Hikes in Východná

One of the most attractive hiking routes in Liptov, not only because of its beauty but also due to its history. Kriváň (2494 m above sea level) is considered a national symbol of Slovakia and a national ascent has been organized to it for many years.

The goal was: Liptovsky Mikulas and it's beaufiful lake surrounded by mountains...but my the weather was not so promising as the views so we couldn't continue... I will come back there surely :)

To the Slovaks’ national mountain: Kriváň (Krummhorn) is the first prominent peak of the High Tatras when viewed from the west. With its characteristic pyramid-shaped summit sloping diagonally toward the northwest, it proudly towers over the Liptov Basin. Since at least the second half of the 19th century, Kriváň has been regarded as a symbol of Slovak national identity; from 1960 to 1990, it even adorned the national coat of arms of Czechoslovakia. Traces of ore mining from the 15th to the 18th centuries are still visible on its southern and southwestern flanks. The first documented ascent of the summit was achieved in 1772 by the Spiš priest and naturalist Andreas Czirbesz and his friends. Other pioneers and explorers of the High Tatras followed, including the English globetrotter Robert Townson (1793), the French naturalist Belsazar Hacquet (1794), the Polish geologist Stanisław Staszic (1805), and the Swedish botanist Göran Wahlenberg (1813). To commemorate the ascent by the Saxon King Frederick Augustus II in 1840, Hungarian monarchists erected an obelisk on the summit of Kriváň; however, it was destroyed just a few years later during a so-called “people’s outing”—a kind of Slovak national pilgrimage—by Slovak patriots. The first such excursion took place on August 16, 1841, with the participation of Ľudovít Štúr and Michal Miloslav Hodža, both important figures in the Slovak national movement, as commemorated by a plaque just below the summit. Since World War II, the annual Kriváň ascents have primarily honored the heroes of the Slovak National Uprising (SNP). In 1944–45, heavy fighting took place in the Kriváň area between fascists and the local partisan group “Vysoké Tatry.” The partisans’ last bunker below Grúnik was held until January 14, 1945, when, during a nighttime raid, the seven partisans hiding there—including Commander Štefan Morávka and the unit’s doctor, Dr. Zoltán Brüll, a renowned mountaineering expert in the High Tatras at the time—were killed. Today, a short detour from the ascent trail leads to the reconstructed bunker and the small memorial.

Stage 4 follows an extremely scenic and fascinating high-altitude trail. On a clear day, you’ll be treated to a magnificent panorama of the High Tatras, with all the major peaks in full view. From left to right: the 2,494-meter-high Kriváň (see Tour 38), the 2,503-meter-high Rysy (see Tour 61), the 2,645-meter-high Gerlachovský štít (Gerlsdorfer Peak, see Tour 49), and the 2,634-meter-high Lomnický štít (Lomnitzer Peak, see Tour 55). The magnificent scenery leaves a lasting impression, especially during the blue hour.> From the Útulňa Ramža 01 lodge (1,290 m), we hike about 125 m southward, where we take the left fork instead of continuing straight down into the valley. On the southern slopes of the main ridge of the Low Tatras, alternating between grassy plateaus and clear-cut areas, we reach the waypoint Havrania polʼana02 (1,400 m). Next comes the ascent toward Homôlʼka (1,660 m), passing to the right of its summit. After another 1.4 km, past the last peak, we climb the hill Zadná holʼa03 (1,619 m); from here, a yellow hiking trail branches off to the north toward the grass-covered summit of Velʼký Bok (see Tour Description 9). We then climb the 1,544-meter-high Oravcová, descend again to the pass of the same name, and hike past the 1,508-meter-high Kolesárová until we make a steep descent to the Priehyba Pass04 (1,140 m). There are several paved roads connecting the southern and northern sides of the Low Tatras. However, the forest road between Hel’pa and Čierny Váh is the only one closed to public traffic.

