Kozol (1,119 m a.s.l.) is a striking, mostly forested peak in the Malá Fatra mountains of Slovakia, packed with character and wild atmosphere. It sits above the Medzihorská Valley in the western part of Martinské hole, offering scenic rocky ridges, ancient beeches and the very real chance of spotting some of Europe's most iconic wildlife.

The landscape here is raw and largely untouched — so much so that the peak and its surroundings have been protected as a National Nature Reserve since 1993 (91.58 ha). The most valuable parts are the limestone beech forests and rocky formations at higher elevations along the south-western ridge. Tucked inside one of these rock formations is a statue of the Virgin Mary, while several crosses stand near the access road, reflecting the deep faith of the local community. Seasons transform the mountain dramatically: lush and cool in summer, ablaze with colour in autumn, and quietly dramatic in winter snow. Brown bears, wolves, lynx, red deer and wild boar all roam these slopes.

• Kunerad — unmarked route, no official trail, moderate difficulty
• Stránske, Poluvsie or Turie — alternative starting villages, unmarked access

• The summit area is a National Nature Reserve — please stay on natural paths and avoid disturbing vegetation or rock formations.
• There are no marked hiking trails to the summit — good navigation skills are essential.
• Large predators including brown bear and wolf are present in the area.

In September 1974 a MiG-21 military jet crashed into the western slope of Kozol at around 800 km/h — the wreck was only discovered four days later by a hunter who spotted the glinting debris through binoculars, adding an unexpectedly dramatic chapter to this mountain's story.