Mountains Podbanské

Although Kriváň is not the highest Slovak mountain, it is probably the most famous one, and thanks to its unique silhouette, it has become a symbol of our country that you can even find on Slovak euro coins. It towers above Nefcerská dolina, Kôprová dolina, and Važecká dolina. The hike to Kriváň starts at Štrbské pleso or Tri studničky, with a moderately demanding trail leading to the summit.

With an altitude of 2,495 meters above sea level, Kriváň is the tenth highest Slovak peak and at the same time the second highest accessible point in Slovak mountains. The southern and southwestern slopes still bear traces of mining activity that took place here between the 15th and 18th centuries. The miners who worked here were undoubtedly the first conquerors of the peak; however, the first written record of an ascent was made in 1772 by a Lutheran preacher and naturalist from Spišská Nová Ves, Andreas Jonas Czirbesz, together with his friends. Theodor Wundt, along with guide Jakub Horvay, etched his name into the history of Kriváň by completing the first winter ascent in 1884.

A tradition of national ascents is tied to Kriváň, making them the oldest cultural and hiking event in Slovakia. The first ascent took place on August 16, 1841, and was attended by Ľudovít Štúr and Michal M. Hodža. The largest Kriváň pilgrimage was organized by Štefan M. Daxner in 1861. National ascents continue to take place, mostly in the second half of August, and traditionally commemorate the memory of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP).

If you are planning a trip to Kriváň, you likely won't feel like traveling back home after the descent. Therefore, book an apartment or a room in a hotel or guesthouse at Štrbské Pleso through our portal, or look for a cozy cottage, for example in nearby Tatranský Lieskovec, or an affordable private rental in Štrba.

Rysy, consisting of three peaks, are among the most popular hiking destinations for tourists in Slovakia. They form the main ridge of the Vysoké Tatry and are located on the border of the Slovak and Polish republic. The starting point is the village of Štrbské Pleso.

This is a more demanding ascent, suitable rather for moderately advanced or experienced hikers. The hike begins at an altitude of 1,347 m a. s. l. by the lake Štrbské pleso and ends at an altitude of 2,499 m a. s. l. The significant elevation gain and the length of the hike itself (approx. 8 hours round trip) are demanding in terms of time and physical condition, but the reward is wonderful views from the summit. You will even enjoy as many as 3 peaksfirst the southeastern and main one, and finally through steep serpentines the viewpoint peak of Rysov.

During the nearly 10 km route, you will encounter other interesting places and views. First, you will have the opportunity to compare Štrbské and Popradské pleso. Further on, the trail stretches through Mengusovskou dolinou, above Veľké Žabie pleso. You will experience adrenaline when overcoming a traverse with the help of chains. Precisely because of this passage, ascending Rysy is not recommended during black ice or summer snow, as the section is extremely dangerous. After a demanding journey, you will appreciate rest and refreshment at Chate pod Rysmi, the highest-situated mountain chalet. From there, the final steep section awaits you all the way up to Rysy itself.

Rysy were first conquered in 1840 by the visitor Eduard Blasy, and today around 25,000 tourists complete this route annually. One must prepare appropriately for the ascent and count on a full day. Therefore, it is best to find accommodation in the Vysoké Tatry. You can find inspiration for accommodation near Rysov in a chalet, apartment, guesthouse, or hotel on our website.

Kôprovský štít is one of the majestic peaks of the High Tatras located at the end of Mengusovská dolina. It belongs to the cadastral area of Štrbské Pleso in the Prešov Region. The ascent to the peak is a medium-difficulty hike. It can be managed by hikers who already have some mountain experience under their belt. From the top, you will enjoy a panoramic view in all directions of the surrounding Tatras peaks.

Kôprovský štít rises to an altitude of 2,363 m above sea level and is one of eight peaks in the High Tatras that you can hike up without a mountain guide. The elevation gain you will overcome is around 1,000 metres, and the route is approximately 20 kilometres long round trip. Be sure to pack enough liquids and food, as the only chalet you will pass is Chata pri Popradskom plese.

The hiking trail to Kôprovský štít starts from Štrbské pleso towards Popradské pleso. You can reach this point via an asphalt road, and you can refresh yourself at Chata pri Popradskom plese. Further on, head towards the junction nad Žabím potokom, through dwarf pines all the way into Mengusovská dolina. Once you cross Hincov potok and continue up the steep section, you will reach Veľké Hincovo pleso. It is the largest and deepest tarn on the Slovak side of the High Tatras. Due to its high altitude, it is frozen for most of the year. Pause and enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding mountains here.

