What to do in case of bad weather?

In the event of bad weather, properly dressing can allow for progress in light rain. However, avoid hiking during storm warnings. If adverse conditions arise, public transportation can be used to proceed to your next destination and compensate for any delays.

Hut to Hut Mala Fatra

7 days / 6 nights

1/8

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Escape on a hut-to-hut hiking journey through the unspoiled beauty of Malá Fatra, exploring its highest peaks, tallest waterfalls and hidden gems.

Starting point

Martin

Finish point

Kraľovany

Season

From June to September

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Escape on a hut-to-hut hiking journey through the unspoiled beauty of Malá Fatra, exploring its highest peaks, tallest waterfalls and hidden gems.

Starting point

Martin

Finish point

Kraľovany

Season

From June to September

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Inn-to-Inn

Discover Slovakia’s wild side on remote mountain paths and rugged peaks
Conquer Velký Kriváň, the highest peak in Malá Fatra national park
Explore the medieval Strečno Castle perched above the Váh River
Enjoy ridge-line hiking with panoramic views of the Little and Big Fatra ranges
Unwind at one of the highest waterfalls in Slovakia
Reflect at the WWII Polom Memorial, location of a key battle against Nazi occupation

Itinerary of the trip

Your journey begins in the town of Martin, a gateway to the Mala Fatra region. Historically, Martin played a significant role in Slovakia’s national revival and remains culturally important today. The town is also a great place to familiarize yourself with the Slovak mountains you’ll soon be exploring. Rest well as the adventure kicks off the next day!

Accommodation

Wellness Penzión Ferrata

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

The hike begins with a steady ascent from Martin, following the road to Podstrane. As you transition from town to wilderness, you’ll soon enter a gravel road leading to the mountain ridge of Martinské Hole, known for year-round activities that make it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts. On your climb, the scenery transitions from verdant lowland forests to panoramic views. At the summit, the path ascends to Velká Lúka, with 1,476 m the highest peak of the Lúčanská part of Mala Fatra. The views from here stretch over the entire Turiec Valley, with distant glimpses of the High Tatras. The day ends with an overnight stay in Martinské Hole.

Hiking

9.8 km and 950 m of elevation gain / 45 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Hotel Martinské hole

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

After a short ascent to Krížava, you’ll begin a long descent into the valley, passing several notable waypoints. Minčol offers wonderful ridge-line hiking with sweeping views of both the Little and Big Fatra mountain ranges. On the way, you’ll pass the Polom Memorial, commemorating a key battle in World War II, a crucial event in Slovakia’s resistance against Nazi forces. Near the end of the day, you will encounter the picturesque ruins of 14th-century Strečno Castle, perched dramatically above the Váh River. From here, Strečno, your destination for the day is just a short walk away.

Hiking

14 km and 460 m of elevation gain / 1350 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Rekreačná chata pod Jedlovinou

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today’s hike takes you back into the mountains. You’ll begin with a mostly flat section through the picturesque countryside, following the Hradský Potok stream. After about 3 km, the path begins to climb steadily, leading you past Old Castle, a historic ruins of a 13th-century Gothic stronghold hidden in the forest. From here, you’ll ascend further to the ridge of Plešel before reaching your destination, Chata pod Suchým.

Hiking

7.8 km and 740 m of elevation gain / 30 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Chata pod Suchým

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

This is a day of high adventure as you hike deeper into Malá Fatra’s heart. The day starts with a steep ascent to Suchý, a rugged peak known for its rocky cliffs and panoramic views. After some flatter sections, you’ll pass Biele Skaly, a white limestone formation that adds contrast to the surrounding greenery. The trail takes you over several peaks, including Stratenec, Priehyb, Maly Kriváň, and finally, Velký Kriváň – the highest peak in Malá Fatra at 1,709 m. From here, it’s a descent to Chata pod Chlebom, your accommodation for the night.

