This article should be inspiration for everybody, who love to explore pure nature, mountains, forests and waterfalls. In Slovakia you can find many places like this and after reading this article, you will be ready to visit our precious mountains safely and with every ifnormation you will on your hike need. For every hike you will find the difficulty of the hike, if the hike is suitable for children, what trail markers you should follow, what views you will get, when you reach the peak and so much more ! 

High Tatras - Vysoké Tatry

Vodopád Skok (1789 m n.m.) - Waterfall Skok  

This waterfall is the 3. highest in Slovakia and is located at an altitude of 1,789 meters above sea level.

This hike can be done year-round. In summer, be sure to also visit the Lake above Skok. The path to the lake is a bit more challenging, going up a steep slope and requiring the use of chains, but it only takes about 15 minutes and is definitely worth it. Technically, this path is one-way, going only upwards, but many hikers ignore this rule.

Predné Solisko (2117 m n.m.) - "Front" Solisko

We start the hike at Štrbské Pleso. We take the open chairlift up to Chata pod Soliskom (1840 m above sea level), and from there we follow the red hiking trail all the way to the peak. The ascent is quite steep, and the surface is rocky, but there's no need to climb over any boulders. At the top, there is a cross and a magnificent view of several majestic Tatra peaks, including Kriváň, Patria, Solisko, and Ostrá. We also have a view into Mlynická dolina and Pleso above waterfall Skok. After enjoying the view, we carefully descend from the peak back to the hut. If you collect stamps from Tatra huts, be sure to check inside. We take the chairlift back down, making the entire trip last about 2.5 hours. However, if you want to conquer this peak on foot, you will need about 6 hours, and the hiking trail also starts near the cable car station, following the blue hiking trail to the hut. 

Tip for accommodation: Apartment Jarka, Tatranská Štrba - price list: HERE. If you're planning to hike starting from Štrbské pleso, don't hesitate and book this perfect apartment. The apartment is located just a 3-minute walk from the train station, and thus also from the cog railway that takes you up to Štrbské pleso. The price-to-quality ratio is unbeatable! It features a fully equipped kitchen, coffee machine, TV, bathtub, cleanliness, and privacy! Accommodation is available for 1 to 4 people.

Slovenský raj - Slovak Paradise

The village Dedinky may not be very well-known, but they offer a lot. There are several starting points for hikes, options for boating and swimming in Palcmanská Maša, cycling routes, a cable car, and camping opportunities and so much more activities. You can get here by car, train, or bus. We recommend traveling by train. The journey on this little train offers plenty of beautiful views. The train departs from Margecany or from the other direction - Banská Bystrica. You need to get off right after the Mlynky stop (where there is a ski slope for beginners). The train then continues into the tunnel in Stratena. 

Havrania skala (1153 m n.m.) - "Raven Rock"

Geravy (1041 m n.m.) 

On this spacious meadow, you'll find a hotel, the upper cable car station, a trampoline, and various animals (rabbits, cows, a dog, an ostrich, and guinea pigs). Don't expect any views here as the entire meadow is surrounded by a dense forest. Geravy is the starting point for several hikes: Malé and Veľké Zajfy, Havrania Skala, Zadné and Predné Piecky. However, since we already hiked to Havrania Skala yesterday and still want to go boating and swimming in Palcmanská Maša, we're heading back down via the green trail (the trail starts on the left side behind the snack bar), which leads us through the forest, tall grass, and under the cable car back to Dedinky. This time, we're approaching the village from the other side, passing by a chalet, a small church, a shop, a pizzeria, and a bus stop. The descent takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

A tip for a full-day circular hike: Simply combine these two of our hikes in Slovak Paradise into one. Start in Dedinky, go through Zejmarská Gorge/Zejmarská roklina to Geravy, then continue along the Slovak Paradise - South Nature Trail to Malé Zajfy, and from there to Havrania Skala/Raven Rock. Return via the Stratená Canyon/Stratenský kaňon and Stratená back to Dedinky. This loop is 18.6 km long, with an elevation gain of 749 m, and the hike duration is approximately 6.5 hours.

Accommodation tips:

Tent camp, Dedinky - price list HERE. If you enjoy camping, this camp is perfect for you. You'll be surrounded by nature, with a view of Palcmanská Maša, social amenities, plus a buffet, restaurant, and cable car in close proximity as a bonus!

Chata pod Vlekom, Dedinky - price list HERE. There are many similar cottages in Dedinky. We stayed at Chata pod Vlekom, which was the cheapest. The cottage has two floors with shared bathroom facilities. The rooms are simply furnished with old furniture (table, chairs, wardrobe, nightstand), but there is also a fridge, and we even had a balcony. The common areas are huge, with a view of Palcmanská Maša. Bring coins, as the coffee machine is paid, and you can also buy wine or beer here. Outside, there is a grill and a fire pit.

Západné Tatry / Western Tatras

Sivý Vrch (1805 m m.m) / Grey peak

During the last try, I released the handbrake, the wheels slipped twice, and the car began to slide into the ditch. I jumped out through the open door just in time. The three gentlemen who were helping us also jumped to their feet. Mirka, who was standing on the back seats trying to tip the car, managed to get out at the last moment as the car was sliding down. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

The car stopped four meters lower, caught by young trees and bushes. Once we calmed down a bit, we started figuring out what to do with the car. Fortunately, not long after, Juraj came by. He passed by in his car, and when he saw we were having trouble, he automatically turned around to help us. The car was wedged against a large tree stump, so we figured we wouldn't be able to pull it out with his personal car. Juraj picked up his phone and called someone. In 15 minutes, his friend arrived in a large off-road Jeep with a front winch.

