| Volovec | |
|---|---|
Volovec as seen from the Ornak ridge |
|
| Elevation | 2,063 m (6,768 ft) |
| Location | |
| Location | at the border of Slovakia and Poland |
| Range | Western Tatras |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | unknown since the peak was known to local shepherds, first winter ascent in 1906 |
| Easiest route | Tatliakova Chata - Rakon - Volovec |
Volovec (in Slovak) or Wołowiec (in Polish) is a mountain in the Western Tatras at the border of Slovakia and Poland. It lies on the main ridge between Ostrý Roháč and Rákoň, standing over three valleys: Chochołowską, Roháčska and Jamnícka.
It offers views over the Polish Western Tatras, and Slovak Roháče. Janusz Chmielowski wrote in 1898: "The summit is extremely interesting (...), in the south rises the jagged group of Rohacz/Roháče (...), toward the east the High Tatras just like a giant rocky island (...) On the north stands the dome of Babia Góra. On the west lie below the Roháčske Ponds."[1]
Contents |
The mountain's height was determined already in 1820 and it was used as an important triangulation point.
The peak is located at a junction of three ridges:
Distances of other places in Western Tatras from the summit:
The mountain consists of metamorphic rock (Alaskite and Mylonite). Local fauna include the Tatra chamois and Alpine marmot.
There are two marked hiking trails which lead to the summit of Volovec, red and blue. A third, green one, connects with the blue one at the saddle beneath the mountain. All routes pose no technical difficulty and when taking into account the relatively large distance and altitude difference involved, the summit is one of the most challenging climbs in Western Tatras accessible even to children. An exception to this is trying to access Volovec through Ostrý Roháč and Jamnícke saddle, which is one of the most exposed climbs on the main ridge of Western Tatras.
Hiking off-trails is forbidden in Polish Western Tatras and allowed only at certain areas in Slovak Western Tatras and only when accompanied by a mountain guide or when holding a UIAA license.