Slovakia contains Gerlachovský štít, the highest peak of the Carpathian Mountains.
Gerlachovský štít rises to about 2,654 metres in Slovakia’s High Tatras, close to the country’s northern border with Poland. It is also Slovakia’s highest mountain and the highest summit anywhere in the Carpathian range. Its name means roughly “Gerlach Peak,” referring to the nearby village of Gerlachov.
The summit was not always recognized as the region’s highest. Kriváň and Lomnický štít were once considered taller, until more accurate surveying established Gerlach’s status. Forester Ľudovít Greiner identified it as the highest peak in 1838, and the conclusion was later confirmed by an Austrian military survey.
The first confirmed ascent took place in 1834, led by Ján Still. Today, the route is demanding and lies within Tatra National Park; hikers generally need a certified mountain guide unless they meet the applicable climbing-club requirements. Poland’s Rysy is famous as its highest peak, but Gerlach is higher and lies in Slovakia.