The Western Tatras are on average several hundred metres lower than the better-known High Tatras, but from a hiking perspective they may be even more interesting. You’ll find many more accessible summits here, often linked by ridge trails. Some ascents are every bit as demanding as those in the High Tatras.

The most visited part of the Western Tatras is the area known as Roháče. This is where you’ll find the most popular peaks and hikes, including the famous and demanding chain-protected ascents of Ostrý Roháč, Baníkov, and Tri kopy. These are better suited to experienced hikers. If you don’t feel up to that kind of route, you can choose easier but still very beautiful hikes instead — for example, the circuit around the Roháčské plesá lakes, whose surface reflects the surrounding peaks, is definitely not to be missed. On the other side of the main ridge lies the massive summit of Baranec, where there are no chains and the views are fantastic.

Just beyond the Roháče area lies Sivý vrch, whose summit can be reached by a fairly easy hike through a striking rocky labyrinth known as Radové skaly.

The highest peak of the Western Tatras is Bystrá (2,248 m). It lies away from Roháče, so you’ll meet far fewer people here. There are no difficult chain-secured sections on this route either.

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