Until 1923 the region had been part of Trenčín county, later Považská county. There are four towns here (Žilina, Bytča, Rajec and Rajecké Teplice) and 61 villages.

The mountain ranges of Javorníky, Malá Fatra, Strážovské vrchy and Súľovské vrchy, Kysucká vrchovina and Žilinská pahorkatina cover most of the region. The National Park of Malá Fatra with 230 kilometres of marked tourist paths is a very attractive range of Horné Považie. Its unique scenery can be observed from Vrátna Valley. The Súľovské skaly rocks are a natural attraction of the western part of Horné Považie region.

One of the main dominants of the City of Žilina is the Baroque church of St. Paul the Apostle with two towers and the Jesuit monastery from the mid-18th century. They are found on the arcaded Mariánske square. The Parish church with one of the oldest Renaissance belfries in Slovakia is interesting as well.

The Renaissance castle in Bytča and the Strečno Castle belong to the most important cultural relicts of the region. Other monuments include the castles of Lietava, Starý hrad, castle ruins of Hričov and Súľov, Secession manor in Kunerad as well as a unique Budatín castle, the seat of Považské Museum, at the confluence of Kysuca and Váh rivers.

Unique wooden houses in Čičmany make up a protected area of folk architecture. Wooden Betlehem in Rajecká lesná is famous as well.

Rajecké Teplice spa is one of the most popular spas in Slovakia. Many visitors go to swimming pools in Stráňavy, Rajec, Žilina and Terchová, too. The most popular ski resort in the region is Vrátna Free Time Zone.