include caves, water reservoirs and aquaparks.
Greatest attractions:
spa in Rajecké Teplice and Turčianske Teplice, open-air museums in Zuberec, Pribylina and Vychylovka, Vlkolínec, Čičmany, Castles Budatín, Strečno and Orava, aquaparks in Tatralandia, Oravice and Bešeňová, ski centres Veľká Rača, Vrátna, Zuberec, Skipark Ružomberok and Jasná, Spa&Aquapark Turčianske Teplice.
source: Vydavateľstvo DAJAMA