Stolica (1477 m a.s.l.) is the highest peak of the Stolické vrchy range and the entire Slovenské rudohorie — a true crown of this lesser-known but beautiful part of Slovakia. Its broad massif rewards hikers with sweeping views and a genuine sense of reaching the top of something significant.
The upper parts of Stolica are partly forested, but open meadows — especially on the southern slopes — offer remarkable panoramas. The undisputed highlight is the view of nearby Kraľova hoľa (1946 m), a commanding silhouette on the horizon. On a clear day, the entire Nízke Tatry ridge is visible, and the High Tatras can sometimes be spotted in the distance too. Spring brings wildflowers to the meadows, summer offers cool shade in the forests, and autumn colours the slopes in vivid reds and oranges. On the northern flanks of Stolica, the Slaná river has its source — one of the notable rivers of southern Slovakia.
How to reach the summitStanding on the top of Stolica, you are literally at the source of the Slaná river — a small but memorable detail that makes this summit feel like more than just a high point on a map.