We recommend combining the ascent to Tlstá (literally “Fat Mountain”) and Ostrá (literally “Sharp Mountain”) in the Veľká Fatra as a circular route. You can enjoy magnificent views, interesting cave formations, but also more difficult rocky terrain and chained sections. The route is open all year round and is one of the most popular, albeit challenging, hikes with an elevation gain of more than 1,000 m.

How to get there?
The route starts in the village of Blatnica, at the beginning of Gader Valley (Gaderská dolina), which is a popular destination for cyclists and skaters, and in winter, cross-country skiing enthusiasts will certainly enjoy it. The yellow hiking trail will lead you along the asphalt path through the valley, passing the turn-off to Blatnica Castle, to the mouth of Vápená Valley (Vápená dolina), where you will turn onto the blue-marked hiking trail that goes through the forest terrain of Vápená Valley. The ascent is flanked by rocky cliffs and small caves. The trail will also lead you to the remarkable Mažarná Cave (Jaskyňa Mažarná), decorated with stalagmite columns and sinter ponds. In winter, it will surprise you with beautiful ice and icicle formations. Above the cave, you can admire the first views of Turiec and its surrounding area, which are then concealed once again by forest terrain. The route through the forest will take you to the sprawling, grassy summit of Tlstá, which is an ideal place for relaxation. A beautiful panoramic view awaits you, encompassing Turiec, as well as the surrounding hills and valleys.
From Tlstá to Ostrá, you can either follow the green trail via Lúbená and Bagľov Hill, or the blue trail via Muráň and Ostrá Saddle. Just below the summit of Ostrá there are a few exposed sections, including a section secured with chains and a well-known rock window. It is necessary to be particularly careful in this section, especially during winter. Unlike Tlstá, Ostrá has a rocky summit and is considerably less spacious, but offers panoramic views of Turiec and the surrounding area.
You can return to Blatnica either through Muráň and Konský dol (literally “Horse Valley”), or through Juriaš Valley (Juriašova dolina) and Blatnica Valley (Blatnická dolina). Both descent routes have steep sections, as the elevation gained on the way up to the peaks must be
descended again into the valley.

Parking
There is paid public parking at the end of Blatnica village before the entrance to the Gader Valley and Blatnica Valley.