Ústie Kvačianskej doliny — Pyšné sedlo, via Volovec
Trail map
Route, springs and shelters: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · elevation: Copernicus DEM © DLR e.V., © Airbus DS · Data & licences
About the trail
Route Ústie Kvačianskej doliny – Volovec – Pyšné sedlo. Has red marking (national route №0862, KST). Waymarking data: OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL).
Officially marked national tourist route No. 0862. The marking is red, the sign is a horizontal stripe on a white background. Marked and maintained by: KST. Length of the route — 27.6 km. Location: mountain range — Western Tatras, Slovakia. The route is in the Tatra National Park (TANAP): high-altitude sections are closed from November 1 to June 15 — check the current dates on tanap.sk before heading out.
Attention: part of the route is not yet mapped in OpenStreetMap, so the line on the map has gaps. On the ground, orient yourself using the marking signs.
At a glance
A route of 27.6 km with 1,322 m of ascent and 2,580 m of descent from Ústie Kvačianskej doliny to Pyšné sedlo. Estimated walking time: about 9 h, not counting stops — a very long day, so it is easier split into 2 days. Difficulty: hard. Waymarking: red.
Route stages
- 0–9 kmAlong the ridge at 1,890–2,150 m, past Volovec, Ostrý Roháč, Baníkov
- 9–12 kmDescent of 450 m (down to 1,578 m)
- 12–14 kmClimb of 180 m (up to 1,762 m)
- 14–19 kmDescent of 910 m (down to 852 m)
- 19–28 kmGentle ups and downs at 650–860 m
Steepest kilometre: km 15–16, a descent of 240 m (≈25%).
Water and overnight stays
Our map shows no springs near the trail — bring your own water (at least 3 l).
A possible split into days:
- Day 1: km 0–12, ≈4.5 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
- Day 2: km 12–28, ≈4.5 h — finish
When to go
Best time: June to September. In winter only for experienced hikers with proper gear: avalanche danger is possible. About 15 km of the route runs above 1,500 m, where the weather changes quickly — check the forecast.
Getting there
Start: Ústie Kvačianskej doliny. This is a one-way route: the finish is 16 km from the start in a straight line, so plan your way back in advance.
FAQ
- How long does the route take?
- Estimated walking time: about 9 h, not counting stops — a very long day, so it is easier split into 2 days.
- Is there water on the route?
- Our map shows no springs near the trail — bring your own water (at least 3 l).
Comments
Trails nearby
All trails
HardTwo-dayMarkedOravice Račková dolina, campsiteElevation profile791–2 053 m23.6 kmascent 1 268 m≈ 8.5 h walking
HardMulti-dayMarkedSedlo Zábrať Junction of Jamnická and Račková ValleysElevation profile962–2 176 m26.6 kmascent 2 450 m≈ 11.5 h walking
EasyOne-dayMarkedJunction below Lyscom SalatínElevation profile1 038–2 038 m4.2 kmascent 969 m≈ 3 h walkingCraft nearby
All craft places
Cheese dairies & pasturesShepherds' Huts on Polana Chochołowska3.8 km from the trailPolana Chochołowska is the largest glade in the Polish Tatras and one of the largest in the whole range.
Cheese dairies & pasturesShepherd's Hut in the Kościeliska Valley10 km from the trailJózef Słodyczka's bacówka (shepherd's hut) on the Wyżnia Kira Miętusia glade is probably the most easily reached shepherds' hut in the Polish Tatras.
Water parks & thermal poolsOravice thermal pools10 km from the trailThe Oravice thermal pools (Termálne kúpalisko Oravice) are the municipal thermal baths in the mountain settlement of Oravice at the foot of the Western Tatras.
Water parks & thermal poolsMeander Thermal Resort, Oravice10 km from the trailMeander Thermal & Ski Resort (formerly Meander Park) is a thermal water park and ski centre in the mountain settlement of Oravice in northern Slovakia, at the foot of...
Water parks & thermal poolsChochołowskie Termy17 km from the trailChochołowskie Termy stand in the village of Chochołów in the Podhale region, north-west of Zakopane and not far from the Slovak border.
Markets & fairsMarket under Gubałówka17 km from the trailThe market under Gubałówka (Targ pod Gubałówką) is Zakopane's best-known bazaar and probably the most photographed row of stalls in the Polish Tatras.