Bystrá, Mountain summit in Western Tatras, Slovakia
Bystrá rises to 2,248 meters and forms the highest peak of the Western Tatras with two pronounced ridges extending southward. The mountain stands out through its distinctive form and offers different geological structures across its north and south faces.
The peak was called Pyszna until the late 1800s, a name taken from a summer grazing area in the region. After that period the area became protected and the current name took hold.
The name Bystrá comes from the fast-flowing stream that springs near the summit and shapes the water features of this mountain region. This name choice reflects how locals describe the natural character of the high landscape.
Marked trails starting from road 537 between Pribylina and Podbanské resort lead up the mountain with roughly 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) of elevation gain. The hike demands good fitness and sure-footedness, especially across the rocky passages on the ridges.
The two southern ridges show very different landscapes: the western ridge has jagged rock formations while the eastern part has gentle grassy slopes. These contrasts make the climb a varied experience with quite different views depending on which route you follow.
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