Podkova (1,436 m a.s.l.) is a peaceful, open-topped summit in the central part of the Lúčanská Malá Fatra range, just 6 km west of Martin. It may not be the most dramatic peak around, but its wide mountain meadows and sweeping views make it a genuinely rewarding destination.

The summit area is covered with alpine grasslands, scattered dwarf spruces and a few small peat bogs — a quiet, unhurried place that feels far removed from the busy valleys below. The views from the top are excellent: you can take in the Turiec basin, the Veľká Fatra range, Krivánska Fatra, the Veľký Choč massif and Vtáčnik, and on a very clear day even the Western and Low Tatras appear on the horizon. The eastern slope features a distinctive horseshoe-shaped notch — which is exactly where the mountain's name comes from. Whether you visit in the flower-filled spring, the cool summer or the colourful autumn, Podkova offers a satisfying half-day walk with a memorable payoff.

• From Bystrička — trail along the Príslopský stream valley via Humience, difficulty: moderate
• From Vidlica — descent from the main ridge, difficulty: easy

The name 'Podkova' simply means 'horseshoe' in Slovak, a nod to the distinctive shape of the notch carved into the mountain's eastern flank — a reminder that local shepherds had a keen eye for the landscape around them.