Krywań (Kriváň) - The national mountain of Slovakia

Krywań stands at 2,494 m above sea level. It is a symbolic mountain. Its characteristic curved summit is recognisable from hundreds of kilometres away. For Slovaks, climbing Krywań is a patriotic duty - every August mass “National Ascents” (Národný výstup) take place here.

For a hiker from Poland, it is a great lesson in humility and fitness. Krywań is powerful, high (only 5 metres lower than Rysy!) and requires a huge amount of ascent.

Trail description: endurance over technique

There are two routes to Krywań, which join halfway up the slope. We recommend starting from the well-known resort Štrbské Pleso - parking and access are easier here.

1. Warm-up (to Jamski Staw): The first hour is a pleasant walk along the Tatra Main Trail (red trail) almost on the flat, through the forest, all the way to Jamski Staw. This is the last chance to rest.
2. Ascent (battle with gravity): From the lake we turn onto the blue trail. A laborious, never-ending climb begins. The path climbs through dwarf pine, which gradually gives way to grasses and rock.
3. Krywań gully: We enter raw rocky terrain. The trail joins the green route (from Tri Studničky). This is where the fun begins.
4. Summit push (no chains): The last hour is a climb over huge granite blocks.
   • Note: There are no chains on Krywań.
   • The difficulties lie in the steepness and the need to use your hands for support on the boulders.
   • It is tiring, but hugely rewarding.

On the summit: the double cross

The summit is surprisingly small for such a huge mountain. There is a large wooden double-arm cross here (a symbol of Slovakia). The panorama is breathtaking - because Krywań sits west of the main High Tatras ridge, you can see everything “from the side”: from the Western Tatras, through Giewont and Czerwone Wierchy, all the way to Gerlach. Below stretches the “sea” of Slovakia - the Liptov Basin and the Low Tatras.

Differences compared with Polish trails

1. No aids: In Poland, on such a steep slope (like on Giewont or Świnica), chains would be installed. The Slovaks follow the principle: “sort it out yourself”. The rock is rough and grippy, but you need to be careful.
2. Seasonality: The trail is CLOSED IN WINTER (1.11 - 15.06). Breaking the ban means a fine and losing insurance cover.
3. Insurance: Remember to buy a policy (rescue costs in Slovakia are paid).

Practical information

• Fitness: The total ascent is 1,350 metres (the same as on Rysy from Morskie Oko, but over a shorter distance). This is a brutal outing that will crush your knees on the way down. Trekking poles are mandatory here!
• Weather: Krywań is a “storm magnet”. As a lonely giant, it attracts lightning. If you see clouds - get down immediately.
• Water: After passing Jamski Staw there is no water on the trail. On a sunny day on the southern slope you will drink every drop you carry. Bring at least 2-3 litres.