Hikes

Trail: Bývalá Važecká chata – Tri studničky – Krivánsky žľab gorge – Kriváň peak and back
Estimated hike duration: 4-5 hours ascent, 3-4 hours descent (altogether: 8-9 hours)
Height difference: 1,355 m 
Difficulty: An all day hike for physically fit tourists. 
Note: It is possible to do a circle tour from Štrbské pleso tarn or to choose another starting point.
From the parking situated by Bývalá Važecká chata we continue to a place called Tri studničky. Next we walk up the forest above the Kôprová dolina valley. There is a bunker from the time of the Slovak National Uprising in 1944 by the path, which we can visit. In the area above Grúnik, we leave the forest zone and get into the mountain pine trees zone which opens up to beautiful views. We continue along the rocks to Krivánsky žľab gorge to cross the southeast ridge by which we ascend to the top reaching Malý Kriváň peak first, then crossing Daxnerove sedlo saddle until we finally get to the top of Kriváň, which is considered a symbol of Slovaks. From the top, we get to see the entire High and Western Tatras. In the south, we can see the Low Tatras and, in the west, the Malá and Veľká Fatra mountains.
The trail was prepared by Kračmer Peter, kracmer@skialpkrivan.sk
 

Trail: Lysá Poľana (PL-SK border) – Morské oko tarn – Rysy mountain (2,499 m) and back
Estimated hike duration: 5-6 hours ascent, 4-5 hours descent (altogether: 10-12 hours)
Height difference: 1,650 m 
Difficulty: A difficult climb suitable for moderately experienced hikers; there is a long passage with chains and steel climbers on the trail, it is very difficult to descend with chains. 
Note: Let's get to the highest point of Poland on this one-day hike to Rysy in the High Tatras. Enjoy some of the most picturesque mountain sceneries on your way to the summit on the border of Slovakia and Poland. Rysy mountain is located in the main ridge of the High Tatras mountain range, right on the border of Slovakia and Poland. At 2,499 meters, Rysy is the tallest peak of Poland, and even has an additional peak on the Slovak side. It is a popular hike for all the adventurers and travelers. During summer, it offers multiple paths to get to the summit that vary in time and difficulty. Being surrounded by the lakes and wildlife as you climb makes this a once-in-a-lifetime experience showing you the beauty of two countries. 
Our hike starts at Palenica Bialczanska (1,000 m). We walk to the largest tarn in the High Tatras, Morskie Oko, and then ascend to the second-deepest tarn, Čierne pleso. The scenery around the tarns gives you a chance to explore the remote nature of Poland at first hand. The next part of our ascent is a technically difficult hike which includes a long section with chains. The reward for our hard work is reaching the summit of Rysy and its unique panoramas.
After a short break at the peak, we can choose to return to Palenica Bialczanska the same way we came with a break at a mountain hut at Morskie Oko or we can also hike down the Slovak path past Popradské pleso tarn to Štrbské Pleso to experience both sides of the mountain.
The trail was prepared by Kubinský Marcel, marcel@kubinsky.sk
 

Trail: Štrbské Pleso – Mlynická valley – Bystrá lávka saddle – Furkotská dolina valley – Štrbské Pleso
Estimated hike duration: 3.5-5 hours ascent, 3-4 hours descent (altogether: 7-9 hours)
Height difference: 930 m 
Difficulty: An all-day hike suitable for more experienced hikers as some sections are secured with chains.
Note: Beginning in Štrbské Pleso, we get to the turn to the Mlynická valley and after one hour to a wonderful waterfall called Skok (Jump). From above the waterfall, there is a spectacular panorama. After a short break, we walk on the great meadow of mountain flowers and small rivers. At the end of the valley, the trail leads us to Capie pleso tarn (2,225 m). The winding path takes us from the tarn to the saddle called Bystrá lávka (2,300 m) which is secured by chains. We then descend to the Furkotská dolina valley from where we can see Wahlenbergher tarns. On our way back, we can stop by Chata pod Soliskom mountain hut and from there we get to Štrbské Pleso by a cable car.
The trail was prepared by Marcel Kubinský marcel@kubinsky.sk

