The South Summit of Steny (1,625 m a.s.l.) is the highest point of an impressive rocky-meadow massif sitting right in the heart of the Kriváň Malá Fatra range — and it rewards every visitor with a sweeping, almost unobstructed 360-degree panorama. If you are looking for a ridge walk that feels both wild and accessible, this is a very strong contender.
The Steny massif consists of two summits split by a saddle at around 1,476 m. The South Summit marks the turning point of the main ridge, which swings southwest toward the neighbouring peak Hromové. The terrain is a beautiful mix of rocky outcrops and open alpine meadows, free of tall forest, which means the views are yours from virtually every step of the ridge. On a clear day you can spot the Orava Magura, the Choč Mountains, the Western and Low Tatras, the Veľká Fatra, the Vtáčnik, the Javorníky hills, and even the border ranges of the Beskyds. The western slopes are known to be avalanche-prone, while the gentler eastern flanks descend into the Šútovská Valley, fed by the famous Mojžiš Springs.
How to reach the summitThe Mojžiš Springs on the eastern slopes of Steny feed the Šútovský Stream and, just before joining it, form the spectacular Šútovský Waterfall — well worth combining with your summit trip.