This small town in northern Slovakia sits near the Czech and Polish borders. Its 1741 Renaissance church and railway museum reflect its role as a transport hub.
Čadca lies in northern Slovakia where three mountain ranges meet: Javorníky, Kysucké Beskydy, and Turzovská vrchovina. In this small town, you can explore the Kysuce Museum's collection of historic forest railway engines, hike to the 1,236-meter peak of Veľká Rača, or swim in the municipal pool with mountain views. The railway station connects to Prague, Ostrava, and Polish Zwardoń with direct trains.
Getting Around Čadca
The railway station in Čadca sits at the intersection of three international rail lines. You can take direct trains to Prague, Ostrava, or Polish Zwardoń. The station's location in the town center makes it easy to start day trips to neighboring countries or explore the Kysuce region. LEO Express and České dráhy run trains to Czech destinations throughout the day.
Mountains and Trails
Javorníky, Kysucké Beskydy, and Turzovská vrchovina mountains surround Čadca, with peaks reaching 1,236 meters. Marked paths wind through beech and spruce forests. A 13-kilometer trail leads to Snowparadise Veľká Rača ski resort, where you can use chair lifts for hiking access in summer. The network includes both valley walks and mountain climbs, with mountain huts at 3-4 kilometer intervals where you can stop for food and drinks.
The Kysuce Museum
The Kysuce Museum displays original engines and cars from Slovakia's forest railways, focusing on the narrow-gauge lines that moved timber through the mountains. The natural science exhibition includes a life-sized mammoth model and preserved specimens of local wildlife. Each year, the museum hosts the Etnofilm festival, screening documentaries about regional culture. The museum manages two additional locations: the 16th-century Radoľa Manor House and the Museum of the Kysuce Village.
Swimming and Recreation
Čadca has two swimming facilities. The outdoor municipal pool opens from June to September and includes grass areas for sunbathing and a snack bar. You'll find the indoor pool on Športovcov Street across from the football stadium. It stays open year-round with six 25-meter lanes and set hours for public swimming.
