Where the wind steals your breath: Veľký Kriváň

The Malá Fatra mountain range offers a fairytale gorge and the most attractive ridge tour in Slovakia.

Malá FatraMalá Fatra (Source: One2We)

On this morning we were awoken by birds singing, rivers burbling, horses neighing and sheep bells ringing. And by the silence.

We opened the window and from the first breath of fresh air, we were enveloped by the smell of the forest, freedom, inspiration, and excitement.

SkryťTurn off ads
Article continues after video advertisement
SkryťTurn off ads
Article continues after video advertisement

Two hours later we stood at the start of a half-marathon in Terchová.

We and 400 other runners.

We didn't know the route.

We didn't know what awaited us.

Running through the mountains

The first kilometers beyond Terchová led through an impressive entrance to the valley Vrátna, the canyon of Tiesňavy, under the bizarre rock formations named The Stony Monk, The Camel, Jánošík's Bed, and The Crocodile.

The rest of this article is premium content at Spectator.sk
Subscribe now for full access

I already have subscription - Sign in

Subscription provides you with:
  • Immediate access to all locked articles (premium content) on Spectator.sk
  • Special weekly news summary + an audio recording with a weekly news summary to listen to at your convenience (received on a weekly basis directly to your e-mail)
  • PDF version of the latest issue of our newspaper, The Slovak Spectator, emailed directly to you
  • Access to all premium content on Sme.sk and Korzar.sk

Top stories

Friends drinking a kapurková shot.

Slovak Matters: Departures, even when drinking

The last column was dedicated to saying hello; now we go over the last word, whether saying goodbye or taking the customary last shot.


12 h
Filip Toška holding chard in the hydroponic Hausnatura farm.

How a Mayan doomsday prophecy took a Slovak to hi-tech agriculture

Hydroponic farm run out of former telephone exchange.


9. mar
Some Ukrainian students report being bullied due to their nationality. UNICEF works with schools so that they can provide a tolerant and respectful environment as well as activities that facilitate positive relationships and promote inclusion.

The silent toll of the war in Ukraine is on minds

Friends are essential for mental health, but only one in three Ukrainian children in Slovakia are currently enrolled in school.


20. mar
The price of 400 food products has been capped by eight retailers.

News digest: Retailers' move to make food more affordable

A group of old houses in Banská Štiavnica damaged by fire, Eduard Heger's new party, and 10 biggest tax debtors.


21 h
SkryťClose ad