Smrekovica (1,200 m a.s.l.) is the highest peak of the Branisko mountain range in eastern Slovakia — an approachable yet rewarding summit sitting about 9 km northeast of Spišské Podhradie. It may not be the most dramatic peak in the region, but it more than makes up for it with surprisingly wide-ranging views and pleasant, well-marked trails.

The summit area is partly forested, but open spots offer great panoramas over the surrounding Branisko hills, the Levoča Mountains, Bachureň, Čierna hora and the Volovské vrchy. On a clear day you can spot the Slanské vrchy, the Royal Tatra peaks with Kráľova hoľa, and even the High Tatras shimmering on the horizon. The terrain is friendly in all seasons — lush and fragrant in spring and summer, spectacularly colourful in autumn.

• Vyšný Slavkov (from the northwest) — yellow trail via Petrova hora, moderate difficulty
• Kravcová saddle (from the east) — yellow trail, moderate difficulty
• Branisko Pass (from the south) — blue trail, moderate difficulty
• Lipovce village (from the east) — blue trail via Kravcová, moderate difficulty

An interesting geographical footnote: the southern slopes of Smrekovica drain via the Svinka stream into the Hornád river, while the northern slopes shed their water via Antalov potok into the Torysa — the peak sits right on the watershed between these two river systems.