Račkova Valley (Račkova dolina) is one of the most visited valleys in Liptov. It also attracts the interest of tourists thanks to the Liptov Village Museum, which is located beyond the village of Pribylina, right by the main road and the turn-off into the valley. However, the dominant feature of Račkova Valley is Klin, a mountain on the Slovak-Polish border with an altitude of 2,173 m above sea level. The ascent is one of the most demanding but sought-after hikes, mainly due to the rugged terrain and panoramic views of the entire region and the unique Račkove Tarns (Račkove plesá). Their number depends on the amount of water in the mountains – usually there are two. The Račkova Stream (potok Račková) flows from the tarns, forming the Račkov Waterfall (Račkov vodopád) below and flowing through the entire Račkova Valley. A pleasant addition to the hiking trail leading from Račkova Valley to Klin is an educational trail focused on sheep farming. Along the trail, you will find five information boards with information and photographs about sheep farming culture and history, which will guide you to the highest mountain hut in Slovakia.
How to get there?
The blue trail starts at the mouth of the Narrow Valley (Úzka dolina), continues along the historic artificial mining reservoir and leads gently uphill to the intersection of Račkova and Jamník Valleys, from where the yellow trail continues parallel to the Sheep Farming Educational Trail up to the junction below Klin. Along the way, you can admire Baranec on one side and Bystrá on the other. At Rázcestie pod Klinom (literally “Crossroads under Klin”), you can choose to climb Klin via Gáborovo Saddle (Gáborovo sedlo) along the green and red route or go via Račkovo Saddle (Račkovo sedlo) on the yellow and red routes. The hike can be extended by climbing Bystrá (2,248 m above sea level), which takes approximately 2 more hours.
Seasonal closure
Partial winter closure of the trail from Rázcestie pod Klinom.
Parking
There are several marked paid parking areas in the mouth of the Narrow Valley. The fee can be paid via SMS.
