Slavkovsky Štit

Route Description for Slavkovsky Štit

The Slavkovsky Štit hike is a strenuous trail due to an intense elevation gain within a short distance. The trail itself is a path of rocks, which makes it even harder to walk as you constantly need to watch where you are placing your feet. A lot of these boulders are moving and sliding. Some scrambling and jumping between rocks is also involved, which makes it a great exercise. The hike down is even harder due to the gaps between steps, which makes it quite hard on your knees, so we strongly recommend using trekking poles. Don’t forget your sunscreen as 90% of the trail won’t have any shade.

The trail starts in Hrebienok. You can get here easily by using the electric train to Stary Smokovec. Use the funicular to go to Hrebienok.

The hike starts by leading you through a pine forest, with no elevation gain. It’s quite a relaxing beginning and is very enjoyable. This is also the only part of the trail with nice shade.
After you reach a signpost, it will direct you to turn right and start your ascent. The climb becomes immediately steep, however, while still in the pine forest, the path is still fairly comfortable. You will see some great views along the way. The southern side will open up views of the Low Tatras and in the north, you will see the sharp rocky peaks of the High Tatras, including the Lomnicky Štit (2,634 m).

After a bit more than 1.0 km into the trail, the path becomes all rocks and boulders. Here the trail becomes more strenuous as you will need to watch where you place your feet and make sure you don’t fall due to the moving rocks under your feet.

Switchback your way up. You will walk onto the other side of the mountain. There will be an exposed section of a trail that is quite short, continue ahead. The trail evens out for a short section then starts climbing again.

You will first reach the fake summit. We recommend taking a break here as the last ascent is strenuous due to loose gravel which is quite slippery to walk on. As you climb the last part, you will reach the top - the Slavkovsky Štit with a summit cross on it. The views here are amazing. You will be able to see 360-degree panoramic views around you, including beautiful rocky peaks of the High Tatras and the green valleys all the way to the Low Tatras to the south.

After spending some time at the top, prepare for the descent. The first section is hard due to the slippery gravel. After that, you will need to concentrate on your climb down as the path is covered in rocks and boulders and you will need to think about where you will put your feet all the time. It becomes easier as you reach the pine forest.

Find more amazing hikes in the High Tatras

• Rysy
• Popradské Pleso
• Zelené Pleso
• Štrbské Pleso

Insider Hints for Slavkovsky Štit

• Take hiking poles as the descent will be hard on your knees.
• We recommend using the funicular to get to Hrebienok to avoid ascending from Stary Smokovec, which is a fairly boring part to walk.
• After the hike, get some refreshments at the Hrebienok Restaurant which offers amazing local meals and drinks.