When the snow falls and everything is covered with a blanket of white, it is a real pleasure for everyone, no matter their age. Nature is full of a magical and peaceful atmosphere, and it is in winter that offers to take beautiful photos in unexpected places. We have for you some original tips for locations where you can go for your most beautiful winter photo this year.

Utulňa Andrejcová (Touristic Shelter Andrejcová)

Many of you know this place at least by hearsay, but for some, it may be completely new information that we have a touristic shelter in the Low Tatras. It is a place where you can sleep in an emergency, drink clean water, buy snacks, go to the wooden toilet, and warm yourself by the fire. Nothing more, nothing less. In nature, and especially in unpredictable weather, sometimes even this, perhaps a little less comfortable option, is literally a lifesaver. Útulňa Andrejcová, near Kráľová hola Hill and Priehyba Saddle, is located at an altitude of 1410 m above sea level. m. It is a wooden cabin, which at first glance is not that special. But in the winter, when it snows, the entire roof of the cottage is buried and only the wooden windows are visible. Around it is snowy high mountain spruces and the landscape looks like a winter fairy tale. If the weather is nice, the place offers a beautiful, postcard-like view of the High Tatras, which is another bonus.

Jánošíkove diery (Jánošík Gorges)

Which tourist would not know the legendary Jánošíkove diery? The route near Terchová village is one of the most beautiful in the Malá Fatra Mountains! You can choose a small or large track, and both can be handled even by children. Although the route is relatively easy, it is really wonderful and you will have reason to say "wow" at every step. Especially on the Horné diery (Upper Gorges) section, there are many waterfalls and ladders, which is the most interesting part of the ascent. Jánošíkove diery consists of a system of gorges and canyons and belongs to the Rozsutce National Nature Reserve, which consists of three integrated parts: Dolné diery (Bottom Gorges), Horné diery (Upper Gorges), and Nové diery (New Gorges). It is also interesting that you can experience this beauty even in winter, which opens up a completely new dimension of tourism. However, if you decide to go to Horné and Nové diery, it must be said that they are a little bit dangerous in winter and you should not go here without proper equipment and a guide. The lower holes are incredibly beautiful in winter and relatively safe. In winter, the water and waterfalls turn to ice, and a beautiful ice kingdom is created here. It would be a sin not to take a beautiful photo there.

Devínska Kobyla Hill

Although there is not a lot of snow in the capital of Slovakia in winter and it does not last long, sometimes it does happen and this short time should be used. In 2020, a sightseeing tower was built above the Bratislava district of Dúbravka on Devínska Kobyla Hill, from which you can see the Carpathians, Záhorie region, Zobor, Pálava, and Lake Neusiedl. With good visibility, you can even see the Alps! The location where the tower stands are unique because it is on the border of three countries - the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Austria. The view of the three countries was also the motive for the visual of the tower, on which there are three viewing platforms, each at a different height. The highest platform is set at a height of twenty meters. Take a trip to a place in Bratislava where you won't feel like you're in a big city and where, thanks to the altitude of 514 m above sea level, the snow will last a little longer.

Dog sledding in Donovaly

Go through the snowy landscape, let yourself be surrounded by the divine silence of the mountains, and trust the pack of dogs for a while. You can experience such a romantic idyll during a dog sled ride. Be part of it and enjoy moments during which you will feel like you are somewhere in Lapland. However, you don't have to travel that far at all, just go to the popular resort Donovaly, where you can try unique mushing, i.e. driving on dog sleds. During the ride, you will not only take beautiful and really unusual winter photos and videos, but you will also get to know the history of this sport. You will learn specific moves and tricks, and if you want, you can try out the control of the pack of dogs yourself. Driving a sled is a real adrenaline and challenging activity and it will only depend on you how long you can last. Of course, the sled and the whole ride are controlled by an experienced musher. So, will you try such a ride?

Kľak Hill

The magical Kľak hill (1352 m above sea level) is also a popular destination for beautiful hiking in Malá Fatra Mountain. Even from a distance, the unmistakable peak on the mountain ridge of the Malá Fatra Mountains offers panoramic views to all sides of the world. You will see Malá and Veľká Fatra, as well as the High and Low Tatras. If you have a day off, the weather is kind to you and you have an unbearable appetite for a half-day trek, go to Kľak. A perfect ascent through winter nature awaits you, with snowy views and winter scenery that will not leave you indifferent. However, do not forget at least crampons, because there will be more and more snow with increasing altitude. Be sure to dress sensibly, because it will probably be quite cold up there, -20 degrees is nothing special in winter in Kľak! But the photos you can take at the frozen white double cross are definitely worth it.

