Southwest ridge runs across two apparent elevations – i.e. Upper and Lower Priehyba – and ends in afforested Grunik. These routes belong to quite difficult and challenging hikes in the High Tatras and require some physical and technical prowess. The part of the route is fixed and secured with chains. Kriváň peak offers beautiful views. You can see almost the entire ridge of Low Tatras, West Tatras and the Red Hills to the northwest.

You can access Kriváň from several places:

• Tri studničky (following blue-green route, 2h10″/2h30″)
• Štrbské pleso lake (blue-red route, 3h00″/3h30″)
• Pod jamami (blue, 2h45″/3h30″)

Kriváň is not even among the 20 highest peaks in Slovakia (but 27th). But its magical silhouette with noticeably curved top, after which is named, attracted poets, painters and ordinary people since beginning. Lots of myths and legends exist about Kriváň. In the past, it was a symbol of strengthening of the national pride and identity, sometimes abused for political goals.

This massive peak became a symbol of Slovak national consciousness and in 2005 it was decided that it will be displayed on the back of the Slovak euro coins with a face value of 1, 2 and 5 cents.

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Koprova valley is a 12 km long valley with numerous side valleys. It is situated between the Western and High Tatras under the western slopes of the dominant peak Kriváň (one of the Slovak symbol). Koprova valley and the surroundings of the peak Krivan do remember the old mining tradition, especially associated with gold mining activities.

Hiking trails along Koprova valley allow tourists to admire the waterfalls and lakes. It is possible to ascend to the saddles and to the Kôprovský peak. At the lower part of the forested valley, the trail is created alongside the Kôprovský stream.

View Kmeťov waterfall in Kôprova valley – the highest waterfall in Slovakia in a larger map

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