Trail: Sliezsky dom mountain hotel (1,670 m) – Batizovské pleso tarn (1,884 m) – Končistá peak (2,537 m) – back to Sliezsky dom mountain hotel (another option is to descend across Lúčne sedlo saddle (2,168 m) – Tupá peak ( 2285 m) – sedlo pod Ostrvou saddle (1,984 m) – Popradské pleso tarn – Tatra Electric Railway stop, TEŽ Popradské pleso (1,250 m))
Estimated hike duration: 3-4 hours ascent, 2.5-3 hours descent (or 3-4 hours descent for the second option across Tupá peak)
Height difference: 1,100 m 
Difficulty: A moderately difficult hike beyond the marked trails; the overall length of the hike is approx. 15 km.
Note: Končistá is the highest peak in the southern part of the main ridge of the High Tatras. It towers from Popradský Ľadový štít peak. The ridge of Končistá separates the Batizovská dolina vallley and the Štôlska dolina valley. On the top of Končistá, we can find a rock formation called "Jármayho stôl" (Jármay's table) or "Nákova" (Anvil). In 2019, it was struck by a lightning which broke the rock leaving only two-tirds of it on the top of the peak. The other third lies in the glen below the mountain. Končistá offers a stunning panoramic view of the Batizovská dolina valley, Gerlachovský štít peak, the Dračia dolina & Mengusovská dolina valleys. 
During the first part of the hike, we follow the path of Tatranská magistrála trail (until we get to Batizovské pleso tarn and descend to Sedlo pod Ostrvou saddle). The second part of the trail is beyond the marked trails. In order to ascend to Končistá, you should already have some experience with all day hikes with high elevation gains, for example to Rysy mountain, Jahňací štít peak, etc. It is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Tatras offering stunning views and allowing hikers to gain experience in moving beyond the marked trails. 
The trail was prepared by Kubinský Marcel, marcel@kubinsky.sk

Trail: Starý Smokovec – Slavkovská vyhliadka (overlook) – Slavkovský nos peak – Slavkovský štít peak and back
Estimated hike duration: 4-5 hours ascent, 3-4 hours descent (altogether: 8-9 hours)
Height difference: 1,477 m 
Difficulty: An all day hike for physically fit tourists. 
Note: The hike begins in the center of Starý Smokovec. We start to hike slightly through the forest to the area of five springs (Päť prameňov) and continue in the direction of the overlook called Slavkovská vyhliadka which offers the first views from heights. We continue along a rocky path ascending to Štrbavý hrebeň ridge below which there is a path leading across the Slavkovský nos peak to the top of the Slavkovský štít peak. It is an extensive massif between the Veľká Studená valley and Starý Smokovec. The top offers views of the entire High Tatras. In the south, we can also see the Low Tatras.
The trail was prepared by Kračmer Peter, kracmer@skialpkrivan.sk
 

Trail: Starý Smokovec – Hrebienok – Zamkovského chata mountain hut – Téryho chata mountain hut - Zamkovského chata mountain hut – Hrebienok – Starý Smokovec 
Estimated hike duration: 3-4 hours ascent, 2-3 hours descent (altogether: 5-8 hours)
Height difference: 1,005 m 
Difficulty: A slightly difficult climb suitable for moderately experienced tourists.
Note: It is possible to take a funicular from Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok or in the opposite direction (the price for the funicular is not included).
From Starý Smokovec we go up the trail alongside the funicular or we take it to Hrebienok. Then we go down to the Studenovodské vodopády waterfalls, walk around them and get to the oldest mountain hut in the High Tatras – Reinerova chata. After a short break we walk around a big waterfall to Zamkovského chata mountain hut. We zigzag along the stream across the valley called Malá Studená dolina. In the middle of the valley, we start going up into Veľký hang, a scree hillside. Below the peak of Žltá stena we get to Malý hang hillside and soon to Téryho chata mountain hut (2,015 m). After a little snack, we take a look at the basin called Kotlina Piatich spišských plies (The Basin of Five Spiš tarns) and we go back following the same trail.
The trail was prepared by Marcel Kubinsky, marcel@kubinsky.sk

Trail: Hrebienok – Zbojnícka chata mountain hut – Prielom saddle – Poľský hrebeň saddle – Sliezsky dom mountain hotel – Hrebienok 
Estimated hike duration: 9-11 hours
Height difference: 1,090 m 
Difficulty: A quite difficult hike across two mountain saddles secured with chains and metal ladders suitable for fit and moderately experienced tourists.
Note: It is possible to take a funicular from Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok or in the opposite direction (the price for the funicular is not included).
From Hrebienok (1,255 m) we ascend across the Veľká studená dolina valley to Zbojnícka chata mountain hut (1,960 m) where we can have some snacks before we head for Prielom saddle (2,288 m), a part of the main ridge of the High Tatras. After a slightly difficult descent to the Zamrznutý kotol valley using chains, we ascend back to the main ridge, to Poľský hrebeň saddle (2,200 m). We can have a short break here before we descend across the Velická dolina valley passing by Dlhé & Velické pleso tarns to Sliezky dom mountain hotel (1,670 m). We can have some rest here and then, following the path of Tatranská magistrála trail, we return to Hrebienok. The most difficult sections of the trail are secured with chains. It is also possible to hike in the opposite direction starting from Hrebienok and continuing to Sliezsky dom mountain hotel. 
The trail was prepared by Marcel Kubinsky, marcel@kubinsky.sk
 

