SK: West Tatra – A Trek Up to Barance Mountain

Baranec – Guardian of Liptov

Baranec Mountain is sitauted on one of the side ridges of the West Tatra mountains. Ziarska valley makes its western border. In the east, slopes of this gigant descend to Jamnicka valley. It is the third highest mountain in the West Tatra mountains. It rises to 2185 meters. Several marked tourist trails lead up to Baranec: a yellow trail from Okolicna, a blue trail from Pod Holym Vrchem crossroads, and a green trail which starts at Pred Rackovou. Alternativaly, we can start at Ziarska cabin and go uphill to Ziarske saddle and then to the south down the yellow trail. Also you can go down the ridge of Rohace (also by following yellow tourist trail). We chose the green trail which begins at Pred Rackovou area near Pribylina village.

Climbing Up to the Summit

The trek starts at "Rackova Dolina ATC" direction board situated near Pred Rackovou cottage community. We follow the green tourist trail which goes slightly uphill from the outset. The trail goes through forest uphill. We pass by Horica shepherd's hut and then cross the ridge covered of trees. We cross Klinovaté mountain (1555 m). Forest gives way to thick mountain pines as we are getting to higher altitude. The first vistas over the southern ridges of the West Tatra and Jamnicka valley open before us. Krivan's easy to recognize pointy summit rises to the sky in the background. We further go uphill. The land opens before us. We cross Mladky mountain (1945 m). Up there we see Liptovska basin and Popradska basin. The ridge of the Low Tatra stretches on the other side of both basins. The view over Jamnicka valley and Otrhancu ridge opens to the northwest. Then we get on green trail across the ridge. The views are getting more beautiful and amazing The we pass by another mountain Maly Baranec (2 044 m) which is getting us closer to our final destination. It is also visible to us. Baranac appears clearly in front of us. It is a major mountain along the ridge. We reach the summit after short uphill walk. At 2185 m we enjoy amazing vistas over the mountains of the West Tatra mountains and the surrounding landscape.

Great Landscape

On the summit, we see the diverse ridge of the Rohace. We can easily recognize the mountains of – Baníkov, Hruba Kopa, Tri Kopy, Placlive and Ostry Rohac. The vista over Ziarska valley is amazing as well as the vista over Smrek (2 072 m). Down we recognize vast Jamnicka valley. The ridge of the Otrhance rises above it. Its characteristice feature are steep gorges going steeply down to the valley

Popradska and Liptovska basins are at our hands. The Low Tatra stretch on the entire horizon. To the west, we see glittering surface of  Liptovska Mara. In the distance, we see the silhouette of the Velka Fatra, Cochske Hills with its Velky Choc. Far awy we can recognize the Mala Fatra ridge.

The amazing beauty of the West Tatra is going to capture heart of everone who love nature, mountains, tourism, or taking pictures. When we climbed Barance we once more agreed this rule still holds. One gets rich and unique experience of a purposeful day in the nature of the Tatra mountains.

GPS: 49°10'26.8"N 19°44'33.1"E

Text and photos: Radoslav Biskupič