Trip to symbol of Slovakia - Kriváň

Kriváň Hill in the High Tatras National Park is a symbol of Slovakia. Hundreds of Slovaks and tourists from other countries make an ascent to it every year.

I leave the house almost in the morning to be at the top before noon and thus avoid possible afternoon storms, which are nothing special during the summer in the Tatras.

The sun is slowly rising and I am parking in the Tri studničky car park. I pay the parking fee, I take a rubsak, a camera and a tripod from the car, with the help of which I plan to take time-lapse videos.

I planned a 16.1 km long route with an elevation gain of 1395 meters, so I have something to do.

I can already see the destination of my journey from the parking lot. The hill, which is slightly curved, cannot be overlooked.

You can see the finish of your trip throughout the tour. I think it's a disadvantage, but that's just my opinion.

After about an hour of walking, the forest zone was replaced by a rhododendron zone. Since leaving the parking lot, I am only rising, there is no danger of falling. I pass groups of tourists, some refresh themselves with brandy. Other tourists pass me by. The sun shines and casts an amazing sight. Since I see the whole route in front of me, I also see tourists who are at the forefront and slowly climb to the top. They walk behind them and from a distance resemble ants that climb into their anthill.

I finally get to the Kriváňsky žľab crossroads. From here, the climb is even more challenging.

I'm beginning to regret taking a large tripod with me. When climbing from rock to rock, they strike me. I take short breaks every 15 minutes.

Just before the finish, the climb is even steeper.

Finally on top!

The view is majestic, I'm not waiting for anything, I choose the camera, put it on a tripod and set the parameters. The camera starts shooting, but after a few shots, the top is obscured by fog. Nice views are gone.

I choose lunch and at least rent. After a difficult climb, I really starved. Looks like I'm not alone with hunger.

I sit and enjoy the unique peace and tranquility that you will not experience anywhere else than high in the mountains.

I see clouds accumulating in the distance. I get up and slowly descend. Again, I'm sorry I took a tripod with me. They get stuck on the descent and I can't lean on the rocks as I need to.

At the Kriváňský žľab crossroads, I choose the second path, even though it is longer. I don't like to go up and down the same way if I don't have to.

I did well. In a few minutes I enter the cranberry field. It offers fine mountain views.

I go around Jamské lake, which mirrors the nearby hills from its surface.

Thank you 🐼