Trail: Kežmarská Biela voda – Šalviový prameň stream – Mountain hut at Zelené pleso tarn – Jahňací štít peak and back
Estimated hike duration: 4-5 hours ascent, 3-4 hours descent (altogether: 8-9 hours)
Height difference: 1,365 m 
Difficulty: An all day hike for physically fit tourists; the trail includes sections that are secured with chains.
Note: It is also possible to start the hike in Tatranské Matliare or to choose another access path. 
From Kežmarská Biela voda parking we slightly ascend on the forest path in the Biela voda valley. We continue across the Šalviový prameň stream and get to the valley of Zelené pleso tarn. Walking along the Zelený potok stream, we get to the mountain hut at Zelené pleso tarn. Jastrabia veža peak makes the panoramic view there even better. It is possible to get something to eat at the mountain hut before the ascent or on our way back. From the hut we continue to the Červená dolina valley. Passing by Červené pleso and Belasé pleso tarns we ascend to Kolový priechod saddle. This is where we can find the first sections secured with chains. It is not too far from the peak but the terrain gets rougher and more difficult here. The peak offers spectacular views of the nearby Belianske Tatras, the northern High Tatras, Poland, and prominent Lomnický štít peak.
The trail was prepared by Kračmer Peter, kracmer@skialpkrivan.sk
 

Trail: Biela voda – Biele pleso tarn – Mountain hut at Zelené pleso tarn – back to Biela voda
Estimated hike duration: 3-4 hours ascent, 2.5-3 hours descent (altogether: 5-7 hours)
Height difference: 730 m 
Difficulty: A slightly difficult climb suitable for moderately experienced tourists.
Note: 
Let's explore three tarns in one day (Zelené pleso, Biele pleso and Trojrohé pleso) while enjoying some lovely views, diverse fauna and flora and granite and limestone mountains.
From Biela voda, we hike up to the Šalviov prameň stream (1,210 m) and then continue to Biele pleso tarn (1,625 m) beneath the limestone hills of the Belianske Tatras. We take the path with a beautiful scenery from Biele pleso tarn to Trojrohé pleso tarn. The last stop is the mountain hut at Zelené pleso tarn (1,550 m) where we can have something to eat. 
The trail was prepared by Marcel Kubinsky, marcel@kubinsky.sk
 

Trail: Čingov tourist area (or Letanovský mlyn) – Veľký Kyseľ gorge, return to the starting point of the hike past Kláštorisko tourist area
Estimated hike duration: 2.5-4 hours ascent (altogether 6-8 hours)
Height difference: 600 m
Difficulty: A moderately difficult climb, the track is secured with the technical equipment (ropes – via ferrata), bridges, chains and ladders.
Admission fee: 5€/person – paid to the administration of the national park for the passage through the via ferrata
Note: A mountain leader can belay you in case you feel insecure crossing the gorge (via ferrata). Belaying makes the crossing much safer especially for the less experienced hikers and for children. Via Ferrata Veľký Kyseľ is closed every year from November 1 to June 14.
The trail starts either in the Čingov tourist area or in Letanovský mlyn (talk to the mountain leader to choose from where to start) and we soon get into the gorge. The whole trail runs along the stream and sometimes above it. The most beautiful and frequently visited parts of the trail are secured with the ropes (that’s why you’ll need a via ferrata kit). The trail includes waterfalls, crossings over the river and some fallen trees. Rainfalls can cause the stream to rise and the water level on the path can also be higher in certain sections so be sure to wear a good pair of shoes. The rocks can be slippery and poor-quality shoes can make the hike very uncomfortable for you.
Persons per a mountain leader: 6 at maximum.
The trail was prepared by Marcel Kubinský, marcel@kubinsky.sk
 

