Hiking adventure on Slovakia's first via ferrata

Itinerary

• Our route starts from the Turócszentmárton (Martin) Stráne district, a villa neighborhood leading up the mountain, at the bus turnaround. Here, a sign marks the via ferrata, and we also find a rental service operating in a container of the Fatraski company that runs the route.

• We turn onto the P trail into the Sörfőzde Stream (Pivovarský-potok) valley.

• We follow the stream up to the information board number 4: after a total of 3 km and overcoming 435 meters of elevation from the starting point, we arrive at the entrance to the ferrata.

• After the entrance, we now follow the stream closely, accompanied by A/B difficulty climbs.

• At a larger double waterfall and at the information board number 5, the route divides: on the left gorge is an easier (A/B) path, while on the right side there is a somewhat harder (C) path to climb the ferrata.

• After the exit, the P trail leads up to a wider gravel road.

• We turn right onto the K trail and within a few minutes reach the Martinské hole resort area.

• If we do not use the terrain roller rental service provided by the company operating the via ferrata, then starting from the resort, we follow the asphalt road down along the S trail (after some time the marking leaves the asphalt strip) back to the now familiar Stráne fork (rollers can descend almost on the same route back to the settlement, but a separate marking has been created for roller users that in some places deviates slightly from the hiking trail).

Detailed description of the hike

The roughly 50 km long, southwest-northeast running Malá Fatra is Slovakia's westernmost mountain range, uniquely divided by the Váh river. The part north of Váh is higher, more spectacular, typically covered with grass snowfields; its ridge section above the Vrátna valley, accessible by cable car, rivals the High Tatras in popularity.

In contrast, the southern part of the range, the predominantly forested Lucská Malá Fatra or Rajec mountains, are less known. However, here too awaits a very varied hiking terrain: rocky peaks and ridges (e.g., Kľak, Skalky), atmospheric forested ridges, and alpine meadows alternate, though without cable cars or shelter networks. The southern section of the range culminates in the 1476 m high main peak (Veľká Lúka) with extensive meadows, well known compared to the less trafficked ridge below, under which lies one of Slovakia's popular ski resorts and the unusual destination of our hike, Martinské hole (1260 m).

Primarily for nature conservation reasons, Slovakia has surprisingly few via ferratas. We can count on one hand how many traditional via ferrata routes exist in the country (excluding the decade-old chain routes in the high mountains and ladder gorges in Slovak Paradise). Among them, the goal of our hike and the Skalka route above Kremnica were knowingly established next to ski centers, offering a summer tourist attraction. Additionally, there are one via ferrata each in the long-closed Kyseľ gorge in Slovak Paradise and in the Great Fatra, and after lengthy debates, a via ferrata was built in the High Tatras as well.

The P trail previously also followed the Sörfőzde Stream (Pivovarský potok) but already veered off the climbing-demanding upper section, reaching the summit differently. This naturally offered the opportunity to build a summer tourist attraction just steps from the ski center and restaurants. Thus was born Slovakia's unique summer adventure: climbing up a via ferrata and descending on a terrain roller experiencing the mountain world.

However, let's add that although this section of Malá Fatra does not reach the 1500 m elevation criterion of high mountains, the adventure is guaranteed alpine, thus not easy: the route requires nearly 800 m elevation gain! Mostly (435 m elevation difference) walking on the first section of the P trail, a smaller part climbing (310 m) the ferrata, and finally a pleasant walk to the resort. Additionally, the summit attack and the descent are options. Along the via ferrata route, five information points with boards have been established, making the route completely clear.

Playground in a beautiful stream valley

The Stráne district of Turócszentmárton (Martin) and Martinské hole is a bit like Normafa in Budapest. From this pleasant mountainous city district, many cycle or run up the mountain in the evening. Whether with a guide or alone, this is where we start our hike, and if needed, we can rent equipment here. Dressing up is recommended later at the ferrata entrance.

