Dechtáre — a stop by Liptovská Mara worth the detour
A tip for a beautiful scenic stop by Liptovská Mara reservoir with mountain views. The Dechtáre rest area near the village of Galovany, just past Liptovský Mikuláš.
You might know this place only from your car window as you drive along the motorway, but few people actually turn off here. It’s the Dechtáre rest area near the village of Galovany, just a short distance past Liptovský Mikuláš. 🇸🇰
When we woke up on the second day at Apartmány za Rohom, our first stop after breakfast was heading west to one very lovely viewpoint.
How to get there
It’s only 12 km from Demänová, so you can be parked in about 15 minutes. And the parking itself is great — it’s large, right next to the motorway, and you’ll find stalls selling beautiful local goods, Slovak cheeses and souvenirs. We simply had to stop and take it all in. 🅿️
Slovak souvenirs and handmade goods at the Dechtáre rest stop
The pier and view of the reservoir
The most beautiful part is a little further on — it’s a pier you can reach in about a minute from the car park. From it you have an incredible view of the entire reservoir and the mountain panorama behind it. You’ll even find benches and one of those wooden “frames” that perfectly frames the view in your photos. 📸
Even though the motorway is nearby, the pier feels calm and peaceful — like time has briefly stood still. 🕰️
It’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs, breathe in some fresh air, and simply gaze at the water. 🌊
During our visit in mid-April, we noticed there seemed to be much less water than in previous years. It was definitely lower than before.
Views of Liptovská Mara from the Dechtáre pier
For me, it’s absolutely worth that short detour off the road. 👍 Save this tip or share it with someone heading to Liptov. It’s worth it. 🙂❤️✨
Would you enjoy a view like this? 🏔️🙂
Good to know
Where is the Dechtáre rest area?
Near the village of Galovany, just past Liptovský Mikuláš, right by the motorway. It is only 12 km from Demänová, about a 15-minute drive.
Can you park at Dechtáre?
Yes, the car park is large and right next to the motorway, and it was free when we visited. There are also stalls with lovely goods, local cheeses and souvenirs.
How far is it from the car park to the pier?
Only about a minute on foot.
What is there to see on the Dechtáre pier?
A wonderful view of the whole Liptovská Mara reservoir and the mountain panorama. There are benches and a wooden “window” that frames the view beautifully for a photo. Even though the motorway is close, it is peaceful on the pier.
Is there always enough water in Liptovská Mara?
Not always. When we were here in mid-April, there was very little water, and in previous years there was more.
Are there toilets at the Dechtáre rest area?
Yes, there are toilets. When we visited, they were free to use with a voluntary donation.
How long should you stay at Dechtáre?
We stayed about half an hour, maybe a little longer. That is plenty for stretching your legs and taking a few photos.
