Exploring Little Fatra
Even though the name indicates it is a little hill to climb, don’t be fooled. The peak is 1344 meters above sea level. It is called little just because on the opposite side is the Great Rozsutec which is 1610 meters above sea level. Little Rozsutec was our end station for today’s hike through Janošik’s Holes. Read more about our waddle through Janošik’s Holes here – link.
Our waddle:
- Waddle duration: 5 hours
- Distance: 11 km (6.80 miles)
- Route: Blue&Red&Green
- Map: link
- Things to see: Janošík´s Lower and Upper Holes, Little Rozsutec, Great Rozsutec, Saddle Medzirosutce
Before moving on to Little Rozsutec – let me stop at the Medzirozsutce Saddle, which roughly translates to “between Rozsutecs” and is a beautiful meadow between the two hills.
Perfect place for a break. No matter where you continue to waddle, stop here, have a break and enjoy the beautiful nature.
The meadow is a great hiking spot to waddle here and return if you don’t want to climb any of the two mountains.
The saddle is 1200 meters above sea level and is a trendy place for taking breaks, and we were not the only ones who thought so. Groups of people or individuals were sitting down and enjoying a snack or two.
We stayed here for quite a while, waiting for our sweaty clothes to dry in the sun and observing as more and more people arrived. Wherever you looked, it was breathtaking. On one side, you can see the Little Rozsutec, while on the other side Great Rozsutec.
Before waddling on, I practiced my rock climbing a little bit as it awaited us.
It was not easy with wings, but manageable. Anything is possible when you want it hard enough. Even a penguin can climb a mountain.
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Little Rozsutec
It is a well-known hill and a popular tourist destination in Terchová. It is located in the eastern part of Little Fatra. The peak is 1344 meters above sea level – apparently also less demanding than his brother Great Rozsutec (whose peak is 1610 meters above sea level).
Climbing it from this side is busier, and it can happen you will end up waiting while climbing up.
The climb is steep and rocky and can be climbed by one person at a time.
If you want to avoid crowds of tourists, you can also climb the Little Rozsutec from the opposite side, from Zárivá – part Malá Petrová.
However, choosing this side will already reward you with an amazing view.
Several routes lead to the peak of Little Rozsutec, so it is possible to use different paths on the way up and down or simply return on the same route.
And then you finally reach the top. After a few chains and rock climbing, you are rewarded with the ultimate view. We were also lucky with the weather. The overall climb should take about 10 to 20 minutes.
The route down, we took the other side of Little Rozsutec, not returning the same way. It is a green-marked route and takes down the hill a little less steep; however, it is also longer.
Once again, it involves a little climbing, chains, and rocks – it is full of action, and I recommend it for adults and more experienced hikers.
Be aware of rocks; it can happen that some will fall from above. Not big ones, but here also a small one can cause damage.
Be careful when descending or even ascending.
Hold on tight to the chains and one foot after the other.
Once down the steepest part, you will end up in a forested area, where you should keep your guard from falling because it is still dangerous when you stop focusing. We had a few slopes where we almost slipped.
We took a break to refresh our feet in the water. Whenever you come across a spring like this, dip in your feet. It’s absolute bliss. Cold but refreshing.
We could not hold our feet in for more than a few seconds, but it was worth even a few seconds. We felt like we had new feet when we continued the still-long hike.
When you finally arrive, a beautiful meadow awaits you. Turn around and enjoy the site of Little Rozsutec behind you. You won’t believe you just climbed that down. However, the wobbling legs will remind you.
We were lucky with the weather. Many times is much more cloudy and foggy. I hope your trip will be as sunny as ours was.
The road changes, and you must continue for a while before going through the forest again till the starting point, Biely Potok.