Kriváň is located in the Tatra National Park in the High Tatras and is a national symbol of Slovakia. To highlight its significance and importance, the image of the mountain was selected in December 2005 for the Slovak 1-, 2-, and 5-cent coins. Because of its particularly striking shape, the mountain is also deeply rooted in Slovak myths and legends. Since 1955, the ascent of Kriváň has been dedicated to the 1944 Slovak National Uprising. Even today, on August 16 of every year, thousands of Slovak patriots make their way to the summit to commemorate their national history. Kriváň is the southwestern peak of the High Tatras and, in good weather, offers a fascinating panoramic view. Many paths lead to the summit of a mountain, but the view remains the same. Chinese wisdom.> From parking lot 01Tri Studničky (1,141 m), we first hike along the side of the road as it descends. At the next opportunity, we turn slightly right onto the paved road and walk past several houses, then turn right there toward Kriváň. After 50 m, we turn left onto the hiking trail. There, we follow the signs toward Kriváň, so we take the steep path past the covered picnic shelter and, after 50 m, ignore the left fork. Please note once again: From here on, the hiking trail is closed from November 1 through June 15 for nature conservation reasons. The trail joins a cart path; at a covered picnic area, we take the right fork 02 (1,204 m) and begin the ascent. Climbing gently, the trail winds its way through the tall mountain pines until we reach the tree line. Shortly afterward, we reach the so-called Krivánsky Hrb 03 (2,000 m). From there, a trail to the left leads to a saddle, from which you can look down into the Kôprová Valley (see Hike 37), which lies 900 m below. The rocky west face of Kriváň, a good 500 m high, is also an impressive sight. The route continues through rocky terrain. From the right, the ascent 04 (2,079 m) from Jamské Pleso and Štrbské Pleso joins our main trail. After gaining more elevation through a rocky wasteland—where you’ll sometimes need to use your hands for support—we reach the mountain ridge leading up to the summit. This ridge is interrupted only by Daxnerovo sedlo, after which the final ascent begins. On the last few meters to the summit, we encounter easy boulder climbing; we have to use our hands repeatedly. Finding the path through the rocky terrain isn’t always straightforward, which makes orientation difficult, especially in fog. We reach the famous double cross on Kriváň05 (2,494 m). We return to the starting point along the familiar route we took on the way up.

The highest waterfall in the High Tatras, the third-largest lake in the High Tatras, and the fascinating landscape are the main attractions on this long day trip. To get there, you’ll hike through the 12-km-long Kôprová Valley, the border region between the Western Tatras and the High Tatras. To the right of the trail, heading east, the rock faces of the majestic Kriváň (2,494 m, see Hike 38) rise another 1,400 meters. Once you arrive at Nižné Temnosmrečinské pleso, you’ll hardly believe your eyes. Behind the lake rises Mount Čubrina. Its silhouette bears a striking resemblance to Switzerland’s Matterhorn! Hidden, unspoiled, and peaceful: Somehow, this hiking trail has managed to remain largely undiscovered—it certainly can’t be for lack of beauty.> From the Tri Studničky parking lot01 (1,141 m), we hike along the edge of the road as it descends. At the next opportunity, we turn slightly right onto the paved road, walking past several houses and a signpost. There, we follow the signs toward Kriváň, walk 50 m uphill along the steep path, and then turn onto the blue- and red-marked hiking trail. The trail joins a wide cart track. At a covered picnic bench, we cross a dirt road and from there on follow only the blue-marked hiking trail. We cross a ridge, walk downhill, and reach Zverinec02 (1,120 m). We are now in the 12-km-long Kôprová Valley. At the paved road, the signpost points toward Kmeťov vodopád 03 (1,164 m). With a drop of 80–90 m, it is the highest waterfall in the Tatras. A bridge leads to the other side of the river. On the path that follows—secured by a railing—you can get closer to the foaming spray. Only from this vantage point do you have an unobstructed view of the entire length of the waterfall. We return to the main trail; from here on, the gravel road is closed from November 1 through June 15 each year for nature conservation reasons! The gravel road ends at a covered shelter. Beyond the next bridge, the trail forks; we continue straight ahead. At Pod Hlinskou04 (1,411 m), we ignore the right-hand trail leading to Vyšné Kôprovské sedlo and turn left toward Sedlo Závory. At another fork in the trail, we ignore the left-hand path leading to Sedlo Závory and continue straight ahead toward the end of the valley, following the trail toward Nižné Temnosmrečinské pleso. Following a steep ascent along a rocky trail, you’ll reach Nižné Temnosmrečinské pleso 05 (1,625 m), located in the Temnosmrečinská dolina valley of the same name. The steep mountain slopes rise impressively; even as late as mid-June, snow still lies in these remote high-altitude areas. On a clear day, you can see the striking summit of Čubrina (2,378 m) to the east. It is also called the Matterhorn of the Tatras because its silhouette closely resembles that of the original Swiss Matterhorn. We return via the same well-known route we took on the way there.

