This is one of the most attractive hiking trails in Liptov, not only because of its beauty, but also because of its history. Kriváň is considered a national symbol of Slovakia, and for many years a national-level ascent has been organised to its summit A Slovak double cross stands at its summit. The hike itself is one of the most difficult, especially the final phase of the ascent, which passes through rocky terrain without safety or securing elements, but it is definitely worth it. The view from the summit, and especially the feeling that you are on the top of Kriváň (2,494 m above sea level), is definitely worth it. You can admire all of Liptov, the Western Tatras, the Polish Tatras and the Low Tatras, as well as Kráľova hoľa with a TV tower at the top.

How to get there?
The route from Tri studničky (literally “Three Wells”) starts at the parking lot, which is located next to the main road leading from Podbanské to the High Tatras. The green hiking trail winds through dwarf pine terrain before reaching rocky terrain, offering stunning views of the surrounding region along the way The route is relatively easy up to Krivánsky žľab (literally Kriváň Gully), but from this point on the difficulty increases due to the rocky terrain. Continue along the blue trail, which will take you to Malý Kriváň through Daxner Saddle (Daxnerovo sedlo) to your destination. On the way, you can admire Krivánske Zelené pleso (literally “Kriváň’s Green Tarn”) from above on the right-hand side. At the Krivánsky žľab junction, a hiking trail to Kriváň from Štrbské pleso (literally “Štrbské Tarn”) and Jamské pleso (literally “Jamské Tarn”) joins your trail, so you should expect a larger number of people going in both directions. At the end of the ascent, below the summit, there are several exposed sections that are not secured with chains, so you need to be careful.
For more experienced hikers, the return route can be extended with a visit to Jamské pleso, and then continue back to Tri studničky along the red trail, passing the former Važec Cottage (Važecká chata). The hike will be extended by 4 kilometres and take less than one additional hour of walking.

ROUTE: Tri Studničky, Stará horáreň – Rázcestie v Krivánskom žľabe (2 120 m n. m.) – Kriváň (2 494 m n. m.) – Rázcestie v Krivánskom žľabe (2 120 m n. m.) – Tri Studničky, Stará horáreň

Seasonal closure
Winter closure from November to the end of May or mid-June.

Parking
The Tri studničky parking lot is next to the main road leading from Podbanské to the High Tatras.