A name of the hill might be a motivation for mounting upstairs.The name „stolica“ approaches the idea of „throne“. The other motivation element, adding to this romanticism, is a fact that Stolica is the highest peak of Slovak Ore Mountains. So, this mountain massif is the highest range of Slovakia, so, Stolica is the highest peak of the greatest mountain complex of all around Slovakia.
Stolica Hills belong into Inside West Carpathian Mountains. On southeast, they border with Revuca Highlands, on northwest with Spiš-Gemer Karst and Vepor Hills. On northeast, the hills touch Volovské Hills.
Geological construction of Stolica Hills is very complicated. A complex of many various uplands is participating on it, such as granites, granitoides and others. The mountain range was modelled into actual form by means of different tectonic movements as well as crumbled processes. Top situated Stolica massif is formed with powerful granite vault, lifted along breakages during tectonic process. So, Stolica is created with granite, ascenting from crystalic slates. Stolica massif is afforested from all parts around, with the exception of its top, the surface here is plain. From Stolica massif, the Slaná-river is sourcing. Stolica top passes eastern border of protected belt of Murán Plain National Park.
So, on Stolica-top, there are meeting red, blue and green marked tourist trails. The red one terminates here, whereas blue and green ones pass the top. The shortest one is red marked tourist path, starting from Javorinka Col. It passes Šumiacka priehyba Col and Severna luka up to Slanské Col. From here, you can follow red marked tourist path to the top, by roundabout way via Harova Col. Nevertheless, you can make your way shorter, using blue marked path in Slanske Col. Other possibility of mounting up to Stolica: from Čuntava gamekeeper´s house, from Brdárka, Revuca, etc. On Stolica top, there is termination point of Iron Ore Way, starting from Zlaté Moravce. This route is 258 kms long.
In past, Stolica top was plain, offering circle view around. However, at present, it is partially afforested, and the view is limited. Anyway, who would like to enjoy the views, he would change his view position several times. As far as most beautiful views are concerned, so there are those from northwest towards the north.You have the chance to see the highest peaks of Low Tatra Mountains, parts of Králova Hola section.

Text: Denisa Arvajová

Photo: Google Earth, Google