Brankovský waterfall — the highest in the Low Tatras

The Brankovský waterfall (Brankovský vodopád) is the highest waterfall in the Low Tatras: the water drops 55 m. It lies at the western edge of the range, on the western slopes of Veľký Brankov (1,134 m), in a small side valley branching right off the Revúca river valley, above the settlement of Podsuchá, part of the town of Ružomberok. The waterfall falls from the vertical dolomite cliff of Kurucká skala from about 830 m to its foot at 775 m (Slovak Wikipedia describes the rock step as limestone). The surface of the wall is slightly broken, so the stream splits into many small ledges and cascades.

The brook that forms the waterfall is small: its flow is relatively steady at about 3 l/s but depends on rainfall in the different seasons. So the Brankovský waterfall is most impressive after heavy rain and during spring snowmelt, while in winter icicles and icefalls form on it. The waterfall lies in the Low Tatras National Park; in 1980 the cliff, the waterfall and the surrounding area were declared a national natural monument.

A legend recounted by Polish Wikipedia is linked to the waterfall: a Kuruc nobleman fleeing imperial soldiers and not knowing the terrain is said to have leapt over the waterfall on horseback. His horse and his pursuers plunged into the abyss and died, while the fugitive saved himself by catching hold of a tree above the waterfall — hence the name of the cliff. The story is probably connected with the events of 1709 and the uprising of Francis II Rákóczi: in October of that year imperial troops under General Viard marched through the Revúca valley.

What to see and do

• The 55 m wall with thin streams and cascades over the ledges — best in spring and after downpours.
• An educational trail with information panels on the nature and history of Kurucká skala.
• Winter icefalls — in frosty winters the wall is coated with ice.
• Nearby, 6 km away, is the heritage village of Vlkolínec, easy to combine with the waterfall in one trip.

Getting there

By road No. 59 in the settlement of Podsuchá there is a car park, from which a marked educational trail with panels leads to the waterfall. According to Polish Wikipedia, the Podsuchá – Brankovský waterfall route is 2 km long with 240 m of ascent and takes about 55 minutes up (40 minutes back). It is an easy forest walk that families with children can manage, but the last metres to the foot of the wall are rocky and wet, and the path is not suitable for pushchairs. The route Biely Potok – Podsuchá passes nearby. The nearest railway station is in Ružomberok.

Season and safety

The waterfall is accessible all year and entry is free. It lies in the Low Tatras National Park: under the park rules (NAPANT, as of October 2026) dogs must be on a lead and muzzled, walking is allowed only on marked trails, and within the national park proper only from one hour after sunrise until one hour before sunset (the restriction does not apply near villages and roads). NAPANT’s seasonal closures do not apply to this route. Do not climb the wet wall — the ledges are slippery and small stones can fall from above; in winter it is dangerous to stand under the icefall. Mountain Rescue Service — 18 300, general emergency number — 112.

Nearby

The nearest sight is Vlkolínec; to the west, in the Chočské vrchy, lies the travertine Lúčanský waterfall. From Podsuchá trails lead into the Low Tatras, including the route Podsuchá – Nová Černová.

Official website: napant.sk

Photos: Michal Jakubský, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons; Jerzy Opioła, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.