Liptovská Kaďa (Liptov Mineral Tube)

Did you know that in Liptovský Ján you can bathe in a mineral spring year-round (and for free) that provides various benefits to your health? Yes, it is true! A twenty-minute stay in this water helps with female and skin diseases and rheumatism. It is questionable whether you dare because the water is not very warm, it is about 20 degrees, which can be a problem in winter. However, for a few minutes and taking the photo, it can definitely be done! Liptovská Kaďa can be found in the village of Liptovský Ján in the Liptov region. Mineral spring is located in a very nice natural environment, which makes it attractive for tourists all year round. The overall scenery evokes the impression of natural wellness and in winter somewhat visually resembles Icelandic springs.

Chopok Hill

After Ďumbier and Štiavnica Hills, Chopok (2024 m above sea level) is the third highest hill of the Low Tatras and is an extremely popular place both in winter and summer. It offers wonderful views, and there is excellent accessibility because you can reach the top directly by the cableway. At the same time, you can sit here and have a good meal or drink a coffee, there is even a children's playground with various attractions. All these factors make Chopok Hill one of the most popular hills and excursion places in Slovakia. You can sit down and take a sunbath, just be careful, the sun in the mountains is strong, so don't forget the SPF even in winter. The peak of Chopok is also a sought-after ski mountaineering and skiing destination because it can hold enough snow for a long time. And although the mountain is dotted with ski slopes, it still remains a great place for hiking. There are amazing panoramic views from the top, which are always liked. And the photos you can take on a beautiful winter day at such a height will be really WOW!

Špania Dolina Village

One of the most picturesque Slovak villages is certainly Špania Dolina in the district of Banská Bystrica. It has a rich tradition and you will find there more mining monuments than anywhere else in Slovakia. This region is connected by a mining past, once copper and silver were mined here. There are therefore many interesting technical monuments in the village, but be sure to visit the Roman Catholic Church of the Transfiguration as well – the church is a real symbol of the village and it completes its typical silhouette from the distance. The village lies in a valley, so from the surrounding hills you will have it in the palm of your hand and this view is worth seeing. Especially when everything is dusted with snow! It looks like time has stopped here, so if you have a trip through this region, be sure to visit the fabulous Špania Dolina Village for taking a nice photo. And don't miss the village's biggest attraction: the working Banícky Orloj (Mining Astronomical Clock), which is located right in its center on the square. The clock resembles a rock that splits open every hour and shows the hard work of the miners in the Špania Dolina copper mine.

Tatranská Javorina Village

The small village, only two and a half kilometers from the Polish border and eleven kilometers from Ždiar Village is known for its wooden Church of St. Anna. It is set in beautiful nature with a view of Belianske Tatras Mountain. It was built by Prince Christian Kraft Hohenlohe (1848 – 1926), one of the richest noblemen who owned vast territories in the Tatras. The church is Catholic, even though Hohenlohe was a Protestant. He had it consecrated by St. Anne, the patron saint of forest work because he was a passionate conservationist. The Church of St. Anny has an interesting design and a very unusual appearance. The place on which it stands enhances the whole atmosphere of the church even more and we can certainly talk about a real gem. The interior of the church is also a feast for the eyes, especially when the rays of the sun hit the walls. In honor of the Hohenlohe family, their coat of arms is placed in a place of honor. There is a calm and special atmosphere around the church, especially in the evening. Although the Tatra Mountains are not visible in the evening, you will be delighted by the sight of the illuminated church, which can be seen from afar. It is a real beauty, especially in winter, when the glittering snow shines around.

Ružbachy Crater

The village of Vyšné Ružbachy in the north of the Tatras is a well-known spa place, but it can also boast of another unusual natural attraction. It is a travertine lake in the shape of a crater, which, due to its size, is also called the largest travertine lake in Central Europe. Thanks to the composition and temperature of the spring that feeds it, the lake does not freeze even in winter. So if you feel like bathing in natural waters at this time of the year, go for it! The water in the lake is 23 degrees, which is not much, but you can stand it and take an interesting photo. Water is also highly mineralized, so bath there is also beneficial for your health.