We started at Demänovská jaskyňa slobody. The Demänovská Caves National Natural Monument on the northern side of the Low Tatras is the longest cave system in Slovakia.
But we wasn’t there for the cave, we planned hike to Krakova hoľa, for me totally unknown place.
Krakova hoľa is a massive hill in the northern part of the Ďumbier Tatras. Thanks to its location, which is outside the main ridge at an altitude of 1751.6 m above sea level, it dominates the wide surroundings, above which it protrudes and provides an interesting circular view. Krakova hoľa is located between the Demänovská valley and the Jánská valley. The eastern and southern parts of the hoľa belong to the Ďumbier National Nature Reserve with the 5th level of protection.
For me a surprise was the valley Vyvieranie on our path back.
We dive into the narrow Vyvieranie valley, and the trail often leads directly along the stream bed. It is neither deep nor wide, but it flows swiftly through the rocky bedrock. You often have to overcome rock gates, cascades, or jump over the stream. In some places, the route is led by bridges and here and there you will also come across chains. Overall, the valley in the lower part has the character of a small but wild gorge. It is humid here, which results in a beautiful forest. Since it is part of the National Park, fallen trees remain here, only here and there they are cut down so that tourists can get between them.
