Poludnica from Liptovský Ján

Mount Poludnica, which lies on the edge of the Low Tatras, is like a lookout point over the wide surroundings. After the ascent, views open up to the ridge of the Low Tatras, the Western Tatras, and also a piece of the High Tatras with the majestic Kriváň. From Poludnica, the vast Liptov region and Liptovská Mara with the distant Veľký Choč will not escape our sight.

Route description and points of interest along the trail

It is precisely for these unusual views that Poludnica is such a rewarding destination for hikers. But not only for that. During the ascent, we will be constantly surrounded by impressively preserved nature. We will visit the Kamenné mlieko cave, where Jewish refugees hid during World War II. So we will also equip ourselves with some lighting if we want to explore this approximately 40-meter-long cave. The cave is wide enough, so there is nothing to fear.

At its height of 1,548 m above sea level, Poludnica will be a moderately challenging hike for us. We start in Liptovský Ján at Hotel Strachanovka and set off along the green trail 🟢 beside the ski lift with a steep climb. From here, at the very beginning, we get a view of Liptovský Ján and the Western Tatras, and we enter a well-preserved forest, which we will enjoy walking through.

The green trail will take us all the way to a junction, where we will continue along the yellow trail 🟡. Here, a more demanding climb begins, but a surprise awaits us. Soon we will come across the mentioned Kamenné mlieko cave. Just before the summit, we will stop at Predná Poludnica, which will give us the opportunity to rest and take in the wide surroundings. From there, it is only a short distance to the summit itself, which has its own captivating charm.

For the return, we can choose the original route, but if we want to experience the beauty of untouched nature, we can take the blue trail  to a place called Kúpeľ. Our path may occasionally be blocked by fallen trees, but the added value will be unusual rock walls and cave formations. Finally, we will return along the blue trail and through dense forest to the junction at the yellow trail, where we already were during the ascent, and then run down the original route to Liptovský Ján. Here, after the hike, we can treat ourselves to a tasty lunch or use the local healing mineral water and spa for regeneration.

Natural wealth

Flora: A Botanical Paradise

The limestone bedrock combined with a large elevation range creates conditions for exceptionally diverse vegetation:

Rare mountain species: In spring, the iconic Slovak pasque flower and mountain primrose bloom here. In summer, the rocks are adorned with alpine edelweiss and alpine aster.
Forest communities: The lower parts are covered with beech-fir forests, which at higher altitudes transition into spruce forests. On extreme limestone cliffs, Scots pine grows in the form of relict pine stands.
Dwarf pine ridge: At the very summit of Zadná Poludnica, you will find islands of dwarf pine that reach their natural limit here.

Fauna: Kingdom of Birds of Prey

The Poludnica area is part of the Low Tatras National Park (NAPANT) and provides a home to many protected animals:

Birds of prey: The rocky walls are an ideal nesting site for the peregrine falcon and the golden eagle. Ravens can often be observed here.
Large carnivores: In the deep forests of the valleys below Poludnica (especially in the Iľanovo Valley), brown bear and wolf have their territories.
Chamois: Although Poludnica is not their primary home, individuals from the main ridge of the Low Tatras occasionally wander here.

💡Interesting fact: How did the name Poludnica come about?

The name Poludnica was coined by the original inhabitants of Liptov and has an interesting origin connected to a natural phenomenon – the sundial.