While I sat in the car and turned the steering wheel, the big Jeep pulled me out of the ditch. Mirka put on a reflective vest and directed traffic since we were blocking the road. Another 20 minutes later, the car was back on the road. Although it was dented and had a torn front bumper, it was out of the ravine.

In the meantime, the police arrived. Their job is to help and protect. The first thing they did was ask me to take a test for alcohol. Then they asked everyone around what had happened. They didn't even bother to ask me, the driver. In the end, I got off with just a warning.

While I was dealing with the law, Juraj was busy. He reattached the bumper and offered us to come to his house. It turned out that he had a workshop in his garage with a hydraulic platform for lifting cars.

While his lovely wife Ľubka calmed Mirka down with a shot of liquor, Juraj and I lifted the car and assessed the damage. With duct tape and spare screws, we secured the bumper.

I would like to highlight the nature of the people in Orava. Everyone was willing to help without hesitation. We were random strangers in the same place, but as soon as something happened to us, people came together and immediately helped. I want to give a shout-out to Juraj and Ľubka; they are great people. So if you want to crash your car, do it in Orava!

After this incident, we were a bit demotivated, but we still decided to hike to Sivý vrch. It was an unforgettable anniversary!

Malá Fatra/Little Fatra

Summit hike in Malá Fatra/the Little Fatra (6 peaks)

Veľký Kriváň (1708 m a.s.l.), Chleb (1646 m a.s.l.), Hromové (1636 m a.s.l.), Steny - southern peak (1625 m a.s.l.), Steny - northern peak (1535 m a.s.l.), Poludňový grúň (1460 m a.s.l.) 

If you decide to climb Stoh, the hike will be 6 km longer and take an additional 3.5 hours.

We rate this hike very positively. If you choose to take the cable car and skip the Stoh peak, the hike is not too difficult. The views are breathtaking, and you'll be able to see the entire Vrátna Valley.

Malý a Veľký Rozsutec (1343 m n.m. a 1610 m n.m.)/Little and big Rozsutec

These peaks are located in the Malá Fatra mountain range. The hike starts gently through the forest and over various wooden footbridges, mostly on flat terrain. The hiking trail follows the blue marker through Jánošíkove Diery. Here, you'll encounter ladders of varying difficulty, some of which might scare less experienced hikers. In this part of the trail, you also cross rocks directly in the valley where the Deep stream/Hlboký Potok stream flows. Depending on when you visit and what the weather was like before, you may either cross with dry feet or find the river higher, causing you to get your shoes wet. There are also sections where you walk on wet, slippery rocks, often using chains as support along the edges. The ladders are slippery, steep, and often long and high. They lead over the stream and alongside waterfalls. For this reason, we highly recommend wearing quality hiking boots. This section is not suitable for less experienced hikers or families with little children. If you want to prepare for this hike, we recommend starting with less demanding ladder hikes like Geravy or Kláštorisko in Slovenský Raj.

The trail is well-marked, but if you happen to lose your way, we recommend using the Mapy.cz app.

Finally, we reached the top of the mountain. We weren't alone. At the top, standing 1,610 meters above sea level, there were many people. Some were taking photos, others having a snack, and some were just sitting and relaxing. There is a cross at the peak and a summit logbook, where you should definitely sign your name!

We waited for the rest of our group, took a few breathtaking photos—on Veľký Rozsutec, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of other peaks in the Malá Fatra range and the villages of Zázrivá and Terchová. Now, let's move on! We still have the climb to Malý Rozsutec ahead.

The way down from Veľký Rozsutec is the same as the way up. We came across sections where we had to take turns passing each other, as these spots were too narrow for two-way traffic.

When we returned to the meadow of Medzirozsutce, two members of our group decided not to continue to Malý Rozsutec. And it's no wonder—just as the look above suggests, this hike is extremely challenging if you attempt both summits in one day.

The rest of our group set off to tackle the next peak. The climb to Malý Rozsutec is quick (about 20 minutes), but quite unpleasant. While Veľký Rozsutec takes over an hour to ascend, the trail to Malý Rozsutec is short but technically more demanding. On this dolomite wall, there's a rocky section where you need to climb a rather smooth, long, and steep rock with the help of chains. This section is also two-way, and you might find yourself stuck in a line. On our way up, we met a group coming down, and passing each other was quite uncomfortable, to say the least—it was even dangerous.

After overcoming this section, the path was quick and easy. On the peak, we took a few photos and enjoyed the views. From this peak, you get stunning view of Veľký Rozsutec. If you've followed our route so far, now we advise you to stop!

We recommend continuing from Malý Rozsutec along the green trail, which will lead you back to Terchová - Biely Potok. This way, you avoid the rocky section on Malý Rozsutec and, more importantly, the ladders in Jánošíkove Diery. The ladders on the way down can be very treacherous, so you need to be extremely careful.

In any case, we had two members of our group waiting for us at Medzirozsutce, so we had to pick them up and then head back down the way we came.

To summarize: if you decide to conquer both peaks, this hike is long and extremely difficult. The views are stunning—some of the best we've experienced in Malá Fatra.

Šútovský vodopád (830 m n.m.) / Šutovský waterfall

Accommodation Tip: Hotel Boboty, Terchová - price list HERE. We recommend this hotel if you are willing to pay a little extra for accommodation and have a car. The hotel is located just a few kilometers from several hiking trails and is fully equipped. It offers bowling, a swimming pool, a sauna, a hot tub, a ping-pong table, billiards, table football, a bar, and dining options. You can also rent bicycles. The hotel also offers discounts on activities in the area.