Trail: Hrabušická píla – Piecky gorge – Hrabušická píla
Estimated hike duration: 2-2.5 hours ascent (altogether 4-5 hours)
Height difference: 460 m
Difficulty: A moderately difficult hike with technical equipment, bridges, iron cramps, chains and ladders in certain passages.
Admission fee: 2 € entrance fee to the national park
Note: It is not very frequently visited gorge in the Slovak Paradise suitable for less experienced tourist as well as for children. A mountain guide always has a rope and can secure you if necessary. The hike starts at the parking lot in Hrabušická píla (590 m) from where we soon enter the gorge. We hike along the stream all the time. The narrow parts are equipped with wooden and steel footbridges and several vertical ladders. You can also look forward to Veľký & Terasový vodopád waterfalls which are most beautiful in spring or after rains. In case of rainy weather, the water level is usually higher and the path is under water, so waterproof hiking shoes and considerable caution are a must.
The number of persons per mountain guide depends on the season. Summer max. 15 people/winter max. 6 people.
The trail was prepared by Marcel Kubinský marcel@kubinsky.sk

Trail: Dedinky – Zejmarská roklina gorge – Geravy – Dedinky
Estimated hike duration: 3-4 hours altogether 
Height difference: 340 m
Difficulty: A slightly difficult hike suitable for moderately experienced tourists, two parts are secured with chains.
Admission fee: 2 € entrance fee to the national park
Note: It is a pretty frequently visited gorge in the Slovak Paradise. It is the only one with ladders on the southern side and although it is also the shortest one, the nature around is marvelous. From the starting point we follow the path to Mlynky – Biele Vody where the gorge begins. Slightly ascending we get under Nálepkov vodopád waterfall and climb up the ladder. We continue to the meadow of Geravy where we can have a rest and get snacks at the restaurant or the snack bar. We then return to the village of Dedinky following a forest path. It is also possible to cross the gorge in winter when the stream is frozen and waterfalls are transformed into ice sculptures. Accompanied by a mountain guide, your hike will be safe and unforgettable. If you have enough time after the hike, you can also visit the nearby Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa ice cave which is listed in the UNESCO natural heritage.
The number of persons per mountain guide depends on the season. Max. 15 persons in summer, max. 6 people in winter.
The trail was prepared by Marcel Kubinský marcel@kubinsky.sk

Trail: Trangoška mountain holiday resort (1,100 m) – Ďumbier peak (2,043 m) – Chopok peak – Krížske sedlo saddle – Príslop saddle – Srdiečko centre (1,210 m)
Estimated hike duration: 8.5 hours
Height difference: 1,526 m
Difficulty: A technically simple climb suitable for moderately experienced hikers.
Note: The hike begins at the Trangoška parking lot (1,100 m). We are to follow the green-marked trail. After 45 minutes we walk around a turn heading to Jaskyňa mŕtvych netopierov (Dead Bats Cave). After a while we can see Halašova Jama submersion and after another hour of walking we get to M. R. Štefánik mountain hut (1,746 m) under Ďumbier peak. After another hour we continue across Krúpovo sedlo saddle to Ďumbier – the highest peak of the Low Tatras. Here starts the most spectacular part of the hike – the Low Tatras ridge: the right-hand side offers a view of the Western Tatras and the High Tatras while the left-hand side provides us with great views of Veľký and Malý Gápeľ peaks which are closest to us and Poľana hill and Veporské vrchy hills which are visible in the distance. We then go over to Chopok peak on the alpine trail paved with large stones. There is a possibility to buy a snack in Kamenná chata mountain hut. This is also the easiest way to escape from the ridge to the valley in case of adverse weather conditions. We continue by following the red-marked trail through Poľana saddle to Krížske sedlo saddle from where we begin to descend to Príslop saddle with mountain pines and bilberry cover all around us. Here we can see a side ridge made up of the Mesiačik, Baba and Pálenica peaks in front of us. The ridge belongs to Príslop saddle which is exactly where we are heading. What follows is a narrow traverse to Kosodrevina mountain hut (1,500 m) and a short descent to Srdiečko center.
The trail was prepared by Trajčík Peter, pampo@centrum.sk

