Inovec (1,041 m a.s.l.) is the highest peak in the Považský Inovec range in western Slovakia — a broad, striking massif visible from miles around, topped with a proper observation tower that opens up one of the finest panoramas in the region. Located just 12 km south of Trenčín, it is surprisingly accessible yet genuinely rewarding.

The western slopes drop steeply and dramatically into the Selec basin, while the eastern flanks descend more gently toward the Bánovská upland. The summit itself is wrapped in continuous forest, but the steel observation tower built in 2016 lifts you above the treetops for a full 360° view. On clear days you can spot the Western Tatras, Babia Hora, Veľká Rača, and even Praděd in the Czech Jeseníky mountains — on exceptional days, reports suggest the Austrian Schneeberg on the Alpine horizon. Snow lingers around the summit for about 80 days a year, making late spring hikes particularly scenic, while autumn colours in the beech forests are superb.

• From the village of Selec — yellow trail via the Pod Inovcom junction; moderate difficulty
• From the north: from Mníchova Lehota — red trail along the main ridge, passing Chata pod Inovcom; moderate difficulty
• From the south — red trail via Krželnica (968 m); moderate difficulty
• From the village of Dubodiel — green trail; moderate difficulty

• A metal observation tower (erected 2016) stands on the summit — free to climb
• Chata pod Inovcom at the northern foot of the peak offers accommodation and meals
• A ski lift and several other chalets operate near the chata
• A paved access road also leads to the summit (serving military transmitters)
• Part of the summit area falls within the Považský Inovec Nature Reserve

The forests around Inovec are a beloved mushroom-picking spot for locals — visit in autumn and you may find more foragers on the trails than fellow hikers.