The northern summit of Steny (1535 m a.s.l.) is one of two peaks of this distinctive twin-topped mountain in the Malá Fatra range in Slovakia. Sitting about 0.5 km south of Poludňový grúň, it forms part of a wild and rewarding ridge walk along the main crest of the Kriváň section of the range.
Separated from its higher southern neighbour by the well-defined Sedlo v Stenách saddle (1480 m), this summit sits at the heart of some of Malá Fatra's most dramatic scenery. The western slopes plunge steeply into the upper Vrátna Valley and are protected as the Chleb National Nature Reserve — a rugged, forested wall best admired from the ridge itself. To the east, the slopes descend into the Šútovská Valley, where the waters from the hillside eventually feed the Šútov Waterfall below. In spring the ridge may still carry patches of snow, summer brings wildflowers and open skies, while autumn transforms the surrounding forests into a blaze of gold and red.
How to reach the summitLook out for the Mojžíšove pramene — the 'Moses Springs' on the eastern flank of Steny, whose waters trickle all the way down to feed one of Slovakia's most beautiful waterfalls. It's a small but wonderful reminder that these mountains are full of hidden stories.