Siwy Wierch (Sivý vrch)

Siwy Wierch (1,805 m a.s.l.) is a unique peak. It lies on the western edge of the Tatras and, unlike its grassy neighbours (such as Wołowiec or Bystra), it is built of light limestone. From a distance it looks like a mountain moved from a completely different range.

💡 In a nutshell – Siwy Wierch:

1. Route character: Short but steep and demanding (approx. 6 hours return). Red trail from the Biela Skala car park.
2. Radové skaly: The route features a limestone labyrinth with chains. It requires using your hands and a head for heights.
3. Beware of rain: Wet limestone is extremely slippery. Descending the chains in the rain can be very dangerous.
4. Closure: The trail is closed from 1 November to 31 May. Remember to get insurance for Slovakia!

The main attraction of this route is the passage through Radové skaly (Row Rocks) – a fascinating limestone labyrinth full of spires, bastions and deep grooves. You will find aids in the form of chains there, which makes this trip very varied.

Trail description: Through the limestone labyrinth

The figures at the top of the page show the variant starting and finishing at the small Biela skala car park (on road no. 584 from Zuberec to Liptovský Mikuláš).

Stage 1: Steep climb into the forest

We start from the car park and immediately join the red trail (this is the beginning of the famous Tatra Magistrala).

• From the very beginning the path climbs steeply uphill through a dense forest. There is no time for a warm-up here.
• After emerging above the tree line we enter the dwarf pine zone. The first views of Liptov and the Liptovská Mara gleaming in the distance begin to open up.

Stage 2: Radové skaly (Chains)

This is the most interesting and difficult part of the route.

• The trail weaves between fanciful white rocks. In several places we have to negotiate steep rock steps secured with chains.
• The difficulties are not extreme (this is not the level of Orla Perć), but they require the use of hands, surefootedness and a lack of fear of heights.
• Warning: Limestone polished by tourists’ boots can be treacherous. After rain the rocks turn into an ice rink!

Stage 3: Summit and return

After exiting the labyrinth of Radové skaly, a short approach to the summit still awaits us.

• After about 3 hours and 15 minutes from the start we stand on the summit of Siwy Wierch.
• Views: The panorama is extremely vast. To the east the formidable Roháče and Banówka proudly stretch, and to the south lies flat Liptov.
• We return exactly the same way. Remember that the descent through the chains in Radové skaly often takes more time than the ascent.