Baníkov, Mountain summit in Western Tatras, Slovakia.
Banówka is a summit in the Western Tatras reaching 2,178 meters, marked by a narrow ridge running eastward and sheer cliffs facing north. The peak rises distinctly from the surrounding terrain and can be approached from different valleys.
The name comes from the Slovak word for miner, referencing 18th-century iron ore mining exploration in the surrounding area. Those early extraction attempts left their mark on the region's nomenclature.
The mountain sits between Liptov and Orava regions, where locals call this section of the Western Tatras the Roháče. This name shapes how people identify with the landscape and appears on regional maps and hiking guides.
Hikers can reach the summit through marked trails starting from Žiarska Dolina, Jalovecká Dolina, or Rohačká Dolina valleys. Route choices vary in difficulty, so pick one that matches your fitness and experience level.
The eastern ridge contains a distinctive rock formation called Baníkovská ihlá that creates one of the most demanding hiking sections in the Tatras. This narrow passage tests the skills of experienced mountain walkers.
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