A few days after a walk in the Belianske Tatry it was time for a somewhat airier hike in the heart of the High Tatras. We chose Kresaný roh as our objective, towering above Veľká studená dolina.
We start our hike in Starý Smokovec. For convenience we buy a ticket for the ground cable car, which in about 10 minutes takes us up to Hrebienok. Of course you could do it on foot, but it would be a waste of time and energy. From Hrebienok we first follow the red trail, then from the junction above Rainerova chata we take the blue trail and head into Veľká studená dolina. At a place called Brána, where the blue trail crosses a small bridge over the stream to the left side of the valley and then continues with a steep ascent, we leave the marked trail and continue along the left side of the stream on the valley floor. The stream eventually disappears in the terrain, but we continue in the same direction until the gully between Rovienková veža and Kresaný roh. Progress through the valley is pleasant, the pace brisk and the mood excellent. The weather is on our side as well.
The last metres to the saddle are naturally quite steep, but the terrain is solid and the rock dry. It doesn’t take long and we find ourselves in the Rovienkové saddle. From the saddle there are views into the Rovienky valley. The ridge on this side drops steeply into the valley. For crossing the ridge I recommend the Malý Závrat saddle. Looking at the further ascent along the ridge it is clear that simple hiking is behind us. The terrain gradually changes and with increasing altitude the exposure of the whole hike grows.
The final part of the ascent leads along an airy, exposed ridge up to the summit. Movement is at times more technical, but a safe line can still be found.
We eventually manage to reach the summit and are rewarded with beautiful views of the Javorové peaks, and in the background the Ľadové peaks even appear. I sit on the summit, look into Veľká studená dolina, which lies spread out below us, and I simply feel good. It’s precisely for moments like these that it’s worth heading into these heights. The summit isn’t very spacious and many of its parts are quite exposed. There are four of us here, which is just right for this space. After soaking up the energy of the surrounding hills for a while, we pack up and return the same way.
The descent goes relatively quickly. Without major complications we return to the valley and later to Hrebienok. Another successful hike in my favourite mountains is behind me and the feeling of satisfaction is exactly as it should be after a good day in the mountains.