Hikes in Jamník

Mt Baranec (2184m) is a peak overlooking Liptovský Mikuláš. Along with Mt Kriváň, it is a dominant part of the town’s panorama and undoubtedly one of the most visited peaks of the Western Tatras and the region of Liptov. 

We hike to the immense ridge towering above the Račkova dolina, cutting into the center of the Liptó Alps, threading together wonderful views, rocky and grassy mountain peaks. Ascending to the summit of Jakubina, reaching 2194 meters in the heart of the range, we also touch the Polish border area, allowing us to peek into the northern recesses of the mountains before we encounter enchanting mountain lakes above the shepherds' former farms in the protected northeastern amphitheater of Jakubina. A panoramic hike to the heart of the Liptó Alps, home of the Goral shepherds.

The ascent to Klin is among the most sought-after, mainly due to its varied terrain and amazing panoramic views of the entire region, as well as the unique Račkové plesá, along which a path passes. Klin is the 5th highest peak in the Western Tatras and lies on their main ridge. It offers great panoramic views.

strenuous hike on forest, rock, and stone paths with many ascents and descents

A beautiful trip through the lesser-known western part of the Tatra National Park.

easy hike to the formerly highest sheep pasture

Classic Roháče Ridge — from Spálená (Western Tatras, SK)

Račkova Dolina is located in the Western Tatras and winds its way uphill for 5 km before joining the main ridge of the Western Tatras. Hikers looking for a challenge can, of course, combine Hikes 35 and 36. However, since you’ll encounter an incredibly impressive, wild, and unspoiled natural landscape that few hikers ever venture into, it’s best to opt for the leisurely ascent and spend the night at the simple self-catering hut Koliba Pod Klinom. The murmur of the Račková Stream is ever-present. A tour for those eager to explore!> From the large parking lot at the Hotel Horská Chata Orešnica 01 (900 m), we walk downhill along the access road until we reach the large wooden hiker statue. Before the bridge and the signposts, we turn slightly left into Úzka dolina. After about

This tour describes the continuation of Hike 35, a two-day hike. Today’s itinerary features the highest peak in the Western Tatras, Bystrá. It rises at the junction of three valleys: the Račková Valley to the southwest, the Bystrá Valley to the south, and the Kamenistá Valley to the southeast. In stark contrast to the crowds of tourists you might encounter on popular trails in the High Tatras, this route takes you through one of the most remote and unspoiled regions of the Western Tatras. Conclusion: One of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Western Tatras and, at the same time, a trail offering impressive panoramic views. Exciting adventures await in unspoiled wilderness.> After spending the night in a bivouac at Koliba pod Klinom01 (1,376 m), we follow the trail just a few meters uphill and then, at the fork in the trail, turn right toward Mount Bystrá to continue our ascent. A natural trail—for a change, not paved with rocks—winds its way through a unique natural landscape. At first, the mountain slopes are still covered with a few mountain pines; then the trail climbs very steeply across lush green meadows up to Bystré sedlo02 (1,946 m). This saddle also marks the border between Poland and Slovakia. Looking north, you can see the Schronisko PTTK na Hali Ornak (Ornak Hut) and the small lake Smreczyński Staw in the valley (see Tour 73). After a 180° turn, we head south, the route takes us through very steep terrain—truly a battle against gravity—on a narrow trail that shortly thereafter leads up the ridge to the summit of Bystrá 03 (2,248 m). A spectacular panoramic view: To the west—how could it be otherwise—the Western Tatras; to the north, you can even make out the outskirts of Zakopane, Poland; to the south, the view stretches across the Liptov Basin all the way to the Low Tatras; and to the east, on a clear day, the mighty rocky peaks of the High Tatras come into view. From the summit, a ridge runs southwest to Mount Nižná Bystrá. We begin our descent over the second ridge heading southeast. Even before we reach a saddle, you can see a single lake on the right (this does not refer to the two lakes lying side by side). We descend to the right along the following trail to Nižné Bystré pleso04 (1,837 m)—the lower Bystré Lake—which is more of a pond than a lake! We have reached Bystré Valley; a rarely used trail follows, and we often have to force our way through the underbrush. A very long stretch of the trail runs along a stream all the way to the tree line. A wider forest trail follows the path. The forest road that follows forks at a stream; we take the path slightly to the right. To the east, on a clear day, you can see a beautiful view of Kriváň (see Hike 38). At an old hut, the route then follows a perfectly maintained forest road for a short distance. Pay attention! Where the path takes a sharp left turn—going straight ahead leads directly into the fields—we keep slightly to the right on the continuing path heading west. Across a large meadow, the route isn’t clearly marked. In the forest that follows, we follow the signs toward Račkova Dolina. When we come to a house with a red roof, we keep slightly to the left at the fork in the trail toward Úzka dolina05 (900 m). Once we reach the paved road, we turn right, cross the stream, and arrive at the starting point of Day 1.

The distance from the valley to Žiarska chata is about 5 km, with an elevation gain of 400 meters. If you had to climb this distance before each of hikes 31 and 32, the hikes would be very difficult. As it is, Žiarska chata is the ideal starting point for both hikes if you want to begin the ascent well-rested. For Hike 32: From the hut, you ascend to Žiarske sedlo and then follow an 8-km-long side ridge southward, which consistently offers fascinating views of the main ridge of the Western Tatras and winds its way down to the lower southern slopes. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the Liptov Basin to the south and the Low Tatras beyond. The Baranec towers over the mighty valleys of the Žiarska and Jamnícka dolina. On long hikes, the impressions we gather leave a deep and lasting mark on our emotions and thoughts; memories fade away, and we consciously perceive sounds, smells, and sensations—we have arrived in the here and now: the fascination of multi-day hikes.> From the Žiarska chata01 (1,325 m), we hike northeast into the valley to the next trail junction; we do not turn left toward the waterfall, but continue straight ahead toward Žiarske sedlo. After about 2 km, we reach another trail junction; the left path leads to Smutné sedlo (see Tour 31), but we continue straight ahead on the stone-paved trail. Please note once again: According to the TANAP National Park visitor regulations, the following hiking trail is closed from November 1 through June 15! Failure to comply may result in fines! We continue to follow the trail uphill to Žiarske sedlo02 (1,917 m). There, we turn right toward the south and follow the signs toward Baranec. A wide, well-trodden path is visible from a distance. We reach Mount Smrek03 (2,072 m); on a clear day, you can see the mountain peaks of Príslop, Baníkov, Hrubá kopa, and Tri kopy to the northwest. The via ferrata leads over these peaks, as described in Hike 31. On a narrow but not exposed mountain ridge, the trail first descends to a saddle before the final ascent to Baranec04 (2,148 m) begins. In some places, you’ll need to use your hands for support. The trail winds steeply upward in small switchbacks over slippery terrain until it reaches the large concrete summit cross. The 360° panoramic view is simply fascinating. We cross the summit heading south and follow the wide trail downhill. Once we’ve reached the mountain pine zone, we ignore the left fork and continue slightly to the right. We also ignore the subsequent right forks. The descent along the very rocky trail demands full concentration; only once we reach the tree line does the walk become more comfortable on the springy forest floor. The subsequent descent through the forest isn’t always straightforward due to the many trails. The downloaded GPS track is therefore very helpful. We cross the forest road ahead and then use color-coded tree stumps to guide our way. Finally, the trail leads onto the paved road, where we continue to the right until we reach the large Parkovisko Žiarska dolina05 parking lot (900 m).