Sławkowski Szczyt (Slavkovský štít)

Sławkowski Szczyt (2,452 m a.s.l.) is a massive, sprawling mountain towering over Starý Smokovec. Although it is one of the highest peaks in the Tatras accessible by a marked trail, you will not find a single chain on it.

The lack of technical difficulties is compensated by the murderous distance and elevation gain. This is a route for people with iron fitness and strong knees. A long walk through a “stone desert” awaits you.

💡 In a nutshell – Sławkowski Szczyt:

1. No chains, but very long: It is one of the highest peaks accessible to tourists, but it has no artificial aids. The difficulty is fitness (over 1,200 m of elevation gain from Hrebienok).
2. Stone desert and false summits: The upper part of the route is a tedious, several-hour climb over stones, full of “false summits” that can break your morale.
3. No water: There is not a single spring above Hrebienok. Take a minimum of 3 litres of water, because the south slope is a veritable “frying pan” in summer.
4. Winter closure: The blue trail to the summit is completely closed from 1 November to 31 May.

Trail description: A long walk from Hrebienok

The figures at the top of the page show the variant starting and finishing at Hrebienok. Remember that you first have to get to Hrebienok by funicular from Starý Smokovec or walk up (about 45 minutes).

Stage 1: To the Slavkovská vyhliadka

From Hrebienok we set off on the red trail (the Tatra Magistrala), and after 30 minutes at the junction we turn left onto the blue trail.

• The path climbs through the forest and dwarf pine.
• After about an hour from the start we reach the Slavkovská vyhliadka (Slavkovská viewpoint). This is a great viewpoint of the Cold Water Valley and the Lomnica massif. If you are running out of strength, this is the best place to turn back.

Stage 2: The Stone Desert

Above the viewpoint the real challenge begins.

• The trail leads in endless zigzags over a vast scree slope. The landscape resembles a stone desert.
• The mountain is famous for its “false summits”. You go up, you think it’s the summit, and after climbing the hump it turns out that there is another approach ahead of you. This can break your psyche.
• The approach from the viewpoint to the summit takes almost 4 hours.

Stage 3: Summit and descent

On the summit of Sławkowski Szczyt (2,452 m a.s.l.) a reward for the sweat poured awaits.

• Views: The panorama is insane. You can perfectly see the Staroleśna Valley with its numerous tarns from here, and the massive wall of Gerlach stretches at arm’s length.
• The descent takes exactly the same route. Prepare yourself for the fact that a several-hour walk down over stones will take its toll on your knees.