Veľká Fatra still retains a strong sense of remoteness and a certain air of mystery. It may not be the highest range, but there are no major tourist resorts nearby and many places remain quite secluded. Apart from a few popular areas, you won’t meet as many people on the ridges as you would in the Malá Fatra or the Tatras. There are also a few places here where you can spend the night right in the heart of nature, either under the stars or in one of the shepherd’s huts scattered across Veľká Fatra.

The biggest challenge, of course, is the ridge traverse — a three-day crossing of the Veľká Fatra ridge with plenty of possible variations.

Popular summits include Ostredok (1,596 m), the highest peak in Veľká Fatra, and nearby Krížna (1,574 m). The massive summit of Ploská (1,532 m) is unmistakable and easy to recognize even from far away. Opposite Ploská rises Borišov (1,510 m), below which stands the cozy Chata pod Borišovom mountain hut (info). The hut is not accessible by car, so supplies are carried in by hand.

Another summit with beautiful views is the less-visited Rakytov (1,567 m), and if you really want to get away from people, head for Lysec (1,381 m) or Šíp (1,170 m). A beautiful ascent also leads past Mažarná Cave to the peaks of Tlstá (1,373 m) and Ostrá (1,247 m).

An outstanding viewpoint is Veľký Choč (1,608 m). Although it does not belong to Veľká Fatra, we have included it on this page because of its immediate proximity, and we can only recommend the hike.

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