Malý Javorník (584 m a.s.l.) is a distinctive peak in the Little Carpathians, instantly recognisable by the meteorological radar dome crowning its summit. Sitting just 4 km west of Svätý Jur and a short drive from Bratislava, it makes for a perfect half-day escape into the hills.
The peak forms part of the main ridge of the Little Carpathians and is surrounded by mixed forest with occasional clearings. Although the very summit is occupied by the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute's radar station, the broken woodland nearby rewards you with surprisingly wide views — on a clear day you can spot the Borská and Danubian lowlands, the Tribeč hills, the Pavlov Hills across the border in Moravia, and even the foothills of the Alps to the southwest. The whole area falls within the Little Carpathians Protected Landscape Area, and the Jurské Jazero nature reserve lies at the northern foot of the hill.
How to reach the summitOn 27 February 2018, an arctic day was recorded here — the latest ever measured in the Bratislava area — a reminder that even these modest hills can surprise you with some serious mountain weather.