Kostolecká úžina (the Kostolecká Strait) is located between the villages of Záskalie and Kostolec.
The right side of Kostolecká Strait has the form of a large triangular area. In its center is the largest rock overhang known in the Carpathian Arch. It features an impressive scree in the form of a cone. It is called the Roof of Slovakia or the Dome of Kostolec. The rock above the strait is called Kavčia skala as it provides habitat for the Black Jackdaw bird. Unlike Manín, this strait has a visibly smaller rock structure and fragmentation, but due to its unique rock relief, the Kostolecká Strait is an amazing natural phenomenon.
To this day, these sectors maintain many routes of a traditional character. Local climbing is not just “rock climbing”, it is a mountaineering.
For several routes in the crag, it is advisable to have double ropes or half—ropes and your own rack gear. There are two routes of a technical nature directly at the overhanging section of the Roof of Slovakia. Most of the routes can be rappelled. Should there be no abseil anchor at the end, you will need to descend on the right or on the left hand side, along the edge of the rock walls (small paths lead on both sides).
Kostolná veža
This is a new sector bolted since 2014. It is easily accessible and by the road, which makes it less suitable for climbing with small children. It is the sole exclusively sport sector in Kostolecká Strait. The orientation is southeastern, but the adjacent hill shades the sector.
Kostolecký piliér and Kostolecký dóm
Kostolecký pilier a dóm (The Pillar and the Dome of Kostolec) offers remarkable two and even three—pitches routes of a mountain character. Many routes have preserved their traditional character, although several have been rebolted. For comfortable climbing and abseiling, it is absolutely necessary that you have your own rack gear, half ropes or twins.
To this day, some of the routes count only a minimum number of repetitions. These sectors are very sunny and in windy weather they are often leeward, which makes it pleasant to climb even in late autumn.
Kostolecké rebro (The Kostolec Rib)
This sector could seem of a sportier climb. Do not be fooled. There are certainly routes of a more sporty nature, but the traditional impression is preserved. Note the picturesque little window at the lowest part of the rib.
It is a sector with several newly bolted routes. Since it is not often climbed, loose pebbles remain on some of the routes and the rock may crumble in some places. The upper part of the rib features routes in a compact vertical face. Be careful in the lower part of the rib, the beginnings of the routes are above a rock shelf; there are some anchor points at the beginnings of routes where you can attach yourself. As on most routes in Kostolecká úžína, climbing here is guaranteed adventure.