If you are lucky, besides other hikers, you might also spot chamois jumping on the rocks along the way. And if you remain quiet, you will hear the whistling of marmots. From Veľké Hincovo pleso, you will ascend through Vyšné Kôprovské sedlo all the way to Kôprovský štít. You will not find any cross here like on other peaks, but the views will enchant you, and you will remember this amazing ascent for a long time. In the distance, you can see mountains in all directions: Mengusovské štíty, Vysoká, Kriváň, and in good weather, even Lomnický štít.

If you decide to go to Kôprovský štít via a less frequented route, try it from Kôprová dolina. The hike starts at Tri studničky. Although it takes longer, spending plenty of time in the Tatras is well worth it. For hikers, this place is downright ideal for a holiday.

Set out on a hike to Kôprovský štít and you can book accommodation in the Vysoké Tatry or accommodation at Štrbské Pleso on our portal. When you feel like doing more hiking in the Tatras, try exploring other High Tatras peaks on our website.

On the Polish-Slovak state border, the mountain Volovec rises majestically. On the Slovak side, it reaches into the districts of Tvrdošín and Liptovský Mikuláš. It is part of the Západné Tatry mountain range and ranks among the most popular peaks of Roháče. With its height of 2,063 m a.s.l., it is classed among the higher peaks, yet among all the two-thousand-meter mountains, it is probably the most easily accessible. The hike is beautiful, moderately demanding, and underscored by magnificent surrounding views that will leave no one indifferent. You will see both the Slovak and Polish sides of Západné Tatry.

From its summit, a charming panoramic view will open up before you. Of course, what you will see depends on the weather. Will it be the peaks of Deravá, Baranec, Plačlivé, Kasprowy Wierch (Kasprovský vrch), Ostrý Roháč, Spálená, Brestová, or directly High Tatras? On the way to Ťatliakova chata, which is one of the starting points to the summit of Volovec, you will also pass along the educational trail Náučný chodník Roháčske plesá. The view of the tarns is also among the enchanting ones. You will also see Roháčske plesá themselves from the summit of Volovec when you look toward Smutná dolina valley.

In addition to the aforementioned Ťatliakova chata, you can also reach Volovec from Chata Zverovka, then continuing into Roháčska dolina valley. Another option is following the red hiking trail. You will walk along the ridge, coming from Plačlivé or from Hrubý vrch. The red route is considered the easiest ascent. You can also try it from Oravice. There, you will need to follow the blue hiking trail.

For the hike, you will need good-quality boots, sportswear, a bottle of water, a good mood, plenty of energy, and a clear mind. The latter comes along with rest, which is best gained through a rich sleep. So book accommodation near the mountain Volovec, as it will be easier to hike uphill right from the morning. Try clicking on the page accommodation Zuberec or accommodation Oravice, and you will surely find suitable lodging for yourself.

Gerlachovský štít is among the greatest landmarks of the High Tatras. This is not only due to its altitude of 2,655 m a.s.l., which makes it the highest peak in Slovakia, but also thanks to its unmistakable appearance, untouched nature, and hiking possibilities. However, if you also want to be among the lucky ones who have conquered this majestic peak, keep in mind that ascent is only possible accompanied by a mountain guide.

In the past, back in the 18th century, Kriváň, another inimitable Tatra giant, was determined as the highest peak based on elevation measurements. In the 19th century, however, Ľudovít Greiner determined Gerlachovský štít to be the highest peak of the High Tatras, and it holds its primacy to this day. It is part of the peaks that form the famous Gerlachovský kotol basin. The ascent by Ján Still and his companions in 1834 is considered the first known ascent of Gerlach. The first reliably documented ascent was completed by Viennese military mappers in 1868.

The most popular ascent route leads from Sliezsky dom via Velická próba, with a descent via Batizovská próba. However, Martinova cesta is considered by hikers to be the most attractive route, starting either from Litvorové sedlo or Poľské hrebeň and subsequently by abseiling from Velický štít. No matter how you reach the summit, your reward will be breathtaking views of almost all surrounding mountain ranges and Tatra peaks. Malá Fatra and Veľká Fatra, Nízke Tatry, Kozie chrbty, Slovenský raj, and many others will be in the palm of your hand. Under favorable weather conditions, you will even see Kékes in Hungary, Lysá hora in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids in neighboring Czechia, as well as many Polish and Ukrainian peaks.

Do you know the famous observatories at Skalnaté pleso and Lomnický štít? Originally, it was considered that one of them would be located right on Gerlach, after its construction on Slavkovský štít was rejected. And that is just one of the interesting facts, Gerlachovský štít hides many more. However, the mountain guides, for whom this Tatra majesty has become a second home, will tell you the most about them.

A hike to Gerlach needs to be properly planned. We suggest starting by finding suitable accommodation near Gerlachovský štít, which you can find right on our website. The ascent of Gerlachovský štít is a once-in-a-lifetime experience; we wish you plenty of strength and a safe return home in good health.