Javorinka is a short, wild side valley tucked into the western branch of Javorová Valley in the High Tatras — untouched, protected, and framed by the ridges of Široká peak. It is one of those rare mountain places that rewards you simply by existing in view.

The valley stretches for just about 0.5 km, yet it captures everything that makes the High Tatras so compelling. To the west rise the upper tiers of Široká Valley and the arm of Široká itself; to the north stands the summit of Svišťovky; to the south lies Zelená Valley. At the valley floor, a small unnamed tarn at roughly 1,690 m above sea level feeds the Svišťovský stream, which flows down to join the Javorinka river. In autumn, the sycamore maples that give this whole area its name blaze with colour across the slopes; in spring, the valley glows fresh green against grey rock. The silence here is something you carry with you long after you leave.

How to get there

• Tatranská Javorina (parking area) — green trail through Javorová Valley towards Sedielko and Malá Studená dolina — the valley is visible from the trail, difficulty: easy to moderate

Practical information

• Javorinka is a protected nature reserve — there is no hiking trail leading into the valley and entry is not permitted.
• The valley can only be admired from the green-marked trail running through Javorová Valley.

The name of this entire area traces back to the sycamore maple — a tree that has grown abundantly around Tatranská Javorina and Javorová Valley for centuries, giving the landscape its distinctive, forested character.