Baraniec (Baranec)

Baraniec stands at (2,185 m above sea level). It is a majestic pyramid that greets everyone travelling along the motorway through the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia. It is the third-highest peak in the Western Tatras (after Bystra and Jakubina), but due to its sheer mass and isolation, it seems to reign supreme.

This is a mountain for ‘hardcore’ climbers. There are no chains or precipices here, just an endless ascent. Conquering Baraniec is a test of character, rewarded with a panorama that takes in everything – from the Low Tatras to the highest peaks of the High Tatras.

Route description: The Great Żarska Loop

The best way to climb Baraniec is via the loop. Route: Follow the yellow trail (along the ridge) and descend into the Żarska Valley (past the mountain hut).

1. Stage 1: ‘The Ascent of Truth’ (Yellow Trail):

   • We set off from the car park at the mouth of the Żarska Valley. We don’t walk on the tarmac! We turn into the forest onto the yellow trail.
   • It gets steep straight away. And it will stay that way for the next 3–4 hours.
   • The trail winds through the forest, then through dwarf pine scrub up to Goły Wierch (Holý vrch). Here, the view opens up.
   • We continue along a wide, grassy ridge. The views are stunning, but the summit seems to be getting no closer. It’s a battle against your own weakness.

2. Summit:

   • The summit of Baraniec is vast, marked by a concrete post.
   • Panorama: You are in the heart of the mountains. To the north, you can see the menacing peaks of the Roháče (Ostry and Płaczliwy) and Banówka. To the east – the mighty Jakubina. Below – a miniature mountain hut.

3. Stage 2: Descent with views (Green/Blue Trail):

   • Don’t go back the same way (it’s hard on the knees!). Continue along the ridge towards the Roháče, all the way to Žiarske sedlo.
   • From there, the green trail leads us gently down to Žiarska Chata. It’s a modern mountain hut with excellent food (we recommend the ‘steamed buchty’!).

4. Stage 3: Descent by scooter (Monsterroller):

   • A 5 km tarmac road leads from the mountain hut to the car park. Boring? Not at all!
   • At the mountain hut (in season) you can hire an off-road scooter.
   • The descent takes 15 minutes, is great fun and saves your tired legs. You return the scooter at the car park at the bottom. It’s the best way to end a trip to the Tatras!

Practical information

• Fitness: The total elevation gain is almost 1,400 metres. That’s the same as climbing Rysy from Morskie Oko. Don’t underestimate this mountain – take plenty of water and food.
• Wind: Baraniec is exposed to winds from the Liptov Basin. On the ridge, the wind can blow so strongly that it is difficult to keep your balance.
• Sun: The southern slopes (the ascent via the yellow trail) are like a ‘frying pan’ in summer. There is no shade for a 3-hour walk. A hat and sun cream are essential.
• Season: The trail is closed in winter (1 November – 15 June), although the Žarská Valley is a mecca for ski tourers (in winter they follow designated corridors).