A Cross is one of the oldest and most powerful symbols in the world. Kysuce is a region with many of them - not only in front of churches and chapels, but along roads, hidden in lonely settlements, remote hamlets, on hills, meadows and on high peaks.
The Cross on the top of Veľká Rača (1,236 m above sea level)
The highest peak of Kysuce located on the Slovak-Polish border (there is a tourist hut on the Polish side) easily accessible from Oščadnica – Dedovka is a place which cannot be omitted in your search of exceptional places. Your experience of the ascent will be enhanced on the way back if you try the bobsleigh track or the cable way. At the top of Dedovka, there are various attractions for all age groups in the summer (www.snowparadise.sk). You can reach the peak of Veľká Rača from the guesthouse Penzión Gájuz (www.sportcentrum.gajuz.sk). walking on the route rimmed by an educational trail with benches and resting points.
Three Crosses on Stratenec and the Cross on Velky Javorník
A beautiful hike from the tourist centre Makov - Kasárne to the ridge of Javorník in any season throughout the year. If you turn left from the Gežov saddleback and walk a few minutes, you will see the cross on Veľky Javorník (1,071 m above sea level). If you go right, you will reach Stratenec (1,055 m above sea level) in half an hour. At its top there is a small lookout tower and a monument in the form of concrete crosses. Access is possible by mountain bike, on foot and on Nordic skis.
The Cross on Vrchrieka in Vysoká nad Kysucou
The place on the ridge of Javorníky highlands is associated with tinkering history, as it is the birthplace of Štefan Hunčík, a legendary tinker who took over the largest tin factory in Moscow after his father. It is accessible on foot, by bike, by car on the asphalt road approximately 3.5 km from the main road (Furmanec bus stop), or along the Javorníky highlands ridge. The cross sheltered by a bell tower is standing near Hunčík´s native house. If you meet the mayor of the municipality, he will be delighted to tell you about a place called "Jazierko"(Lake) where all wedding guests allegedly slumped underground.
The White Cross in Klokočov
This recreation area on the Slovak-Czech border has the notion of a cross even in its name. There is a Chapel which is the end point of a pilgrimage to St. Cyril and Methodius. Except for the white cross on the chapel, there is another one in the area. It can be accessed from the villages of Klokočov-Konečná, Klokočov-Vrchpredmier and from the Czech side of the border.
The Cross in Staškov
The Cross and a few benches nearby to rest can be found in the first part of the new 16 km long educational path in the village of Staškov on the meadows between the native house of Jozef Króner and Staškov – Lazy. The path leads from the municipal office to the birthplace of Jozef Kroner, to the chapels in Jelitov (9 km) and on Murínkov hill (16 km). The place is enchanting especially if you come there to watch the sunrise.
Crosses in Drahošanka
The oldest cross in Drahošanka, more than a hundred-year-old construction, can be reached by a slight climb up the hill above the main railway station. It is located at an altitude of 642 m above sea level and 6 km from the centre of Čadca at the last bus stop in Drahošanka. The cross is a real gem, but only few people know about it. It is located on the opposite hill of the Drahošanka settlement and was built in 1909 when the residents of the settlement built it as an act of gratitude for surviving the epidemy of cholera which caused death to many of their neighbours and friends. You will find an almost identical cross if you climb to Drahošanka along the panel road from the part U Ševca. It is built on the site of a former cemetery where victims of the cholera epidemy were to be buried.
During the hike, you will notice a few more crosses and chapels such as the Snoska Chapel and the cross in the part near Kultán, the Lourdes chapel with a wooden cross and the bell tower in the centre of the settlement Drahošanka, which is why hill of Drahošanka is also called "Holy hill". On the way, you can enjoy the view of the beautiful scenery of the peaks and mountains of Kysuce, as well as the view of Malá Fatra and the town of Čadca with the adjacent valleys and a small ranch in the area near Liška. Cleanness and greenery everywhere around with grazing cows will make you think that you might be walking into paradise.
Lourdes chapel, Drahošanka (Čadca)
Živčáková
Živčáková is a pilgrimage site associated with the apparition of the Virgin Mary. Before you reach the newly built church and the springs of healing water, you will be accompanied by the Stations of the Cross (either from Korňa or from the town of Turzovka).
