Západné Tatry - Roháče (West Tatra Mountains) - Slovakia

Extent: 400 km²

West Tatra Mountains form part of Western Carpathian Mountains, and are situated in north part of Slovak Republic. Its part – Roháče – has Alps´ character.

Highest peak: Bystrá (2248 m).

Surface: afforested, pines, in higher sites, there are to be found dwarfish pine-woods, olough-tails and lichens.

Climatic zone: mostly cold.

Mountain nucleus is formed with granites and crystalic slates, on surface with limestones and dolomites.

On a territory with rare fauna and flora, there are to be found mountain lakes (plesa), tourist communities and well marked tourist trails into valleys or to the tops (peaks).

A part of West Tatra Mountains became a part of Tatra National Park in 1987.

The Ziarska Valley in the Western Tatras is a very popular and well-visited area all year long. It is not different in winter, because for winter sports lovers and tourists some areas are accessible even during the winter closure of hiking trails in the Tatra National Park. In the Ziarska Valley you can make beautiful hiking tours to the nearby Smrk (2 072 m above sea level) and Baranec (2 185 m above sea level), as well as to the Placlivy Hill (2 255 m above sea level), which lies on the main ridge of the mountain range in the Roháč area . In the upper part of Ziarska Valley there is the Ziarska Cabin, which provides relaxation, refreshments, or overnight stays. Žiarska dolina is a beautiful and unique locality of the Western Tatras, especially in the winter. If you want to enjoy winter hiking or go for an unforgettable skialpinist tour in the bosom of the beautiful alpine nature, visit the Ziarska Valley. We strongly recommend you to do that.

Text and photos: Radoslav Biskupič