Slavkovsky Štit hike
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Slavkovsky Štit hike
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The Slavkovsky Štit Hike is a strenuous hike in the High Tatras, that leads you to one of the higher peaks in the mountains - Slavkovsky Peak. This peak is often called ‘the easiest peak of the High Tatras’ as the trail is not technical at all and fairly easy. However, don’t get fooled as the hike is strenuous due to a fairly high elevation gain within a short distance. The steep climb takes you switch backing through a rocky path. Jumping from boulder to boulder, you will walk on both sides of the mountain slope, finally reaching the Slavkovsky Peak (8045ft) and seeing stunning panoramic 360-degree views around you.
Getting there
Use the electric train to go to the town of Stary Smokovec. We recommend taking the cable car to get to Hrebienok, where the hike starts.
About
| When to do | 15th June - 31st October |
| Backcountry Campsites | No |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Good |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Slavkovsky Štit
Elevation Graph
Weather
Route Description for Slavkovsky Štit
The Slavkovsky Štit hike is a strenuous trail due to an intense elevation gain within a short distance. The trail itself is a path of rocks, which makes it even harder to walk as you constantly need to watch where you are placing your feet. A lot of these boulders are moving and sliding. Some scrambling and jumping between rocks is also involved, which makes it a great exercise. The hike down is even harder due to the gaps between steps, which makes it quite hard on your knees, so we strongly recommend using trekking poles. Don’t forget your sunscreen as 90% of the trail won’t have any shade.
The trail starts in Hrebienok. You can get here easily by using the electric train to Stary Smokovec. Use the funicular to go to Hrebienok.
The hike starts by leading you through a pine forest, with no elevation gain. It’s quite a relaxing beginning and is very enjoyable. This is also the only part of the trail with nice shade.
After you reach a signpost, it will direct you to turn right and start your ascent. The climb becomes immediately steep, however, while still in the pine forest, the path is still fairly comfortable. You will see some great views along the way. The southern side will open up views of the Low Tatras and in the north, you will see the sharp rocky peaks of the High Tatras, including the Lomnicky Štit (8642ft).
After a bit more than 0.6mi into the trail, the path becomes all rocks and boulders. Here the trail becomes more strenuous as you will need to watch where you place your feet and make sure you don’t fall due to the moving rocks under your feet.
Switchback your way up. You will walk onto the other side of the mountain. There will be an exposed section of a trail that is quite short, continue ahead. The trail evens out for a short section then starts climbing again.
You will first reach the fake summit. We recommend taking a break here as the last ascent is strenuous due to loose gravel which is quite slippery to walk on. As you climb the last part, you will reach the top – the Slavkovsky Štit with a summit cross on it. The views here are amazing. You will be able to see 360-degree panoramic views around you, including beautiful rocky peaks of the High Tatras and the green valleys all the way to the Low Tatras to the south.
After spending some time at the top, prepare for the descent. The first section is hard due to the slippery gravel. After that, you will need to concentrate on your climb down as the path is covered in rocks and boulders and you will need to think about where you will put your feet all the time. It becomes easier as you reach the pine forest.
Find more amazing hikes in the High Tatras
Insider Hints
Take hiking poles as the descent will be hard on your knees.
We recommend using the funicular to get to Hrebienok to avoid ascending from Stary Smokovec, which is a fairly boring part to walk.
After the hike, get some refreshments at the Hrebienok Restaurant which offers amazing local meals and drinks.
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bluesalamander 4 years ago
Mindblowing views! The mountain peaks look spectacular. Very unique scenery.
Cloudhigh 4 years ago
Super peak, great panorama
Maciej W. 5 years ago
Through the entire hike, you can see beautiful views and on the top is just amazing sight of peaks and valleys
Yinh Nguyen 5 years ago
The trail was well marked, climbing up to the peak was very challenging, some sections very steep but well maintained otherwise.
hollygrail 5 years ago
Breathtaking! The steep climb was great exercise.
Timothee Skimp 5 years ago
Such a beautiful and powerful hike in the High Tatras.