A peak between Smutné and Žiarske Saddles on the main ridge of the Western Tatras, notable for its massive rocky north face. In good visibility it offers a view as far as Liptovská Mara and the Orava Dam.
Route length
9.3 km one way
18.6 km round trip
18.6 km round trip
Elevation gain
1,282 m
Time (one way)
~4:31 h
Difficulty*
3/5
Trailhead
Žiarska Valley, mouth (900 m a.s.l.)
📍 GPS parking
N 49.14460°, E 19.69961°
🔗 Route on Mapy.com
Elevation profile (podľa publikovaných dát trasy, nie z GPX)
Route breakdown
| 1 · Žiarska Valley, mouth 900 m · 0.0 km · 0:00 h | Starting point — the route begins here. |
| 2 · Žiarska Hut 1325 m · 3.2 km · 1:34 h | The route passes by Žiarska Hut, where you can rest and refill water. |
| 3 · Plačlivé 2125 m · 9.3 km · 4:31 h | Plačlivé summit — the end of the route. |
ℹ Practical info
| 🅿 Parking | Mouth of Žiarska Valley — paid car park |
| 💧 Water | Available to refill at Žiarska Hut |
| 🏠 Hut | Žiarska Hut (on the route) |
| 🚡 Cable car | No |
| ❄ Ascent season | Exempt from the general winter closure — the route via Žiarske Saddle remains accessible year-round. Nevertheless, avalanche risk exists in winter and spring — check current conditions at hzs.sk. |
| ☀ Best time | June — October |
| 🧭 Orientation | Marked trail, ridge sections |
| 🎨 Trail marking | 🔵 blue (Žiarska Valley, mouth → Žiarska Hut → Smutné Saddle), 🔴 red (ridge, Smutné Saddle → Plačlivé) — the more demanding, exposed route |
| 🔄 Descent | Same route back, or descend via Žiarske Saddle (an easier route). |
| 🔗 Combination | Can be combined with Tri kopy via Smutné Saddle, or with Baranec via Smrek and Žiarske Saddle — both variants follow marked trails from Žiarska Valley. |
| 🔀 Alternative route | The most popular and easiest route to Plačlivé also starts from the mouth of Žiarska Valley — along an asphalt road to Žiarska Hut, then via the Pod Homôľkou junction to Žiarske Saddle and the summit (🟢 green trail). Easier and less exposed than the main route via Smutné Saddle. |
| 🚨 Emergency number | Mountain Rescue Service: 18 300 (or 112) |
What to bring
🎒 Hiking boots
🎒 Trekking poles
🎒 Waterproof jacket
🎒 Water (min. 2 l)
🎒 Food / energy bars
🎒 First aid kit
🎒 Warm layer
🎒 Map / GPS / phone
⚠ What to watch out for
- Weather in the Tatras changes quickly — check the forecast and turn back if a storm approaches.
- Even with the exemption from the winter closure, increased avalanche risk applies in winter and spring — check current conditions at tatry.sk or hzs.sk.
- Bring an adequate supply of water — refill points may not be available on high-mountain routes.