Siwy Wierch (Sivý vrch)

Siwy Wierch stands at 1,805 m above sea level. It is a mountain from another world. While most of the Western Tatras (like Wołowiec or Bystra) are smooth grassy domes, Siwy Wierch is jagged, rocky and bristling with white pinnacles.

It is all because of the limestone. Erosion has carved out a real “rock city” through which the trail runs. If you enjoy varied terrain, using your hands on the rock and few crowds, this place will go onto your list of Tatra favourites.

Trail description: red trail through the “Dolomites”

The shortest and most exciting route to the summit starts from Wyżnia Huciańska Pass (Vyšné Hutianske sedlo).

• Logistics: The pass is located by road 584 (connecting Zuberec and Liptovský Mikuláš). There is a small free car park here (it is worth arriving early in the morning!).

1. Stage 1: Forest and warm-up: We start on the red trail (the beginning of the famous Tatra Main Trail). The path climbs steeply through the forest, quickly bringing us to the first viewpoints.
2. Stage 2: Biała Skała and dwarf pine: We pass Biała Skała (Biela Skala). The terrain becomes more and more open. We enter dense dwarf pine, which in places heavily overgrows the narrow path.
3. Stage 3: Radové skaly (the main event!)
   • About an hour before the summit we enter the rock labyrinth.
   • The path winds between limestone spires, towers and boulders.
   • Chains: In several places the trail runs through steep grooves and rock steps. They are secured with chains. It is not Orla Perć level, but it requires concentration, using your hands and tolerance for slight exposure. This is the most “climbing-like” section in the Western Tatras after the Roháče.
4. Summit: The climb is crowned by the summit of Siwy Wierch.

Panorama: between Liptov and Orava

The view from the summit is breathtaking. You are at the edge of the range, so the perspective is extremely wide:

• East: In front of you is the main ridge of the Western Tatras, including the jagged Roháče and the mighty Banówka.
• South: A vast basin with the shining surface of the huge Liptovská Mara lake and the Low Tatras range (Chopok, Ďumbier).
• West: The Choč Mountains (Chočské vrchy).

Return and practical information

• Descent: The easiest way back is the same route. Note: Descending through Radové skaly on the chains requires more caution than going up!
• Loop option: For the determined (about 8-9 h), it is possible to descend from the summit to Palenica Pass (Pálenica), and from there take the yellow trail to Zuberec (however this requires logistics to get back to the car).
• Winter: The trail (above the tree line) is closed from 1 November to 15 June (TANAP rules).
• Vegetation: Thanks to the limestone bedrock, many rare plants grow here that you will not find on granite peaks. Respect nature and stay on the trail!