Vápenná (752 m a.s.l.) is a rewarding peak in the Little Carpathians of Slovakia, rising above the village of Plavecké Podhradie on a narrow ridge of limestone and dolomite. It combines a protected natural reserve, a charming observation tower, and surprisingly sweeping views — all on a manageable day hike.

The summit sits within the Roštún National Nature Reserve, which carries the strictest level of nature protection in Slovakia. A dense forest covers the ridge, but rocky outcrops and the observation tower platform open up a circular panorama: surrounding Little Carpathian peaks, the Borská lowland, and parts of the Pannonian Plain. On clear days you can spot the White Carpathians, Považský Inovec, Tribč, occasionally even the tops of Vtáčnik and the foothills of the Alps. The narrow, rocky ridge gives the hike a real mountain feel regardless of the modest elevation — enjoyable in every season, with rare spring flowers, refreshing summer shade, and vivid autumn colours.

• Plavecké Podhradie village — yellow trail to the summit, difficulty: moderate
• From the southwest, Sološnica village (Sološnická dolina junction) — red trail (Štefánik Magistrale / Cesta hrdinov SNP), difficulty: moderate
• From the north, from Záruby peak via Amonova lúka junction — red trail, difficulty: moderate
• From the west, Sološnica village — green trail, difficulty: moderate
• From the southeast, Častá village via Mesačná lúka junction — green trail, difficulty: moderate

• The summit lies in a strictly protected zone (protection level 5) — stay on marked trails at all times.
• A 5-metre reinforced-concrete observation tower in the shape of an obelisk with a steel platform and ladder stands on the summit, built in 2003.
• The long-distance red-marked Cesta hrdinov SNP trail crosses the summit.
• Several caves exist within the massif — access may be restricted due to nature protection rules.

Vápenná holds a remarkable botanical record: the highest documented occurrence of Breckland speedwell (Veronica praecox) in the region was recorded here, at 748 m a.s.l.