Mountains Vikartovce

Kráľova hoľa, with its height of 1,946.1 m a.s.l., is the highest peak of the Kráľovohoľské Tatry. It belongs among the most visited peaks of the Nízke Tatry. It is questionable whether this is because it has been shrouded in legends and praised by poets for years, or due to the incredible view it offers. From it, you will see Spiš, Liptov, Horehronie, the Vysoké Tatry, and much more; you can even see all the way to the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine.

Kráľova hoľa is also called the "mother of four rivers." The springs of the largest Slovak rivers, specifically the Čierny Váh, Hnilec, Hornád, and Hron, rise below it. A television and radio transmitter has been located on its summit since 1960. Its mast has a height of 137.5 m, and the radio broadcasting antennas are at a height of 59 m. The signal covers a quarter of Slovakia's territory.

Kráľova hoľa boasts one incredible record. The Apuseni Mountains in Romania were observed and documented from it. This means that a viewing distance of more than 300 km was documented. This is the first time this record has been broken in Slovakia, and by all accounts, within the whole of Central Europe as well.

This famous peak is attractive in both summer and winter. In summer, it is bustling with hikers, cyclists, and runners. The trail running event Nízkotatranská stíhačka is interesting, though only very fit runners dare to attempt it. In winter, meeting ski mountaineers there is no exception.

You can reach Kráľova hoľa only on foot or by bicycle. An asphalt road leads from the village of Šumiac (approximately 3 hours), but marked trails also lead from the villages of Telgárt (red trail or green trail via the Kráľova skala peak, approximately 3.5 hours), Liptovská Teplička (green trail, approximately 5 hours), and Spišské Bystré (blue trail via Smrečínske sedlo, approximately 7 hours). The blue hiking trail also leads through Predné sedlo from the village of Šumiac and is ideal if you want to avoid the asphalt road. If you choose the route from the village of Šumiac for your ascent, you can stop at Chata pod Kráľovou hoľou roughly halfway along the way.

Do you know the famous sentence: "A green tree stands on Kráľova hoľa."? Of course, who wouldn't know it. But have you seen it with your own eyes? It really is there. Or is it not? There is only one way to find out. Come there and verify it for yourself. Book nice accommodation near Kráľova hoľa, for example on the page ubytovanie Šumiac or ubytovanie Telgárt, and set off on an adventure.

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.