Šíp (1,169 m) is the highest peak of the Šípska Fatra range in Slovakia — a sharply pointed summit that rises dramatically above the confluence of the Váh and Orava rivers and can be spotted from miles around. Rocky turrets, beech forests and sweeping views across the Western Carpathians make this an unforgettable day out.
The mountain has a wonderfully varied character. The upper tier is built from hard Choč nappe dolomites and limestones, sculpted into rugged rocky ridges and gullies. Look out for the 'Okrúhla skala' (Round Rock), also known as 'Janosik's Table', a smooth-faced outcrop overhanging the southern slope. Just under a kilometre to the west stands Zadný Šíp (1,143 m), more rocky still and topped with a tall wooden cross. From the summit itself, the views open southward and eastward — across the highest peaks of Veľká Fatra to Krížna, the Low Tatras with Chopok and Ďumbier, and the deeply cut Váh valley. A short walk west to a small open knoll rounds out the panorama with both parts of Malá Fatra: the craggy Kriváň part with Veľký Kriváň and Veľký Rozsutec, and the Lúčanská Fatra. On a clear day you can see as far north as Veľká Rača and Pilsko in the Silesian Beskids.
How to reach the summitThe name 'Šíp' means thorn, spike or arrow in Slovak — a perfect description of the peak's needle-like silhouette as seen from the Váh–Orava confluence near Kraľovany.