Hiking

12.2 km and 1040 m of elevation gain / 700 m of elevation loss

Accommodation

Chata pod Chlebom

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Today’s trek is predominantly downhill, guiding you back into the lush valleys of Malá Fatra. You’ll descend through the scenic Šútovská valley, famous for its thick forests and serene atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll pass Šútovský Waterfall, a 38-meter cascade that is one of the highest waterfalls in Slovakia. Continuing down the valley, you’ll reach Kraľovanské Jazero, a crystal-clear lake where you can rest and reflect on your journey before reaching the village of Kraľovany for the night.

Hiking

10.6 km and 60 m of elevation gain / 1040 m of elevation loss

Highlights

Wellness Penzión Rosnička

Note: This accommodation is an example of the type and level you will stay in.

Gallery

Your adventure in Malá Fatra comes to an end. After a week of traversing some of Slovakia’s most rugged and beautiful terrain, it’s time to head back with memories of dramatic peaks, rich history, and serene natural beauty.

Gallery

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

4 nights in mountain huts with half-board

2 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast

Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Tour design and organization

Service and support during your hike

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

Extra nights

Hotel upgrades

Luggage transfer

Private rooms

Single supplement

What to bring to the tour

Hiking shoes/boots
25 to 45-liter backpack
Base layer
Sports T-shirts
Hiking shorts
Hiking water-repellent pants
Waterproof jacket
Midlayer
Sports socks and underwear
Leisurewear for evenings
Down jacket
Gloves
Shade hat/cap

Warm headwear
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Headlamp
Hiking poles
ID card or passport
Snacks
Cash
Water bottles or hydration pack
Sleeping liner
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Small first aid kit

Set out on a hut-to-hut adventure in the rugged, untouched wilderness of Slovakia’s Malá Fatra National Park, where every step brings you closer to the raw beauty of Slovakia’s mountains.

Located in the northwestern corner of Slovakia, Malá Fatra is a hidden gem among Europe’s national parks. The region is celebrated for its stunning limestone peaks, vibrant forests, and abundant wildlife. The trails here are remote, yet rich in history, offering not only natural wonders but also glimpses into Slovakia’s past.

The Hut to Hut Mala Fatra tour takes you on a thrilling journey through mountain ridges and dense forests, where you'll ascend several peaks, including the towering Velký Kriváň, the highest in the range. After tackling these panoramic summits, you’ll descend into the peaceful Šútovská dolina, where the breathtaking Šútovský Waterfall, one of Slovakia’s tallest cascades at 38 meters, awaits.

Each day on this adventure brings new challenges and deeper immersion into Slovakia’s wilderness, enhanced by historical visits to iconic sites like Strečno Castle and the Polom Memorial, adding layers of cultural discovery to your experience.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or someone craving an escape into the wild, Malá Fatra offers the perfect mix of adventure and serenity.

This tour is designed to let you experience the best of Malá Fatra at your own pace. The hut-to-hut format ensures you’re always connected to the landscape, spending your nights in charming mountain huts nestled in the wilderness.

The carefully crafted itinerary takes the stress out of planning – whether you’re tackling high peaks, winding through valleys, or visiting historical sites, everything has been thoughtfully arranged.

Before the journey, you'll be provided with detailed digital guidebook, including GPS tracks, trail notes, maps, and recommendations for hidden spots off the beaten path, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.

Our services are designed to make your experience as seamless as possible. From booking your accommodations in cozy mountain huts to providing local recommendations and managing the logistics, we take care of every detail. You can focus entirely on the adventure, knowing that we have ensured every aspect of your journey is covered, from the terrain to cultural experiences.

Let the pristine wilderness of Malá Fatra captivate your senses, challenge your limits, and leave you with unforgettable memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

The best season to hike the Tatra Mountains is typically from late spring to early fall (June to September).

This period offers warmer weather, clearer skies, and the full bloom of alpine flora, enhancing the trekking experience with breathtaking landscapes. Trails are more accessible, and the risk of snow and ice is lower, making it safer for all types of hikers. It's also an excellent time for wildlife observation.

