Mountains Závažná Poruba

When people hear "Chopok", most answer without hesitation "Jasná". However, this third-highest peak (2,023.6 m a.s.l.) of the Nízke Tatry mountains offers much more than just great skiing on perfectly groomed slopes. It is located in the geomorphological sub-region of Ďumbierske Tatry, on the main ridge at the border of the Žilina and Banská Bystrica regions, on the boundary between the districts of Brezno and Liptovský Mikuláš.

Chopok is often just a transfer station before continuing a hike further. The most common steps of hikers lead from it to Ďumbier and to Chata M. R. Štefánika, subsequently continuing through Králička to the Čertovica pass. The main peak is located above Kamenná chata pod Chopkom. However, it also has a second, secondary peak located west of the rotunda.

Right near it is a meteorological station. Its measurements, which began on December 1, 1954, provide interesting information not only to tourists. Thanks to it, we know that the average annual temperature at the summit reaches only -1.1 °C. The maximum temperature of 22 °C was recorded on August 9, 2013, and the minimum of -31.5 °C has not been surpassed since January 17, 1963. Moreover, Chopok is considered one of the windiest places in Slovakia. The average wind speed reaches 9.3 m/s, and on April 14, 1988, a speed of up to 51 m/s was measured, which translates to more than 180 km/h!

Chopok is a sought-after peak by tourists in both summer and winter, which it owes not only to its breathtaking panoramic view, but also to its great accessibility. Hikers can comfortably ride up right below the summit by cable car from both the northern and southern sides. The aforementioned circular view captures many mountain ranges of central and northern Slovakia, the Nízke Tatry peaks, and of course, the Vysoké Tatry. If the weather favors you, you will even see the Chočské vrchy, Poľana, Veporské vrchy, Stolické vrchy, Oravské Beskydy with Pilsko and Babia hora, Oravská Magura, Krivánska Fatra, Vtáčnik, and even the Hungarian Kékes.

The youngest tourists love Chopok thanks to the dragon Demián. An impressive statue by the artistic blacksmith Vladimír Eperješi depicts the most powerful guardian of the Demänová treasures. His eyes are inlaid with semi-precious stones, and his scales are hand-forged. His heads spew both fire and smoke, and in the throat of one of them is a copper bell. When you ring it, you will summon good luck. Whether it is a myth or a fact, it is at least worth a try. Embark on a family adventure along the Dračia cesta na Chopok (Dragon Trail to Chopok) and help the little dragon find a happy ending to the dragon story. An adventure diary will accompany you throughout the journey, and a reward awaits the clever ones at the end. And if you do not believe in fairytale dragons, try taking a closer look at the unusual pile of stones at the summit. Do they not remind you of a sleeping dragon?

In winter, the slopes of Chopok are unrivaled among the best in Slovakia. Depending on which side of Chopok you are on, you can choose a resort where you will enjoy great skiing. The northern side offers the resorts Biela púť, Otupné, and Záhradky, while the southern side offers the resorts Srdiečko and Kosodrevina.

Access to Chopok is very good; the easiest way is to board a cable car or chairlift and ride all the way up. However, several hiking trails also lead from the cable cars. Following the blue hiking trail, you will go from Demänovská dolina through Luková, starting the ascent at the popular Vrbické pleso.

Along the green hiking trail from the recreational resort Tále and Trangoška, then along the yellow hiking trail to the summit. Along the red hiking trail, either from the west along the main ridge from Dereše, or from the east also along the main ridge from Ďumbier. The yellow hiking trail leads from Tále through Dereše.

Mountain sun, a great view, superb accessibility. All this applies to the peak Chopok, which, if you have not visited yet, you should definitely fix. Whether in summer or winter, on foot or by cable car, alone or with a great group of friends, we leave that up to you. What you can rely on us for are the pages accommodation Jasná and accommodation Brezno, which contain a wide selection of accommodations so that you can fully enjoy your trip experience without rushing home in the evening.

Čerenová skala above the village of Liptovská Anna represents one of the most impressive viewpoint spots in the Liptov region, opening up a breathtaking panorama of Liptovská Mara and the surrounding mountain ranges to visitors from a monumental rock plateau.

