Peter Kvačkay (left) and a friend on the SNP trail (source: Peter Kvačkay)
Spanning 770 kilometres from the Dukla Pass in the east to Devín Castle near Bratislava in the west, Slovakia’s SNP Trail – Cesta Hrdinov SNP (Path of the Heroes of the Slovak National Uprising) – is more than just a long walk. It is an immersive experience that blends historical depth, physical challenge, and the raw beauty of Slovak landscapes. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a motivated beginner, the SNP Trail offers a unique opportunity to test your limits and connect with both nature and history.
The trail follows the route of the 1944 Slovak National Uprising, a major resistance movement against Nazi occupation during the Second World War. It begins at Dukla Pass, the site of a key battle, and winds its way across forests, rocky paths, and towering ranges like the Low Tatras and Slovenský raj (Slovak Paradise). Historical markers dot the route, yet for many – including Peter Kvačkay, a computer programmer turned trail enthusiast – the greater pull is the personal journey and the ever-changing natural backdrop.
As Kvačkay shared on the Spectacular Slovakia podcast, the trail’s mix of scenic solitude and cultural resonance makes it a one-of-a-kind experience. “The more I hike abroad, the more I realise Slovak nature is really nice,” he said.
The challenge
Make no mistake – this is not a casual stroll. Kvačkay completed the trail in 25 days, averaging 30 to 32 kilometres per day. “Your feet kind of hurt a lot,” he admitted. The first few days can be particularly punishing as your body adjusts to the unrelenting distance and elevation, with around 31 kilometres of vertical ascent throughout the trail.
But it is not just your legs that are tested – it is your mindset. Kvačkay emphasised the importance of flexibility: “If I felt tired, I called it a day earlier.” The trail’s layout allows for this, with a network of waystations, shelters, and nearby towns giving hikers the option to rest, resupply, or sleep indoors.
Smart planning is key to a successful SNP experience. Kvačkay’s lightweight approach focused on calorie-dense foods like nuts and, unapologetically, junk food. “It’s easy to consume a lot of calories,” he said, supplementing with fresh cheese, vegetables, and fruit picked up in towns. The longest unsupported stretch, between Košice and Telgárt, spans up to 100 kilometres – so careful water and food logistics are crucial.
Accommodation options are equally varied. The trail offers basic lean-tos, rustic cabins, and waystations with mattresses or even leftover supplies from fellow hikers. Kvačkay carried a tent for extra flexibility but found it largely unnecessary. “If you want a lightweight tent, it’s expensive,” he noted, praising the trail’s infrastructure.
Wildlife is another consideration. While Slovakia is home to bears, Peter stressed that encounters are rare and the animals less aggressive than their North American cousins. Sensible precautions – especially around food – are usually sufficient.
A humorous sticker referencing bears on the SNP Trail (source: Peter Kvačkay)
Is it for you?
The SNP Trail is not just for ultra-athletes. Its proximity to towns and the range of shelter options make it surprisingly forgiving for newcomers to long-distance hiking. “If something happens, you can go to the nearest town pretty easily,” Kvačkay said. You do not need to hike all 770 kilometres to get a taste; exploring segments like the Low Tatras or Slovak Paradise is rewarding in itself.
For those with a competitive edge, the trail has an unofficial race element, with some hikers completing it in just seven days (supported) or 11 days (self-supported). Kvačkay plans to attempt a faster self-supported version himself. “There’s a very low chance I would break a record, but I’ll do my best.”
Tips for aspiring SNP hikers
Start early or off-season: Kvačkay hiked in late May to avoid summer crowds, enjoying quieter trails and milder weather. Rain was minimal, but expect some hot days in June.
Pack light, eat smart: Optimise for calorie-dense foods and resupply in towns. Balance junk food with fresh produce for nutrition.
Use waystations: Take advantage of the trail’s shelters to save weight and cost on gear. They are generally clean and maintained by the hiking community.
Stay bear-aware: While bear encounters are rare, store food securely and avoid leaving waste near your camp.
Embrace flexibility: Listen to your body, adjust your pace, and enjoy the journey. Meeting fellow hikers and locals adds to the experience.
Know your limits: If 770 kilometres feels daunting, pick a shorter segment. The trail’s diversity ensures every section is rewarding.
Tourist route Cesta hrdinov SNP in the Low Tatras, between the Chopok and Ďumbier peaks. (source: Achernar.sk / Wikimedia Commons)
More than a trail
What makes the SNP Trail truly remarkable is the way it fuses endurance, introspection, and a deep connection to Slovak identity. It is a rare place where physical hardship meets spiritual reward, and where each step forward carries the echoes of history.
Kvačkay’s story is more than a tale of distance travelled – it is a testament to personal discovery. After quitting his job to embark on the hike, he came away with a deeper appreciation for his homeland and his own resilience.
Whether you are chasing records or searching for stillness, the SNP Trail offers an experience that lingers long after you have reached Devín Castle. So lace up your boots, pack your rucksack, and ask yourself: Do you have what it takes?
For more inspiration, follow Peter Kvačkay’s adventures on Instagram, where he shares diaries of his past trips, including the SNP Trail and his epic hitchhiking journey to Nordkapp, Europe’s northernmost point.
