Veľký KriváňVeľký Kriváň at a Glance
About Veľký Kriváň
Veľký Kriváň is a mountain in the Malá Fatra range of northern Slovakia, situated in the Žilina Region and rising to approximately 1,709 metres above sea level. It is one of the prominent summits in the range and offers extensive views from its ridge and summit area.
The peak is accessed by marked hiking trails from nearby valleys and mountain huts and is a frequent destination for hikers and mountaineers exploring the Malá Fatra National Park area. Terrain includes alpine meadows and rocky summit sections.
The mountain sits within the Žilina Region of northern Slovakia, forming part of the central massif of the Malá Fatra range.
- Elevation: The summit elevation is about 1,709 metres, making it one of the notable peaks of the Malá Fatra range and a common objective for day hikes.
Best Time to Visit Veľký Kriváň
Best in summer for safe, comfortable hikes; spring and autumn are quieter but cooler, and winter is snowy and technical.
Weather & Climate near Veľký Kriváň
Veľký Kriváň's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1366 mm/year), wettest in June.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -10° - -4° | -15° | 82 mm | overcast | 96% | 7.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
| February | Poor | -10° - -3° | -14° | 82 mm | overcast | 94% | 7.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.9h |
| March | Poor | -7° - 0° | -11° | 82 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | -3° - 4° | -5° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 6.3 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.6h |
| May | Poor | 2° - 11° | 3° | 135 mm | overcast | 77% | 5.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.2h |
| June | Poor | 4° - 13° | 6° | 171 mm | overcast | 76% | 5.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.0h |
| July | Good | 6° - 15° | 11° | 152 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 5.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.6h |
| August | Good | 6° - 15° | 11° | 157 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 4.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 14.2h |
| September | Acceptable | 3° - 11° | 3° | 114 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 6.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | -1° - 6° | -2° | 81 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.6h |
| November | Poor | -5° - 0° | -9° | 105 mm | overcast | 91% | 7.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| December | Poor | -8° - -3° | -13° | 113 mm | overcast | 95% | 7.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.0h |
How to Get to Veľký Kriváň
Veľký Kriváň is in the Malá Fatra mountain range (Žilina Region). The usual approach is to drive from Žilina to the Terchová/Štefanová area (about 25-35 km, roughly 30-40 minutes by car) and park at the village or trailhead; from there marked hiking trails lead to the summit and the ascent typically requires several hours on foot, so be prepared for a mountain hike.