The Nová Bystrica water reservoir is among the most photogenic and at the same time the quietest corners of the Kysucká Highlands. Unlike other Slovak dams, you won't find crowded beaches or motorboats here – it is a strictly protected drinking water reservoir that offers peaceful nature, dramatic history, and excellent cycling facilities.

Interesting facts and history

• Flooded villages of Riečnica and Harvelka: The construction took place between 1983 and 1989. Two distinctive Kysuce villages and dozens of surrounding hamlets and settlements fell victim to it. Nearly 3,000 residents had to be relocated from their homes.

• The solitary church in Riečnica: Of the original buildings, only one structure remains – the brick Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary from the late 19th century. It stands on an elevated bank above the water level and serves as a memorial site for the original locals.

• Second largest water reservoir: After the eastern Slovakian Starina, Nová Bystrica, with a volume of almost 33 million m³, is the second largest drinking water reservoir in Slovakia. It supplies the districts of Čadca and Žilina.

• Two-armed fjord shape: From above, the dam resembles a mountain fjord. The Kýčery massif divides the water surface into two long arms that follow the original riverbeds of the Bystrica River and the Riečnica stream.

• View of Veľký Rozsutec: From several sections of the shore and the dam, there is a direct view of the rocky silhouette of Veľký Rozsutec in Malá Fatra.

Important notice: As this is a hygienic protection zone of the 1st and 2nd degree, bathing, water sports, boating, camping and sport fishing are strictly prohibited in the entire reservoir.

Availability

• By car: From road II/520 (link between Krásno nad Kysucou and Oravská Lesná). Parking areas are located at the turnoff to the dam wall in Nová Bystrica or at the Granátovci locality.

• By bus: Regular lines run from Žilina and Čadca towards Nová Bystrica and Vychylovka.

• By bike: The dam is directly connected to the Bystrická cycle route.

Activities and trip tips in the area

• Cycling loop around the reservoir (Cycle route no. 2434):

  The looped route measures approximately 28 – 30 km with a paved asphalt and gravel surface. It leads around the entire water area through the abandoned Riečnica and Harvelka. The profile is slightly undulating, ideal for trekking bikes, mountain bikes, and e-bikes.

• Museum of the Kysuce Village in Vychylovka (Open-air museum):

  Just a few kilometers from the dam, you will find a unique open-air museum of folk architecture, where original log houses transferred from the flooded villages of Riečnica and Harvelka also stand.

• Historic forest switchback railway:

  Part of the Vychylovka open-air museum with a functional switchback system, which ranks among technical monuments of world significance.

• Slovak astronomical clock in Stará Bystrica:

  In the neighboring village stands the only astronomical clock in Slovakia with wooden sculptures and a noon procession of apostles.

• Hiking to surrounding peaks:

  Marked trails lead to viewpoints in the Kysucká Highlands (e.g., Kýčera, Okrúhlica, or Vojenné) or further to the ridge of Malá Fatra.