Pack your backpack, get dressed in comfortable clothes, set your alarm for 4:30 a.m. – if you’re an experienced hiker, this routine will probably be familiar to you. Do you remember the last time you enjoyed a hike with stunning views? Take a break from your daily hustle and bustle and head to Liptov. This region in the foothills of the Tatra Mountains offers a number of hiking trails with stunning views that are worth exploring. We’ll tell you which seven more challenging hikes you shouldn’t miss.

Hiking helps you discover the most beautiful places (and not only) in Slovakia. It will take you to places that you would never be able to see otherwise than on foot, not to mention... health benefits of this physical activity. Time spent in nature and silence in addition reduces stress and anxiety. We recommend that more experienced tourists explore these routes in Liptov; we will first list them, and we will discuss them in more detail later in the article.
We can probably agree that if you don't hike regularly, it probably won't be the best idea to choose a very difficult route as your first one in a long time. The choice of a hike always depends on individual preferences, there is no shame in starting with one of the beginner trails. In general, the more difficult hikes are ideal for hikers who have already "done a bit" and can boast a certain amount of experience. experiences.
For more demanding routes, it is also important physical condition; if you are used to exercise and regularly do sports, more difficult hikes should not be a problem for you. Some trails may also require certain technical skills, such as rock climbing, ladder climbing, or tackling more challenging terrain. It is therefore a good idea to find out what to expect before your trip and not forget to bring the right safety equipment.
Liptov and hiking simply go together! If you want to explore central Slovakia and its natural beauty, we recommend starting in this region with one of the medium or difficult hiking trails.
Sivý vrch is one of the peaks of the Western Tatras and, thanks to its views of the entire Orava and Liptov region, it is among the the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The circular route begins and ends in the Bobrovecká valley, specifically in the Bobrovecká vápenica section, where you can use the free parking lot. Following the blue mark, you will reach Chata pod Náružím, past the calvary, and then to Sedlo Predovratie, where the climb to Sivý vrch begins. During the route, you can refresh yourself and rest at several places, we recommend stopping in the cave where partisans hid during the war.
Go to the highest peak of the Veľká Fatra. The ascent to Ostredok starts in the village of Liptovské Revúce, specifically in the Vyšná Revúca section. There are several routes to the peak, but it is recommended to choose a circular route. You can head to Ostredok following the yellow mark via Sedlo Ploská with a charming view of the Low and West Tatras and the Čierny kameň cliffs. The path will take you to the Ploská peak, where you can enjoy views of Turiec and Martinské hole. From here, you can follow the red mark along a pleasant trail through Chyžky and Koniarky to Ostriedok. You can return to Vyšná Revúca via Krížna peak, Rybovské sedlo and Suchá dolina.
Choose to take a closer look at the national symbol of Slovakia. The circular high-altitude hike to Kriváň is one of the most popular Liptov trails not only due to its beautiful views, but also its history. The trail starts at the parking lot in the village of Tri studničky along a path between the pine forests to the Krivánske Žľab. Here, the difficulty of the trail increases due to the rocky terrain. At this point, you will change the green mark for the blue one, which will lead you directly to the top of Kriváň. You can optionally extend the way back and make it special by visiting Jámske pleso and Važecká chata.
How about a pleasant circular hike with a stop at Žiarská chata and Baranec hill, which stands out directly above Liptovský Mikuláš? The high-mountain route begins at the parking lot at the mouth of the Žiarská valley with a steep climb to the Holý vrch crossroads with magnificent views of the Liptovský Mikuláš region. After reaching the top of Baranec, which, together with Kriváň, is a dominant part of the Liptovský Mikuláš panorama, the route proceeds with an easy descent to Žiarská sedlo to Žiarská chata. From here, you can return to the parking lot along the asphalt road, the nature trail or on scooters, which can be rented here.
The summit hike starts at the Lúčky parking lot in Demänovská Valley and will take you to the highest peak of the Low Tatras – Ďumbier. The ascent is not among the most demanding, the route is smooth and continues from the parking lot through Široká Valley and Krúpove Sedlo to Ďumbier. Then, through Demänovská Sedlo, you will reach Chopok and from there through Luková to Mikulášska Chata, where the hike ends. Throughout the entire route, you will be surprised several times by the views of both sides of the Low Tatras, the whole of Liptov, and you will also have Horehronie and Slovenské Rudohorie in the palm of your hand. You can also shorten the hike by taking the cable car from the top of Chopok.
A unique mountain that, thanks to its location and height, offers unique panoramic views of all directions – that is Veľký Choč. The high-altitude hike to its peak starts in the village of Likavka near Ružomberok and, compared to other trails to Veľký Choč, is unique in that it passes by the historic Likavský Castle. The terrain is rugged, the hike mainly leads along mountain roads and meadows to the Stredná Poľana intersection. The most demanding part of the trail is the climb to the peak of Veľký Choč and the subsequent descent from it. The trail ends in the village of Lúčky, where it is also worth stopping at the attractive Lúčany Waterfall.
This circular high-altitude hike from the easternmost Liptov village of Liptovská Teplička to Kráľova hola can be completed as a challenging one-day hike or a weekend hike with an overnight stay at the Andrejcová shelter. The route leads through the enchanting Čierny Váh valley to a steep climb to the peak of Kráľova hola, which is the highest point of the hike. From the peak, continue along the red trail through the easy terrain of the Kráľovohoľske Tatras to the shelter, where you can relax and have a snack. In the final part, you will walk along the ridge, from which you will gradually descend to Budnárka and continue through the Ždiar Valley back to Liptovská Teplička.
After returning from a challenging hike, don't forget to treat yourself well-deserved restPut your feet up, pour yourself some tea and enjoy a board game with your loved ones, spend an evening with a book or head straight from your hike to wellnessBubbles in the jacuzzi, pleasant warmth in the saunas and relaxation of the whole body during massage in Demänová is exactly what you deserve after more demanding hiking.