First, we walk along the asphalt road toward the Ferrata Penzion (Wellness Penzion Ferrata), then directly next to the modern building, enter the shady forest and atmospheric streamside. Everything changes like magic: alongside us roars the water of the formerly brewery-supplying Sörfőzde Stream (Pivovarský potok), crossed by small bridges from one bank to the other. Climbing among stones in beautiful, lush vegetation, we can still take time to look around. The number 2 board calls attention to former stone quarries, and if we are observant, we notice remains of an old rail track underfoot. Then our path emerges from the dense forest, and after the number 3 board, a milder section begins, but still following the stream, sometimes slightly deviating, but never leaving it.

Where the unmistakable path enters the forest again, we find the number 4 board and the entrance (up to this point, only the bridges crossing the stream represented the built technical infrastructure, from here the via ferrata begins). On the board, we can also see what difficulty sections await us on the route.

The first section will certainly not be hard: it is a specifically easy, A/B rated, really simple ferrata, spiced with a small ladder after the steel cable. It mainly runs along the side of the impassable streambed, broken by fallen tree trunks and smaller-large waterfalls, on massive rocks with steel cable, interrupted by some walking sections. Since the stream sometimes flows right beside us, it is worth pausing and admiring the lush vegetation on the rock ledges. Artificial steps help our way in places, and this easy section features an optional rope bridge diverting from one side of the stream to the other and back, making it truly exciting. This 'playground' detour is worth trying, offering great photos of fellow hikers balancing high up.

A bit of excitement deep in the forest

Halfway along the via ferrata, the gorge divides at two spectacular waterfalls, and so does the route. Here is the number 5 board, which helps us assess the terrain ahead and a chance to rest by the dramatic waterfalls.

The shorter left route remains A/B difficulty, while the right side has a slightly harder, C (medium) difficulty section. If we have reached this far, it is worth choosing the harder path as it is more spectacular and overall not difficult (but remember, descending on the via ferrata is forbidden, so only one route can be used). From the fork it is clear: overcoming a smaller and then a larger waterfall is the real challenge on the right gorge, but these are not intimidating; a few climbs lasting close to the water roaring a few centimeters behind our back. After the muscle-demanding section, it is good to glance backward occasionally, as the view of the picturesque Turóc Basin below and the steep slopes of the Great Fatra on the other side become more and more visible. After a short walking section, a smaller struggle awaits (A/B and B/C), then we leave the roaring stream and climb up to a cross among trees, where resting benches and a summit register are found. After a short serpentine through a beautiful pine forest, the P trail leads out to a larger gravel road, where turning right, a short walk brings us to the Martinské hole resort on the K trail.

After a short rest, the adventure continues

At the resort, we can return our rented climbing equipment and also rent rollers in the same place. If we want to descend by roller, it is worth arranging this upon arrival (even earlier at the container), as it is possible that we will have to wait somewhat for equipment. Which is not bad at all! The ski center has many restaurants and shelters (where we can even stay), a nice rest will be appreciated, especially as the view is splendid. Mostly the ridges of the Great Fatra and Kôš Mountains are visible from here, but if we have the strength to climb the main peak, from there we see from a much wider perspective the wonderful mountains of the historic Upper Hungary region.

If we want to make a detour to the main peak, Veľká Lúka, the S marking leads from the resort to the main ridge, where turning left on the P trail, we reach the 1476 m high summit (this detour means 2.3 km and 220 m elevation gain from the resort, return on the same route).

We start descending on the asphalt strip from the resort center on the S trail, which later clearly leaves the road and leads fully back to the starting point of the hike. A considerable number of hikers have cut shortcuts to shorten the winding road at several points, but to spare our knees, the serpentine is better. When descending by roller, we basically follow the S trail, but a special roller marking has been created, which on some shorter sections may differ from the hiking path. Be careful on the way down, a mountain bike trail also leads here.