Vápenná (source: VaGa)
The week has seven days, there are seven ancient wonders of the world. Rainbows have seven colours. We know the seven deadly sins. And the music scale has seven tones.
The number seven appears on Cristiano Ronaldo's back.
The Magnificent Seven stood tall in the classic western movie, and the Japanese have The Seven Samurai.
Seven was always the number of alchemists and magicians.
And the magical Small Carpathians have 700 m+ mountains - eleven of them.
When you think you know this tiny mountain range, which surrounds the Slovak capital, Bratislava, in detail, you may be inspired to embark upon a long-distance hike, which is born for the long summer days. On these days the early mornings are full of singing birds, and in late evenings you can listen to musical crickets giving a concert on a meadow stage.
Where to start?
You will start in Smolenice early in the morning.
When the sun rays illuminate the fairy-tale Smolenice castle, and the trees in its English park shade their coat of morning dew, you will tighten your hiking boots and prepare yourself for an epic hike.
Passing the only waterfall in the Small Carpathians, Občasný vodopád, which shows its beauty exclusively in the spring, and through the Čertov žľab gorge, you will reach your first stop, Havranica mountain. Near this peak, a famous climbing spot, Havrania skala rock, is located, the Mekka of Trnava's climbers. It was here that Ľubos Stacho practised before meeting his death on the highest mountains of the world. Each year an 11-km-long foot race from Smolenice to Havranica called the Stachov memorial is organised to remember him.
The beautiful rocky ridge will lead you to the king of the Small Carpathians, Záruby mountain. Only a short bypass from the main hiking path will show you Čelo mountain and the Hačova jaskyňa cave. This 660m long cave is one of the longest caves in the region but closed for all curious visitors! From Čelo mountain a smaller rocky ridge ends on the fourth 700m+ mountain of the Small Carpathians, Veterlín. A hike on this ridge is amazing! It has many wonderful views of Záruby and Ostrý Kameň Castle, the highest castle here.
Continue exploring
Veterlín and Záruby are windy, reminiscent of the secret atmosphere of long-distance trails. They are proof of your endurance.
The hiking path to Veterlín is surrounded by rocks. These white rocks are very significant for this mountain range. Thereafter, you will descend to the crossroad, where you can change directions and explore Čierna skala mountain, or just continue to the former hunting castle Mon Repos, once a property of the noble Pálffy family, whose coat of arms has been taken to represent Bratislava county.
The idyllic Amon meadow, named after Gáži Ámon, the Huncokar, shows you the way to Klokoč mountain. On its peak, a wooden cross laden with nails stands. And in it you may drive your own, leaving all your problems and sorrows with it. And the Mesačná lúka meadow and the next rocky ridge are on the way to Vápenná mountain, the most beautiful peak of the Small Carpathians. Here you will admire this magnificent view of rounded hills touching the blue sky. And then, the Skalka saddle and yellow coloured Taricove skaly rocks are waiting for you. And the next peak, Vysoká mountain, the smaller brother of the 2,429m high Eastern Vysoká in the High Tatras.
Veľká Homola mountain has an observatory tower. And it is located above Zochova chata, a part of Modra, the home of Small Carpathians wines. Back in the 19th century, trips were organised here as a social activity for the upper classes.
From here through the famous barbeque place, Čermáková lúka, you will reach the summit of Skalnatá with its lonely and photogenic tree. Where you can camp and watch the sunrise.
The ninth 700 m+ mountain is Čertov kopec. It's pretty high but absolutely lost in the shadow of trees and rolling stones. Javorina mountain looks similar; it is also hidden in the forest. And the last mountain is Čmelok capped with a green military antenna.
Unique stories and atmosphere
11 hours, 55 km, and a change in altitude of +3,000 m.
This is the Small Carpathians 700 m+ club.
Each peak has its own story and a unique atmosphere.
Záruby is wide-branched, Vysoká and Vápenná are the beauties, Čelo and Veterlín are inaccessible. Veľká Homola is a famous rock star, Skalnatá, the most romantic. And Čertov kopec and Javorina are lonely.
The number seven is considered to be a symbol of God, wisdom, and knowledge.
And when it is combined with eleven, the number of champions, an excellent harmony is made.
VaGa Agencyis an incoming company concentrating on active, adventure, cycling and sports tours and camps in Slovakia, in the unique, authentic and safe country, far away from mass tourism; offer undiscovered and amazing places, tailored-made solutions and very professional individual guiding. For more information please visit: vaga.agency and www.vaga-camp.com.
