Východokarpatská magistrála

At a glance

A multi-day route of 213.5 km with 7,991 m of ascent. Estimated time: 10 days of 4–10 h of walking (about 66.5 h in total, not counting stops). Difficulty: hard. Waymarking: red.

Route stages

1. 0–9 kmClimb of 800 m (up to 1,190 m)
2. 9–175 kmGentle ups and downs at 500–1,200 m, past Kamienna, Hrubki, Rabia Skała, Ďurkovec
3. 175–177 kmDescent of 340 m to Beskid Pass
4. 177–203 kmGentle ups and downs at 640–880 m, past Pusta, Wysokie Bereście Południowe, Kamenný hrb, Suchá jedľa
5. 203–213 kmClimb of 470 m to Minčol (1,153 m)

Steepest kilometre: km 176–177, a descent of 280 m (≈28%), near Lackowa.

Water and overnight stays

Springs near the trail: at km 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 15, 19, 21, 23 and 32 etc.. There are no springs between km 96 and 131 — carry at least 5.5 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut pod Čierťažou (km 15), Hut in Ruské Sedlo (km 32), Balnica Shelter (km 46), Vlčia Hut (km 66), Núdzový stan 2012 Hut (km 71), Hut below Pasika (km 80), Stara chata Hut (km 122), Baranie Hut (km 123) etc..

A possible split into days:

1. Day 1: km 0–15, ≈5.5 h — overnight: Hut pod Čierťažou (hut)
2. Day 2: km 15–46, ≈9.5 h — overnight: Balnica Shelter (hut)
3. Day 3: km 46–66, ≈6 h — overnight: Vlčia Hut (hut)
4. Day 4: km 66–80, ≈4.5 h — overnight: Hut below Pasika (hut)
5. Day 5: km 80–108, ≈8 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
6. Day 6: km 108–123, ≈4.5 h — overnight: Baranie Hut (hut)
7. Day 7: km 123–152, ≈8.5 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
8. Day 8: km 152–172, ≈6.5 h — overnight: no shelter nearby on the map, bring a tent
9. Day 9: km 172–198, ≈8 h — overnight: Hut below Barwinek (hut)
10. Day 10: km 198–213, ≈5 h — finish

When to go

Best time: May to October. In winter deep snow is possible, so experience and winter gear are needed.

Getting there

This is a one-way route: the finish is 113 km from the start in a straight line, so plan your way back in advance.

Directions to the start in Google Maps

FAQ

How long does the route take?

Estimated time: 10 days of 4–10 h of walking (about 66.5 h in total, not counting stops).

Is there water on the route?

Springs near the trail: at km 1, 4, 5, 8, 9, 15, 19, 21, 23 and 32 etc.. There are no springs between km 96 and 131 — carry at least 5.5 l of water. Some springs run low or dry up in late summer.

Where can I stay overnight?

Huts and shelters near the trail: Hut pod Čierťažou (km 15), Hut in Ruské Sedlo (km 32), Balnica Shelter (km 46), Vlčia Hut (km 66), Núdzový stan 2012 Hut (km 71), Hut below Pasika (km 80), Stara chata Hut (km 122), Baranie Hut (km 123) etc.. Possible overnight stops: Hut pod Čierťažou (km 15), Balnica Shelter (km 46), Vlčia Hut (km 66), Hut below Pasika (km 80), Baranie Hut (km 123), Hut below Barwinek (km 198).