Malé Borové lies on the southeastern slopes of the Skorušina, in a basin in the headwaters of the Sviniarsky potok. Cycling and local history offer different ways to explore the area: a challenging loop with clearly specified details, and historical traces stretching from the former Borové to a building in Malé Borové. The water mills of Oblazy nearby may also play a role in planning your trip.

Cycling around Malé Borové

For cyclists, the challenging MTB/trekking loop “Cyklotrasa cez Chočské vrchy” is one specific option. It is 35.4 kilometres long and runs via Kvačany, Bukovina, Malatiná, Malé Borové and Oblazy, returning to Kvačany. Malé Borové is therefore on the route, with Kvačany serving as both the starting and finishing point. The distance and difficulty rating provide two important details for planning. As route conditions may change, check them before setting off.

From Malé Borové, a route continues along the river through the narrow section of the Kvačianska Valley. There is also a cycling junction at the turnoff to Malé Borové; the Vrchárska cyklomagistrála No. 042 starts there. The distance and difficulty details describe the loop, while the river and narrow valley section mark the route from Malé Borové, and the junction marks the start of the cycling highway. This makes it easier to distinguish the different route connections when planning.

From Borové to Malé Borové

Borové was established in the 17th century as a dispersed settlement by Gorals from the Orava region. Borové is first mentioned in 1696. Agriculture and mountain pasture farming have been among the residents’ occupations since the settlement was founded. These historical details paint a picture of the settlement through its origins, settlement pattern and work—not just individual buildings.

The settlement’s later development can also be traced through specific dates: after 1786, Borové was divided into Malé Borové and Veľké Borové. In 1882, the settlement of Novoť was incorporated into Malé Borové. The division and the later incorporation were two separate steps in the area’s history. They help place the names and their respective roles in the area’s development.

The earlier history of Borové includes a range of crafts. These included making sieves, shallow wooden bowls known as opálky, baskets and birch brooms. From the 18th century, itinerant glassmaking was also practised in Borové. Borové also grew in the area around an old glassworks. The craft traditions, glassmaking and development around the glassworks are distinct aspects of this local history.

One precisely dated landmark in the history of Malé Borové is the Church of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary: it was consecrated in 1952. The church’s history thus adds a distinct local landmark to the story of the former Borové. Those interested in local history will find both settlement details reaching far back in time and a specific date from more recent history.

Hiking trails to the water mills of Oblazy

The water mills of Oblazy are located near Malé Borové. Hiking trails to the mills start from Huty, Veľké Borové or Kvačany. For planning, the main consideration is which of these three named places to use as the starting point for the hike. Cycling and hiking are different ways to explore the surroundings: for the loop, distance and difficulty are the main considerations, while for the mills, access is via the listed starting points.

Discover more destinations: Lazisko, Kralova Lehota, Liptovska Anna, Žiar, Liptovský Hrádok, Vazec, Pavlova Ves, Liptovský Trnovec

View the broader travel overview: Okres Liptovský Mikuláš.