Volovec (2 063 m) – kamzíky v Západných Tatrách

Volovec (2,063 m) is a massive border peak in the Western Tatras between Slovakia and Poland. It lies on the main ridge above the Roháčská Valley and its grassy peak offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Roháče - of Ostrý Roháč, Plačlivé, Baníkov, Rákoň and the Polish side of the Tatras.

Chamois on Volovec

The slopes of Volovec and the surrounding ridges are among the places where, with a bit of luck, you can meet the Tatra mountain chamois - a protected subspecies that lives only in the Tatras. The best chance is early in the morning or early evening, when the chamois graze on the grassy slopes above the pine forest.

If you see them, stay on the trail, don't approach them, don't feed them, and don't let your dog run free. It's best to photograph them from a distance with a telephoto lens.

How to get there

The most common ascent leads from the parking lot at Zverovka in the Roháčská valley - either via Roháčske plesá and Jamnícke sedlo, or via Rákoň along the ridge. Expect a full-day hike and more demanding terrain in the high mountain environment. The trails above the huts in TANAP are closed annually from November 1 to May 31.

Photo: Peter Leginus