However, always check local weather conditions and trail updates before planning your hike.

Our tours are graded on a scale from 1 to 5 to assess their level of difficulty - 1 being the least challenging and 5 the most.

This rating helps you understand the fitness level required and the extent of hiking involved. Suitable for those who engage in regular physical activity, most tours demand five to seven hours of trekking daily.

"Technical difficulty" refers to the skill level necessary to navigate the trails. A rating of 1 indicates easy, wide paths akin to gravel roads, whereas a 5 suggests rough, irregular terrain requiring the use of hands for progression. Essentially, a higher rating necessitates greater balance and proficiency in navigating complex trails.

Booking your tour early is essential, as accommodations along the trail tend to be reserved quickly. This ensures you secure your accommodation in advance.

Although the trails often run near farms or small villages, some are located in more secluded areas where it’s just not possible to stop. If you sustain an injury, it’s best to contact local emergency services.

However, there's no need for excessive concern. The trails you'll be on are well-rodden, ensuring you won't be left alone in case of an incident.

However, if you simply find yourself unable to continue hiking, it's possible to stop your journey, take a rest in some of the nearby mountain huts and then proceed your way back or to the nearest village.

Mountain huts in the Tatra Mountains provide basic amenities to hikers, including beds, meals, and in some cases, showers. Always bring wet wipes just in case.

There’s no need to bring your sleeping bag, as the huts provide pillows and blankets. However, still bring your sleeping liner.

Cell reception in the mountains fluctuates greatly. Generally, if a town is in sight, you're likely to have a signal. This holds true for mountain huts as well; you might need to step outside to find a connection. As for Wi-Fi, it's hit or miss, with only a select few huts offering access, and many without.

This variability extends to payment methods as well, with only a few huts accepting card payments. So, just to be safe, it’s always important to carry cash with you during your trek.

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+17

Leslie Nelken

Verified customer · 1 month ago

Hut-to-Hut set up our accommodations and routes to hike in the High Tatras of Slovakia. Everything went very smoothly. The app with the description for each day and the GPS trail guidance went perfectly. The packing list and links to weather and emergency sites were easily accessible.

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Alex R

Verified customer · 1 month ago

A fantastic 10 day hike in Slovenia. The customer service could not have been better when we had to change our start date at short notice. Similarly when one of the passes was closed on the hiking trail the automatically organised a bus transfer to take us to the next point at no additional costs. Again when one of the hotels was ‘problematic’ and demanded we pay (despite this being booked through the company) they were on the phone in minutes and had forwarded through a refund within 24hrs. As for the hike - simply stunning!

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Satu Taiminmäki

Verified customer · 1 month ago

Communications with Hut-to-hut personnel was pleasant, quick and helpful. The initial guidelines for preparing for the trip (what to bring and so on) was necessarily thorough for a first timer in the Alps. The description of each days' journey was helpful in preparing for planning your food and drinks. The gps app was good to check your whereabouts. I would have found an estimate for the duration of each journey beforehand helpful yet I understand that it can be difficult as we all fare differently. For a healthy female in her late 40's with moderate physical status (meaning 2-3 times of gym per week and brisk daily walking/bicycle instead of jogging or running) a trip of rating 3/5 in challenging was pretty rough yet doable. My 16yrs old son not doing much aerobic training adabted quickly to the needs of that trip. Just to give a reference if anyone is wondering what the ratings might mean to them. 😊 All in all so happy we did this and a big thank you for the Hut-to-hut crew!

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer · 1 year ago

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

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Claudia Ossa

Verified customer · 2 years ago

9 day hiking trip including rafting and mountain biking. Sadly the weather didn’t help, we had a lot of rain, but Klemen modified our plans, making it a great experience after all. Klemen is an excellent guide and I highly recommend him!!!

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Ann Swainson

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Thank you so much for a fantastic trip. It was absolutely stunning, well organised, and a brilliant trip. Special thanks to Jan for his kindness & support on what was a personally challenging trek.

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