This hike takes you through one of the most remote regions of the Low Tatras. You’ll encounter very few other hikers on the trail along the main ridge, the Path of the Heroes of the National Uprising (Cesta hrdinov SNP)—the Slovak section of the European long-distance hiking trail E8. The hike follows mostly forest trails through the southern slopes of the Low Tatras. Spectacular views of the Western and High Tatras open up from the 1,691-meter-high Veľká Vápenica peak. Thanks to the two described routes, you can choose to focus on summiting the peak or visit a waterfall that cascades 50 m down into the valley. Or you can take the long route, which combines routes 1 and 2. During this hike through the tranquility of nature, the areas of our brain responsible for concentration and well-being are rejuvenated.> At the end of public road01 (809 m), we continue along the paved road toward the mountains of the Low Tatras. Crossing a small bridge, we reach a shrine dedicated to a saint, then follow the cart path running crosswise behind it, heading uphill to the right. At the fork in the trail in the middle of the forest, we take the path slightly to the right on a section that is initially flat. We cross the paved road ahead by heading slightly to the left, then immediately turn slightly to the right onto the gravel path on the other side of the road. We reach waypoint02 (1,031 m) to the left; this leads to an open area. If you walk across this clearing there, parallel to the route you took on the way there, you’ll reach a path leading slightly to the right and uphill. This leads directly to the Priehyba Pass (04). If you don’t choose Route 1, continue straight ahead. On the gently ascending gravel road, we cross several streams, and after a sharp left-hand turn, we pass the Vyšné Polʼany signpost. Shortly past a hunting blind, we continue straight ahead on the hiking trail at the next fork. After passing a large open area, we go straight ahead at the intersection and shortly thereafter reach the Priehybka saddle. We now follow the hiking trail steeply uphill and toward the northwest to the summit of Vel᾽ká Vápenica03 (1,691 m). There is a fascinating view of the Western Tatras and the High Tatras. A steep and rocky descent follows along a narrow path to the Priehyba saddle04 (1,190 m). Just before the covered picnic shelter, a path branches off to the left; this leads directly downhill to waypoint 02. If we do not choose Route 2, we cross the road and take the path on the far left of the three that continue from there. The gravel road leads slightly uphill at first. At the next fork in the trail, do not go halfway to the right uphill, but rather halfway to the left. On the following section of the trail, you’ll cross several streams. At the end of a sharp left-hand bend—where there’s also a wooden hut—the gravel road ends. On the trail that follows, we turn left and, after a short walk, reach the small and little-known waterfall Kaskáda v Hlbokom05 (1,101 m). After a brief exploration, we continue on the trail until it joins the left-hand bend of the paved road. At kilometer 14.6 of the total distance from the starting point—where a long-abandoned cart path crosses the road from left to right—we leave the road to the right and follow the cart path downhill. This path joins the familiar outbound trail, which we take back to the starting point.

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