The High Tatras or High Tatra Mountains, are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov Region, and southern Poland in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. They are a range of the Tatra Mountains chain.
June - early July: Fewer tourists, pleasant weather, lush greenery.
July - August: Peak season with warm temperatures (15-25°C), but also the most crowded.
September - October: Fewer crowds, stable weather, and beautiful autumn colors.
December - February: Best for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports. Snow is guaranteed, and temperatures range from -10 to 0°C.
March: Still good for skiing but with longer daylight hours and softer snow.
By Car: If you're traveling by car, the High Tatras are easily accessible from major cities like Bratislava (Slovakia) or Krakow (Poland). The drive takes around 3-4 hours from either city. There are well-maintained roads that lead directly into the mountain towns.
By Train: You can also take a train to the towns at the foot of the High Tatras, like Poprad (Slovakia). From there, you can catch a local bus or taxi to reach the mountains.
By Plane: The nearest airports are in Poprad (Slovakia) and Krakow (Poland). From either airport, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach the High Tatras.
Gerlachov Peak: The highest mountain in the High Tatras (2,655 meters) offers a challenging but rewarding hike for experienced mountaineers.
Morskie Oko: A beautiful glacial lake located in the Polish side of the Tatras. It’s an easy-to-reach destination with a stunning view of the surrounding peaks.
Tatranská Lomnica: One of the main towns in Slovakia’s High Tatras, it's famous for its cable car that takes you up to Lomnický štít, the second-highest peak in the range.
Strbske Pleso: A picturesque lake surrounded by forests and mountains, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more intensive hike. It's also a hub for cross-country skiing in the winter.
The Tatra National Park: This park covers a large area of the High Tatras and offers numerous trails, wildlife sightings, and panoramic views. It's a great spot for both hiking and photography.
Kasprowy Wierch: A popular peak in Poland known for its ski slopes during the winter and hiking trails in the summer. You can take a cable car to the summit for incredible views.
Zelené pleso: A stunning mountain lake in Slovakia, ideal for more experienced hikers. It's surrounded by dramatic cliffs and is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
Hrebienok: A popular resort area that can be reached by a funicular from the village of Starý Smokovec. From here, you can take several scenic hikes.
Slovak Paradise National Park: While not in the High Tatras itself, it's located nearby and features stunning waterfalls, caves, and unique canyon walks.
Hiking: The High Tatras are a hiker's paradise, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain climbs. Popular routes include:
Tatranská Magistrála: A long-distance trail across the Tatra range.
The Lakes Trail: A scenic route that connects several stunning lakes like Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw.
Via Ferrata: For those looking for an adventure, the via ferrata routes offer a mix of hiking and climbing.
Skiing and Snowboarding: During the winter months, the High Tatras turn into a popular ski destination, with resorts like Tatranská Lomnica and Jasná offering ski slopes for all levels.
Cable Cars and Funiculars: Take the cable car to Lomnický štít or the funicular to Hrebienok for amazing panoramic views of the mountains without the strenuous hike.
Wildlife Watching: The area is home to many species of wildlife, including brown bears, lynxes, and chamois. For nature lovers, guided tours and safaris are available.
Spa and Wellness: The region has a variety of wellness centers and spas, especially in towns like Vysoké Tatry, offering relaxation after a day of outdoor activities.
Caving and Canyoning: Explore the famous caves like Belianska Cave or try canyoning in the mountain rivers for an adrenaline rush.
Cycling: There are numerous bike trails that weave through the forests and valleys, perfect for both mountain biking and leisurely rides.
Mountain Resorts:
Grand Hotel Praha in Tatranská Lomnica: A luxurious resort with excellent amenities, offering views of the surrounding mountains.
Hotel FIS in Štrbské Pleso: A great option for those looking for a comfortable stay near a scenic lake.
Boutique Hotels:
Hotel Lomnica: Located in Tatranská Lomnica, this hotel has a charming traditional style and offers both comfort and proximity to hiking and skiing activities.
Cabins and Chalets: For a more rustic experience, there are many log cabins and chalets available for rent. Chalet pod Soliskom near Tatranská Lomnica is a great choice.
Guesthouses and B&Bs: There are several charming guesthouses throughout the region that provide cozy and affordable accommodation, such as Penzión Tatranec in Starý Smokovec.
Camping: If you prefer to stay closer to nature, there are several campgrounds around the region, including campsites near Morskie Oko in Poland or Štrbské Pleso in Slovakia.
Traditional Slovak Cuisine:
Bryndzové Halušky: Slovakia's national dish made with potato dumplings, sheep cheese (bryndza), and bacon.
Kapustnica: A traditional sour cabbage soup, often served with sausage.
Zemiakové placky: Potato pancakes, usually served with sour cream.
Polish Cuisine (for those visiting the Polish side):
Pierogi: Dumplings filled with various fillings such as meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.
Żurek: A sour rye soup made with sausage and potatoes.
Bigos: A stew made with sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, and various meats.
Restaurants in the Area:
Reštaurácia u Zajacov (Tatranská Lomnica): Known for serving traditional Slovak dishes in a cozy, rustic setting.
Koliba Patria (Štrbské Pleso): A charming restaurant offering local dishes and mountain views.
Pizzeria and Restaurant U Hrádku (Tatranská Lomnica): A mix of Italian and Slovak cuisine with a beautiful view of the mountains.
Cafes:
Café Janošik (Poprad): A popular café offering local pastries and coffee.
Café Strbské Pleso (Štrbské Pleso): Perfect for a relaxing coffee with stunning lake views.
Mountain Taverns: After a day of hiking or skiing, stop by a mountain tavern (called koliba) for a warm drink and hearty mountain food, such as lokše (potato pancakes) or gulas (goulash).
Traditional Music and Dance: The High Tatras region is steeped in rich folk traditions. You might have the opportunity to see performances of fujara (a traditional shepherd’s flute) or cimbalom (a hammered dulcimer). Folk music and dances are often featured during festivals and local events.
Folk Art and Crafts: The area is known for its wooden architecture, such as the wooden churches in the Tatra region. Local handicrafts, like hand-painted pottery, woolen goods, and embroidered textiles, are commonly sold in markets and souvenir shops.
Festivals:
Tatras Festival (Tatranská Lomnica): A cultural festival with music, dance, and performances celebrating Slovak traditions.
Vysoké Tatry Summer Festival: A series of events with folk music, outdoor theater, and local cuisine.
Traditional Architecture: The region features traditional slovenské koliby (mountain huts) and wooden churches, like the Church of St. Anne in Tatranská Lomnica, which reflect the cultural heritage of the region.
Folklore and Legends: The High Tatras are rich in myths and legends, especially involving the mystical creatures of the mountains, such as Tatra demons or mountain spirits. Many local tours and hikes offer stories of these myths.