The Low Tatras Crossing

The aim of the challenge is to visit and log at least 14 of the 33 peaks along the main ridge of the Low Tatras. Of the 33 selected peaks, 14 are in the Telgárt–Čertovica section and 19 are in the Čertovica–Donovaly section. The peaks in the Hiadelské sedlo – Donovaly section are not included in the challenge, as they are part of the Starohorské vrchy range. The challenge has been carefully prepared for you by Horalka Anička.

About the Low Tatras

The Low Tatras are the second-highest mountain range in Slovakia and one of the most popular destinations for hiking in Central Europe. Unlike the High Tatras, they offer extensive, open and relatively gentle ridges, allowing for long treks with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The highest peak, Ďumbier (2,043 m), together with peaks such as Chopok, Dereše, Kráľova hoľa and Štiavnica, form the backbone of the range. The entire area is protected within the Low Tatras National Park. The deep spruce and beech forests, the dwarf pine zone and the alpine meadows are home to a rich variety of wildlife, including the brown bear, wolf, lynx, chamois and alpine marmot. The flora includes a number of Carpathian endemics and rare alpine species, such as the Carpathian saxifrage, the glossy carnation, the alpine bellflower, the Carpathian spiraea and others. Historically, the mountain range was an important area for pastoral farming, and since the late 19th century it has become a popular destination for hikers and skiers. Today it offers a superb setting for ridge walks with a minimum of cable cars.

Anička invites you to the traverse

The entire route is approximately 100 km long with an elevation gain of 5,000 m. The ridge walk is challenging due to its length, elevation gain, and limited accommodation and dining options; however, there are no technically demanding sections on this route. The ridge walk follows the red tourist trail and is also part of the SNP Heroes’ Trail. The route is recommended for 4–5 days and can be walked in either direction. I have walked the entire ridge walk twice in recent years, each time in 4 days, finishing in Donovaly. The main ridge changes its appearance and character in different parts of the mountain range. There are clearings on the ridge; the section from Ďumbier to Chabenec is the rockiest part of the range. The eastern part of the ridge is more heavily forested. The Low Tatras are a protected area and home to the Low Tatras National Park. You must therefore adapt your behaviour accordingly!

Transport

Transport is available by bus to Donovaly or the Čertovica Pass, which is roughly halfway along the route. Trains and buses run to Télgart. 

Accommodation

As this is a National Park, you may only spend the night in designated areas. Types of accommodation along the route:

A) Mountain huts: Štefánikova chata below Ďumbier, Kamenná chata below Chopok. There are also several accommodation options at the Čertovica Pass.

B) Mountain huts: Andrejcová hut and Ďurková hut. These huts are staffed, and meals are available. You sleep on mattresses with your own sleeping bag; camping is also permitted here. Both huts have plentiful springs. Reservations are possible at Andrejcová, but not at Ďurková (it’s first come, first served – those who arrive first sleep on mattresses, otherwise outside. When I was last there, people were even sleeping in the dining room – stone floor, benches). Don’t expect showers or hot water; the toilet is a dry toilet, but I recommend bringing your own toilet paper. The Ramža and Terezka huts are located from the Čertovica pass towards Télgart. They are classic huts, unstaffed, with wooden benches for sleeping. Camping is also possible at Ramža.

C) Designated camping areas: available at the huts, at the Priehyba pass or the Hiadelská pass. At the Hiadelská pass there is also a shelter where you can sleep under a roof.

Water

There are plentiful springs at Andrejcová and Ďurková; there is also a spring at Ramža and in the Hiadelské saddle. I wouldn’t rely too much on the other springs. Otherwise, you can top up your water supply at the mountain huts. Payment: definitely cash at the shelters; as for the huts, I don’t know the current situation. 

I hope you enjoy your time in the Low Tatras!