Via ferratas in Slovakia

Via ferrata – what is it? This is perfectly illustrated by the translation of their name into English – iron roads. Via ferratas are techcnical tourist trails, marked out in an area that, if it were not for artificial facilities, would be available only to climbers. Thanks to steel ropes, buckles and other elements mounted on the rock, and sometimes also additional belaying with a rope by a guide, these routes are possible to be climbed by an averagely fit tourist. In order to experience a via ferrata adventure, you do not have to go to Alps or other hogh mountains. Quite interesting iron roads can be found in Slovakia. Often these are entire via ferratas areas, where there are many via ferratas, not very long and varied in terms of difficulty, as well as other rope attractions on several rocky crags. Thanks to this, everyone will find something for themselves, both via ferrata novices and advanced veterans. There is also no pressure from the group: whoever wants to can take a break after one or two routes, while people with a sports spirit can train on increasingly difficult routes until they drop. There are also longer via ferratas, located deep in the mountains. However, the ascents are not long or demanding, the via ferratas themselves also do not exceed the level of difficulty achievable for the average tourist. That is why a trip to the Slovak ferratas will be a nice and pleasant adventure for everyone.

Day 1 – around 9:00 a.m. meeting in Čingov in the Slovak Paradise (for those willing, it is possible to travel with the tourleaders, departure from Krakow early in the morning). Trekking to the starting point of via ferrata Kysel. Basic training in via ferrata techniques and then climbing the via ferrata, leading along a picturesque and wild gorge. It is not difficult – it is rated on a scale from A to F at level C. Then trekking back to Čingov. The entire route takes about 7-8 hours. After the end of the trip, transfer to the guesthouse located at the foot of the Slovak Paradise.

Day 2 – drive (approx. 1 hour) to the vicinity of the town of Martin, near Martinske Hole mountain ridge. On this day, our goal will be the oldest iron road in Slovakia – Via Ferrata HZS (Horská Záchranná Služba – Slovak mountain rescue organization). It lies in the middle of the mountains, so before and after climbing, we will take a short but picturesque trekking. The whole trip – via ferrata plus trekking – will take us about 5-6 hours. After the tour, transfer to a guesthouse near the Kremnické Mountains for the night.

Day 3 – we will spend this day in via ferrata region, which is considered the most attractive in Slovakia. Ferrata Skalka, located near Banská Bystrica, is actually not one, but as many as five different secured trails located on Skalka rock near Kremnica. The ascent and return to the parking lot are short, so there will be hardly any trekking on this day; it can be spend on via ferratas only. In addition to via ferratas, there are also a number of other sports and tourist attractions, such as a 30-meter climb on the “steel net” or finally what this spot is famous for – the approximately 60-meter Tibetan Bridge – a rope bridge, suspended over 70 meters above the ground. Among the via ferratas, there is one called Vyzwa (Challenge) which is recommended only to advanced and trained people, with an E ratin. It is the most difficult route of this type in Slovakia. We will spend about 6 hours in this area. At the end of the tour, transfer to the guest house for the night.

Day 4 – after a drive to the village of Liptovské Revúce and a dozen-minute ascent, we will enjoy exploring another rock complex. Via Ferrata Two Towers consists of as many as nine short but exciting routes located on two neighbouring rocks. These via ferratas range in difficulty from A/B to D. After finishing the climb in the early afternoon, we will head home. Optionally, we offer relaxation in the thermal baths in Bešeňová.

• travel to Čingov in the Slovak Paradise and return from Liptovské Revúce, as well as local transfers
• entrance tickets to via ferrata Kysel and to the Slovak Paradise National Park