Discover the highest cycling route in Slovakia

The Royal Road

Cycling Time Trial to Kráľova hoľa

You will rarely find a more epic climb in Slovakia. Aside from 1,000 meters of elevation gain and the dominant character of the mountain offering views of the High Tatras, the route’s severity is also heightened by nearly relentless wind. During the season, you will meet many people on e-bikes; off-season, you will experience solitude, but also harsher conditions and quite easily all four seasons in a single day.

Length of the route

11.72 km

Elevation Gain

1 040 m

Average Gradient

8.8 %

Road Surface

new asphalt road

News from Kráľova hoľa

Where there is a will, there is a way

More than 70 years ago, the main objective was the television transmitter on Kráľova hoľa. That is how the highest-altitude road in Slovakia was created.

Today, the goal is something else: supporting tourism in a slower-developing region with a rich history and unique nature. Not through cable cars and mass tourism, but through the sensitive reconstruction of what already exists here.

We have come a long way to reach the current state. The road is tied to a colorful history, and today it also includes reconstruction plans and future projects that are being realized only thanks to many partners.

Everything you need along the way

Want to experience the comfort of an e-bike rental or enjoy a cup of coffee on the Šumiac Riviera? Taste homemade treats or have a meal in local restaurants? Or would a snack at a mountain cottage suffice? Choose from services along the way to Kráľova hoľa that are constantly evolving.

Would you like to use alternative transportation or need parking advice?

Activities for everyone

Performance road cyclists, e-bike rides, mountain biking, authentic hiking, mountain running, or light walks — the surroundings of Kráľova hoľa offer truly diverse opportunities.

Discover interesting inspirations for the most beautiful and exciting road bike trips, routes suitable for MTB or gravel, hiking ascents, as well as winter cross-country skiing trails and ski mountaineering terrain.

The magic of the region beneath Kráľova hoľa

Kráľova hoľa is an unmistakable landmark, and from its summit you can see many surrounding attractions. Whether you are interested in nature, history, cultural heritage, or technical monuments, your itinerary is well taken care of. The entire area is located within a buffer zone or directly within the Low Tatras National Park. Learn to protect nature and explore it responsibly. In addition to natural beauty, there are various attractions of an authentic region with a rich history and culture. Discover them right now.

Nature and its conservation

Nature teaches us silence. Let us learn to listen to it. The nature of the Low Tatras is not an attraction. It is a living world. Fragile, beautiful, precious. Here we are not masters – here we are only guests.

Here, wildness meets silence, and freedom meets balance. And surely every one of you wants it to stay that way. Therefore, do not perceive nature conservation as prohibitions, but as an invitation to respect. Be visitors who are welcomed – by silence, the sound of the forest, and your conscience. Nature knows how to give thanks if we give it peace.

Events on Kráľova hoľa

The iconic peak is an attraction and a challenge for many athletes. Those who dare can choose from various sports. Following the reconstruction of the road, road cycling has joined traditional mountain running and mountain biking. Reaching or crossing Kráľova hoľa is a monumental experience even for experienced competitors, who finished the final stage of the Tour of Slovakia race here.

Kráľova hoľa is connected to the Low Tatras Partisan ultra-trail run (“Nízkotatranská stíhačka”), the Vertical Kilometer uphill mountain run, and the Horal mountain cycling marathon. A road time trial for road bikes has been added to the new route.