Basic information
Žilina Self-Governing Region
Self-government - higher territorial units
Komenského 48
011 09 Žilina
Slovakia
Phone: +421 41 5032 111
E-mail: info@zilinskazupa.sk
Web: www.zilinskazupa.sk
ID: 37808427
Contact person
Ms. Erika Jurinová - President of Žilina Self-Governing Region
Žilina Self-Governing Region
Area: 6 809 km²
Population: 691 584 (2020)
The most visited Slovak region by overnight stays has earned a reputation of attractive tourist destination as well as economic centre of the northern Slovakia.
Natural beauties
Pristine nature is considered one of the most precious gems of the Žilina Region. A predominantly mountainous surface covers four Slovak national parks of Veľká Fatra, Malá Fatra, Low Tatras and Western Tatras as a sub-area of the High Tatras. There are also three protected landscape areas, more than one hundred smaller national nature reserves and natural sites included in the network of European importance, Natura 2000. These territories altogether compose more than a half of the regional area. The unique world of caves in the Demänovská Valley hides world-famous formations and decorations.
Cultural sights
Apart from its beautiful nature, tourists also recognize regional authentic culture and history. Among its historical sites, romantic castles, especially the Orava castle, are eye-catching. Folk architecture has found its place in open-air museums (Vychylovka, Zuberec, Pribylina and Martin) that present traditions, customs and life of local inhabitants in the past. The most precious architectural sights (articular churches in Tvrdošín and Leštiny and the Vlkolínec settlement) are protected by UNESCO. Folk festivals in Východná, Terchová and Zuberec enjoy a long tradition and great popularity.
Sports opportunities
Visitors who search active relaxation will enjoy a diverse terrain of the Region. About one fifth of all marked hiking and cycling trails in Slovakia is situated in the Žilina Region. A large number of ski resorts offers top quality cross-country skiing trails and ski slopes in symbiosis with the most modern ski-lifts and cable cars in Slovakia (Jasná in the Low Tatras, Roháče-Spálená in the Western Tatras etc.). The area boasts exceptional thermal and mineral springs which have been utilized for many centuries by local spas (Rajecké Teplice, Turčianske Teplice, Lúčky etc.). Excellent natural conditions, cultural uniqueness, top quality ski resorts, aquaparks and spas attract more than 1 million tourists annually.
Economic potential
The Žilina Region is an important European intersection for road and rail transport. The geographical position in the proximity of borders with Poland and the Czech Republic makes excellent conditions for development of logistics. The Region is sought-after among investors for a long mechanical engineering tradition that was also one of decisive factors for KIA Motors Company to establish the first European plant near the capital Žilina. Other highly developed sectors of the economy include electrical engineering, woodworking and food industries, information and communication technologies and banking. Companies also appreciate qualified and skilled labour force thanks to four universities that offer education in various fields.
Published: 4. 5. 2021