The location is situated above the village of Liptovská Anna, in the district of Liptovský Mikuláš, on the southern edge of Chočské vrchy. The rock itself is in fact a mesa with an expansive and relatively flat summit plateau, which ends in a steep rock cliff several tens of meters high. The ascent to the top leads through picturesque meadows and steeper forest sections, with the reward for the effort being a unique view of the water surface of Liptovská Mara, the ridge of Nízke Tatry, part of Západné Tatry, and Choč. A wooden double cross is mounted on the summit, giving the place a reverent and symbolic character, along with benches inviting visitors to spend longer observing the surrounding landscape. Thanks to its location and orientation, Čerenová skala is a popular spot especially during sunrises and sunsets, when the light creates an unrepeatable color display on the rock walls and the reservoir surface. The entire area retains its natural character without significant infrastructure development, which will be appreciated especially by tourists seeking an escape from busy mountain resorts into the silence of the Liptov hills.

What can you find here?

At the top, you will find a spacious rock plateau with a wooden double cross and benches for rest. Information elements marking the direction to prominent peaks in the panorama and several prepared viewpoint spots on the edge of the cliff are available. The access trail from the village is marked and leads past the ruins of a historical church, which completes the atmosphere of the location.

Who is the place suitable for?

The location is ideal for moderately fit hikers and families with older children who can handle a short but intense climb through forest terrain. It is sought after mainly by landscape photographers and lovers of silence who prefer the less frequented trails of Chočské vrchy over the main tourist arteries of the Tatras. Caution is required for safe movement on the rock plateau, especially near the edges of the cliff, as well as sturdy hiking boots suitable for uneven terrain.

What can you visit in the area?

Directly at the foot of the hill in the village of Liptovská Anna, you can view the picturesque ruins of the Romanesque-Gothic church Kostolík svätej Anny. Within close reach are the popular Prosiecka dolina and Kvačianska dolina, which rank among the most beautiful gorges in Slovakia, or the unique archaeological site Havránok above Liptovská Mara. For relaxation after a hike, thermal pools in Bešeňová or the Tatralandia water park near Liptovský Mikuláš are available.

Sivý vrch is an impressive rocky peak in the Západné Tatry mountains. It is accessible from Bobrovecká dolina in Liptov or from the villages of Zuberec or Huty in Orava. Thanks to its rocky surface, it is considered one of the most beautiful peaks in this part of the Tatras.

Sivý vrch lies at an altitude of 1,805 m above sea level. Here, you will find over 500 species of plants, some of which are truly rare, as they do not occur anywhere else in Slovakia. For example, carnations (pinks), saffron, and gentians grow here. The geomorphological structure and rugged relief make Sivý vrch a paradise for botanists. If you set out for Sivý vrch from the Orava side, it will take you less time. From the village of Huty, the journey to the summit will take you approximately 2.5 hours. Start your hike from the forester's lodge below Biela skala, which is the starting point for many trails in the Západné Tatry mountains.

A steep climb will take you to the crags above Hutnianske sedlo. Here, according to legend, you might discover Jánošík's hidden treasure. Even if you don't find it, no worries. The treasure for you will be the views in all directions, as the path to Sivý vrch continues along the ridge. On this route, you will pass Radové skaly. An interesting natural phenomenon reminiscent of human figures. All the way to the top of Sivý vrch, you will tackle an elevation gain of over 1,000 vertical meters.

An alternative ascent to Sivý vrch is from the Liptov side from the village of Bobrovec, or Jalovec. From the parking lot at Bobrovecká vápenica, you will first head along an asphalt road. Right at the beginning, you can admire the rock faces of the peaks Mních and Sokol. The hiking trail will then lead you to Chata pod Náružím. The residents of Bobrovec value it greatly because it was built with their own hands by local volunteers, and almost every family in Bobrovec contributed to it. Today, it is managed by the municipality, and local hut keepers rotate there. This route is somewhat longer. You will reach Sivý vrch in approximately 4 hours. On the way down, you can also make a loop over the peak Babky (1,566 m a.s.l.), which is particularly popular with photographers due to its panoramic views.

In both cases, the hike can be managed by intermediate hikers. However, such a trip is not entirely suitable for small children due to the length of the route, steep sections, loose rock near the top, and, in the case of the ascent from the Orava side, several chains. Therefore, do not forget sturdy footwear, plenty of fluids, and be sure to check the weather forecast before the hike. In the rain, the trails are very slippery and sections can be dangerous. During sunny weather, however, you will not be able to get enough of the surrounding beauty.

Majestic Sivý vrch is a dominant feature of the Západné Tatry mountains and a popular destination for tourists. If you are a hiking enthusiast, we have prepared more tips for peaks in the Tatras for you. It is definitely worth spending a vacation in this area. Our portal will take care of accommodation. We offer you quality accommodation in the Západné Tatry mountains, and you will certainly also find accommodation near Sivý vrch. Whether you are looking for cottages, apartments, or guesthouses, you have plenty to choose from on our page.