Skip to content

Čičmany

Čičmany, Slovakia

History

A small village of dark log houses decorated with white geometric patterns, set in the hills of the Strážov Mountains. Park at the entrance and walk the lanes; a small folk museum occupies one of the old houses.

Čičmany lies at 645 metres in the Žilina District and is known for its log houses with white geometric patterns on the outer walls. The timber houses have gabled roofs and galleries. After a major fire in 1921 the village was rebuilt; since 1977 it has been a folk architecture reserve. First mentioned in 1272. The name derives from the Slovak word “čičman”, meaning a noisy lumberjack; until the mid-20th century the village was a centre of sheep farming.

The village has only about 125 inhabitants (as of the end of 2025) and can be explored in an hour. Walk through the lanes and park on the edge of the village. It is quietest on weekdays and in the morning, as many visitors come as day-trippers. A small museum in the village offers an insight into folk culture.

Nearest town
Čičmany, Slovakia
Category
History & culture
GPS
49.1561, 18.6556

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Getting there

  • Slovakia: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

Sources

Nearby

Campsites nearby

  • Slnečné skalyCampsite
    5 km from Čičmany
    TentsCaravansDrinking waterWi-Fi
  • Penzion Štefanik AutokempCampsite
    5 km from Čičmany
  • Camping Manínska tiesňavaCampsite
    12 km from Čičmany · 20 pitches
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
  • Kempík StarhradCampsite
    16 km from Čičmany
  • Autocamping VarínCampsite
    17 km from Čičmany
    TentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal

All campsites in Slovakia · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Čičmany?

Čičmany is in Čičmany, Slovakia, at GPS 49.1561, 18.6556. It is about 10 km from Žilina.

Can you camp near Čičmany?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Slnečné skaly, about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

What is there to see near Čičmany?

Places worth a stop nearby: Strečno Castle (17 km), Vrátna Valley (29 km), Jánošíkove diery (30 km) and Bojnice Castle (42 km).

When is the best time to visit Čičmany?

No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)