Trail: Nižná Revúca – Via Ferrata Dve veže (Two towers)
Estimated hike duration: 3-4 hours ascent 
Height difference: approx. 400 m
Difficulty: Moderately demanding via ferrata suitable for tourists with an adequate physical condition. The greater part of the hike is the via ferrata, which leads across a gorge with technical equipment (steel ropes, iron cramps, climbers, rope bridges). It is necessary to have a via ferrata kit (seating harness, helmet, energy absorber, gloves) – it is possible to borrow it from mountain leader. Via ferrata is suitable for children over 10 years of age.
Note: Let´s try the youngest via ferrata in Slovakia with us and experience something new.
This location is also suitable for via ferrata training courses from beginners to advanced. Via Ferrata Dve veže is the youngest via ferrata built in Slovakia. It was officially opened on September 14, 2019. In fact, it is a small ferrata park including several via ferratas. It is located near the village of Liptovské Revúce, in the Veľká Fatra national park. You can find it in the area that locals usually call "Zahorovo".
There is a total of 9 short ferratas, whose difficulty according to the Schall scale is C/D (difficult/very difficult). The ferratas are not suitable for children under 10 years of age. In total, the via ferrata park includes 380 m of steel ropes, plenty of climbers, and two rope bridges. Every via ferrata has its name and is marked with its difficulty.
From the highest point, you have a beautiful view of the surrounding hills of the Low Tatras (Končitá, Malý Zvolen, Čierna Hora) and the Veľká Fatra mountain range (Krížna, Frčkov). The two national parks are separated by the river Revúca.
Brief information about the Via Ferrata Dve veže:
- Altitude – about 800 m above sea level;
- Elevation of individual roads – from 20 m to 70 m;
- Origin – the rock is of limestone origin;
- Layout – the Ferrata consists of 3 rock towers – one smaller and 2 dominant ones, the towers are connected by rope bridges;
- Possibility of descent – there is a descent path leading to the beginning of the via ferrata;
- The difficulty of via ferrata routes – routes are divided into easy and more challenging ones. Difficulty levels are B, C, and C/D;
 The via ferrata also includes an educational trail with information panels full of interesting facts about the local fauna and flora, forestry, etc. The information panels are located along the access path leading to the via ferrata. 
Seasonally closed: January 1 – April 30
The trail was prepared by Kračmer Peter, kracmer@skialpkrivan.sk
 

Trail: Terchová Biely potok bus stop – Nové diery gorge – Podžiar saddle – Horné diery gorge – Medzirozsutce saddle – Veľký & Malý Rozsutec peaks – Medziholie saddle – Štefanová village
Estimated hike duration: 7-8 hours + 1 extra hour for hiking to Malý Rozsutec peak
Height difference: 1,200 m + 140 m Malý Rozsutec
Difficulty: A slightly difficult hike suitable for moderately experienced tourists including chains and ladders in certain passages.
Note: Explore the beauty of the Malá Fatra gorges on our way to the peak of Veľký Rozsutec (1,610 m). The route begins at the bus stop Biely potok (570 m) near the village of Terchová. From there we can comfortably cross a beautiful gorge "Jánošíkove Diery" named after a Slovak national hero, Jánošík, born in Terchová. We cross the gorges of Dolné, Nové a Horné diery with a stop in Podžiar saddle (700 m). After a short break, we continue to Horné Diery gorge and then relax for a while in the saddle of Medzirozsutce (1,200 m). If you are not too tired, it is also possible to "run" up to the peak of Malý Rozsutec (1,344 m) and return back to the saddle. We continue to ascend to Veľký Rozsutec peak (1,610 m). At the end, we descend steeply to Medziholie saddle (1,175 m) and then to the beautiful village of Štefanová (630 m).
The trail was prepared by Marcel Kubinsky, marcel@kubinsky.sk

Trail: Červený Kláštor, Sromowce Nižne – Tri Koruny mountain
Estimated hike duration: 2-2.5 hours ascent (altogether 4-5 hours)
Height difference: 500 m
Difficulty: A moderately difficult hike, quite steep in certain passages.
Note: The track to the mountain top leads through an observation platform. Entry to the observation platform is subject to a charge.
The hike begins in Červený Kláštor village where the only bridge for tourists to get from Slovakia to Poland is located. By crossing the bridge, we get to a neighboring village called Sromowce Nižne. As we walk to the end of this distinctive Goral settlement, we get to the educational house of the Pieniny National Park. This is where the hiking part starts. It leads around herdsman’s huts where it is possible to taste the local products offered directly by the shepherds. The steep passage starts after approximately 30 minutes of walk and ends in the Przelecz Szopka pass located in the main ridge of the Pieniny mountains. The hike continues along the ridgeline to the peak of Okrúhlice hill – Tri koruny mountain. It is possible to return the same way or  across the Kosarzyska clearing which takes approximately the same time.
The trail was prepared by Svätojánsky Peter, svatojan@gmail.com