Article Ascent to Zvolen
Winter version
Zvolen Hill is a 1,403 m high peak in the Low Tatras. Zvolen rises above the ski resort Donovaly and offers beautiful views directly to the ski resort, but also to the ridge of the Low Tatras, Great Fatra, or Kremnické hills. A red tourist route leads to the top and is also a part of the long-distance SNP Heroes' Trail. The ascent begins from the village of Donovaly and lasts about an hour and a half and overcomes 438 meters of altitude. Access to the village of Donovaly is possible by car or bus from Banská Bystrica.
Introductory part
After the route leaves the village of Donovaly, it passes through a spruce forest. From the beginning, you have to be careful about the markings because they often get lost and during the ascent we had to use gps a few times, because we were not sure exactly where we were going. The whole ascent passes through light terrain even during the winter, and if there is no fresh snow or ice, no additional equipment is needed.
Road with a view
During the ascent it is possible to observe the ski resort Donovaly, but also the adjacent part of the Low Tatras.
Elected
After the road leaves the forest, the view of the top of the Zvolen hill is shown for the first time.
Crossroads
Just below the peak there is a crossroads from which it is possible to continue to the Zvolen hill, or turn to the Nová Hoľa peak, where the cable car station is. This walk takes about 20 minutes.
Nová Hoľa
View from Nova Hola to the Zvolen hill. As I mentioned, you can also get to Nová Hoľa by cable car, and many people even use it and take it up or down the cable car and take only a short walk to the Zvolen hill. If you are skiing, the top of Nova Hola is quite crowded and you can't enjoy the views of the surroundings, as you have to be careful of skiers.
Below the summit
Just below the top of the Zvolen hill is a nice view of the Nová Hoľa hill, but also of the ridge of the Low Tatras.
Great Fatra
The peak offers an interesting view of the ridge of the Great Fatra.
The Cross
A short distance below the Zvolen peak, the dominant peak of the southern part of Veľká Fatra – Krížno is shown.
