Travel News

Hiker dies after fall in the Western Tatras

October 17, 2026 · Slovakia

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Gankova kopa, Jalovec, okres Liptovský Mikuláš, Žilinský kraj, Slovensko

Event date: Published: Updated:

A 52-year-old hiker from Poland died below Gankova kopa in the Western Tatras. On 17 October, he slipped on the chains at Skriniarky and fell below a rock wall.

Mountain rescue service HZS says its staff at Zverovka requested help from an air-ambulance crew. Two mountain rescuers joined the flight and reached the scene with the doctor.

The doctor pronounced the man dead from injuries incompatible with life. A Slovak Interior Ministry helicopter transported the body to Zverovka, where it was handed to police and the examining doctor.

Source: HZS — Pád turistu v Západných Tatrách

Context

Skriniarky is a rocky section of the Western Tatras main ridge between Salatin and Spalena. The red-marked trail crosses narrow exposed ground here, with fixed chains at its most difficult passage.

The section forms part of a long circular route from Zverovka via Spalena Valley, Skriniarky, Salatin and Brestova. Regional hiking material lists the circuit as 16 km, around 9 hours 30 minutes, with 1,540 m of ascent and the same descent.

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