4 Autumn Ridge Hikes from Liptovské Revúce: Ploská, Rakytov, Krížna and Borišov
In autumn, Veľká Fatra is one of the most photogenic mountain ranges in Slovakia. Beeches and maples turn gold and red, the wind sweeps the open grassy summits crystal clear, and in good weather the ridges give you views of the Low Tatras, Chočské vrchy and the Tatras. Liptovské Revúce lies right below these ridges, so most routes start a few minutes from Chata Nerina. We have put together four hikes, from a relaxed full-day outing to a more demanding ridge traverse.
Worth knowing first: Ploská, Rakytov and Krížna are peaks of Veľká Fatra, not the Low Tatras, even though from Liptovské Revúce you see them on the opposite side of the valley from the Low Tatras. It is a classic mistake, so keep it in mind when you plan your route.
Ploská (1,532 m) - a classic among the Fatra grassy summits
Ploská is one of the best-known peaks in this part of Veľká Fatra and the perfect first grassy summit if you want to experience a typical ridge view. The route follows the yellow trail markers straight from Liptovské Revúce. Allow 4.5 to 5.5 hours of walking there and back, with roughly 830 metres of ascent.
The path first runs through the forest along a stream, then gradually climbs onto the open grassland. In autumn this is where the magic is strongest: the lower forest blazes with colour, while up top a wind-swept ridge with far-reaching views awaits you. The summit is broad and rounded, and it takes its name from its shape.
Tip: Set off early in the morning. Autumn mornings in the valley tend to be misty, but on the ridge above the fog you are often greeted by sunshine and a sea of clouds beneath your feet.
Rakytov (1,567 m) - views as if from an aeroplane
Rakytov is Ploská's slightly higher neighbour, and many consider it the finest viewpoint in the whole of Veľká Fatra. The summit is grassy and completely open, so you get views in every direction without a single tree in the way. In autumn, when the air is at its clearest of the year, you can see a really long way.
The ascent is usually combined with a ridge route across the surrounding grassy summits, so choose according to your fitness whether to go straight up and back or make a longer loop. The terrain is easy, but there is no shelter from the wind on the open ridge.
Tip: On the Veľká Fatra ridge it gets cold quickly in autumn, even when the sun is shining in the valley. Pack a hat and a windproof jacket, as the temperature difference between the village and the summit is often marked.
Krížna (1,574 m) - the highest goal of the day
At 1,574 metres, Krížna is one of the highest peaks in this part of Veľká Fatra and also an important ridge junction. Trails from several valleys meet here, which makes it a popular goal for full-day hikes. For visitors staying at Chata Nerina it is a more ambitious outing, rewarded with a superb all-round view.
The ridge between Krížna and the neighbouring grassy summits is among the finest that Veľká Fatra has to offer. In autumn herds graze here and the grass takes on a warm golden tint. The route is longer and physically more demanding, so set aside a whole day for it and bring plenty of food and drink.
Tip: Check the weather forecast for the ridge, not for the valley. Storms and sudden changes in the weather are the biggest risk on the open grassy ridges, and they often arrive in the afternoon.
Borišov - a mountain hut in the middle of the hills
If you are looking for a destination where you can also stop for a hot cup of tea, head for the foot of Borišov. The mountain hut below this peak is a classic resting place on the Veľká Fatra ridge routes and a lovely goal even for those who do not want to tackle the highest summits. The forest path is pleasant even on a cooler autumn day.
The walk to the hut is a good choice for families with older children or as a relaxed day between more demanding hikes. You combine time outdoors with a sit-down at the hut and the option of carrying on higher if you still have the energy and the appetite for it.
Practical tips for autumn hikes
- Early start: autumn days are short and it gets dark early in the evening. Plan your return with time to spare.
- Layers of clothing: warm in the valley, wind and cold on the ridge. Several thinner layers work best.
- Head torch in your rucksack: even if you do not plan to walk after dark, in autumn it always comes in handy.
- Plenty of water and food: there are no springs or snack bars up on the grassy ridges, so you carry everything with you.
- Respect the weather: if the forecast is bad, the mountains will wait. Fog on an open ridge can be seriously disorienting.
After a whole day on the ridges of Veľká Fatra, you will appreciate the warmth and quiet of Chata Nerina. Liptovské Revúce is an ideal base: in the morning you set off from the village straight into the mountains, and in the evening you are back by the fireplace. We wish you clear autumn mornings and long views.
