5 hiking tips: From Mt Chopok to Mt Siná

Where to hike in the Low Tatras? The Jasná mountain resort offers plenty of options in the summer. Two majestic peaks of the Low Tatras — Chopok and Ďumbier are perhaps the most popular and well-known among tourists. If you haven’t been up there yet, we certainly recommend them. But you’d be mistaken if you think that’s all Jasná and Demänovská dolina (valley) have to offer. In this article, we will give you tips for easy and also more challenging hikes, as well as for the well-established and the less frequently visited routes in this area. Let’s take a look.

1. Mt Chopok and Mt Ďumbier

Let’s start with the highest peak of the Low Tatras — Mt Ďumbier, at 2,043 m above sea level, and we’ll combine it with its slightly lower counterpart, Mt Chopok, at 2,024 m above sea level. We certainly recommend tying them together in a single hike, as they’re quite close to each other. It is up to you which route you choose. Do you want a full-day trip that’s a proper challenge? Experienced walkers can reach the two peaks on foot and combine various trails from the north (Jasná) or south.

If you prefer a more leisurely hike, take a cable car up to 2,004 m above sea level. From there, it’s just a short walk to the summit of Mt Chopok. But the tour doesn’t end there as a beautiful ridgetop red-marked trail runs from there all the way to Mt Ďumbier. It is a non-demanding yet rewarding route, which is also doable with children. However, be prepared for high-mountain conditions and strong wind, which is typical for Mt Chopok.

Route: Mt Chopok — Mt Ďumbier (there and back along the ridge)

Distance: 9 km, with an altitude difference of 500 m, approximate walking time 4 hours

2. Vrbické pleso (tarn) and Mt Ostredok

Let’s move down from Mt Chopok to the area of Biela púť in Jasná. Here we have two easy walking suggestions — ideal for the evening, as a trip with small children, or simply when the higher mountains are experiencing poor weather. The yellow trail from Mikulášska chalet will take you on a short stroll around Vrbické pleso (tarn). You’ll find children’s climbing frames and lots of benches along the way. Enjoy the charming atmosphere of this picturesque tarn just a stone’s throw away from the trail.

The second option is a short hike from the snowmaking reservoir at Biela Púť along a yellow-marked trail up to Mt Ostredok’s southern peak with Bencúr’s lookout tower. From there, you can feast your eyes on Jasná and the surrounding Low Tatras. If you wish for even more extensive views, continue to the main summit of Mt Ostredok, where a memorial to Ján Šverma is located. Continuing further toward the area of Stodôlky, you will reach another significant place — a symbolic cemetery in memory of victims of accidents in the mountains.

These two mini-hikes can be nicely combined by following the yellow trail. They do not take much time or effort.

Route: Mikulášska chalet — Vrbické pleso — Mt Ostredok — Symbolic cemetery (there and back)

Distance: 5 km, with an altitude difference of 180 m, approximate walking time 2 hours

3. Mt Demänovská hora

If you’re looking for a beautiful but undemanding hike, this lesser-known peak in the Low Tatras is just perfect for you. The trail starts not in Jasná but in the car park near the entrance of Demänovská dolina (valley, at the Bystrina camping site). From there, follow the yellow trail up to Mt Demänovská hora. The trail climbs upward, but it’s not technically challenging, and you can take it step by step with numerous zigzags. There are several viewpoints along the way where you can feast your eyes on the surrounding landscape. However, it’s worth persevering all the way to the top, which is at 1,304 m above sea level. From there, you’ll enjoy views of the main Low Tatras range, the Western and High Tatras, the Liptovská Mara reservoir and the Chočské vrchy mountains. It’s well worth it! 🙂

Route: Bystrina camping site — Mt Demänovská hora (return along the same route)

Distance: 7 km, with an altitude difference of 585 m, approximate walking time 3 hours

4. Mt Krakova hoľa

Mt Krakova Hoľa, at 1,752 m above sea level, above the valleys of Jánska dolina and Demänovská dolina, is another less frequently visited yet extremely rewarding peak in the Low Tatras. It stands out due to its limestone character — there are numerous karst formations, chasms and caves within its mass. The top offers dramatic views of steep cliffs and entire Liptovská kotlina (basin), surrounded by Slovakia’s majestic mountains. In addition, you’re likely to enjoy peace and quiet, away from the crowds.

How can you reach it? There are several routes, but each involves a longer tour. The scenic trail running through Dolina Vyvieranie (valley), which is a gorge hidden within Demänovská dolina (valley), is an excellent option. Continue from there along a side ridgeline of the Low Tatras up to Mt Krakova Hoľa and then descend back down to Lúčky in Jasná.

Route: Demänovská Cave of Liberty — Dolina Vyvieranie (valley) — Iľanovské sedlo (saddle) — Mt Krakova hoľa — Sedlo Javorie (saddle) — Lúčky — Demänovská Cave of Liberty (circular route)

Distance: 17 km, with an altitude difference of 1,600 m, approximate walking time 6 hours

5. Mt Siná

And last but not least, something for adventurers — a tour up Mt Siná. The route offers a somewhat wild path that ends on a unique summit. It’s not an easy hike, but Mt Siná’s magic is worth it. The peak stands at 1,560 m above sea level, on the right side at the beginning of Demänovská dolina (valley). The tour starts from Demänovská Cave of Liberty, but this time you need to head in the opposite direction — to the west. Cross the road and follow the yellow trail all the way up.

At the start, you’ll enter a forest and follow a stream, crossing it numerous times. You’ll need to crawl under and clamber over fallen trees and navigate a somewhat wild path. Eventually, you’ll reach a saddle, and from there, you can follow a trail to the right to Mt Siná with wonderful views along the way. Part of the slope is covered by meadows, adding contrast to the dramatic cliff formations. The summit is marked by a majestic double cross, and the views from there are simply breathtaking: Mt Kriváň, Malá Fatra Mts., Veľká Fatra Mts — a true feast for the eyes.

Route: Demänovská Cave of Liberty — Mt Siná (return along the same route)

Distance: 7 km, with an altitude difference of 720 m, approximate walking time 4 hours

This article has been created in cooperation with MTHIKER.sk, where you can find more interesting trip suggestions not only in the Low Tatras.