Vysoké Tatry (High Tatra) - Slovakia

Extent: 74111 ha

In north part of Slovakia, along borders with Poland, in districts of Kežmarok, Liptovský Mikuláš, Poprad and Tvrdošín, there is situated mountain range of special character – High Tatra. It belongs, together with Belianske Tatra, to complex of East Tatra Mountains.

Highest peak: Gerlachovka (2655 m).

Surface: it is formed with dense forests, pine woods. In higher sites, there are to be found dwarfish pine woods, plough-tails and lichens. Alp-meadows are located in places where the trees are missing.

Climate: mostly cold, 0 Celsius degrees. The snow remains on surface nearly all year round, on some places does not thaw at all.

Mountain nucleus is formed with granites and crystalic slates, on surface with limestones and sandstones, with appearance of quartz.

Mountain relief is very rough, including steep shields and combs.

We find here caves with karst appearances, waterfalls, lakes (plesa), healing springs, rare plants and many animals, in form of great mammalia.

High Tatra Mountains were declared as Tatra National Park in 1948. Later, in 1993, declared as biospherical reservation within scope of international UNESCO programme.

Published: 27.4.2016

One beautiful day we came into conclusion to climb one of the Tatranian shields. Therefore, we travelled to Strbske Pleso lake and from there we set off for the Salisko summit.

Published: 5.1.2015

I spent two day in the High Tatras while on my way from Kosice and east Slovakia. I was lucky to spend there the most beautiful days of autumn. Even though sun shined only in the morning the weather was very good. It did not rain, snow, and it was not cold nor hot. Perfect when you go to mountains.

Published: 8.5.2014

Slovakia is a rich country. It has many historical and natural beauties. 40 % of its area cover forests in which many protected and unique spiecies of plants and animals live. For them protected areas of various characters were declared. Today we will visit one of them.

Published: 5.5.2014

The one who loves adventure and is reasonably physically fit, undoubtedly would like a few tips about easy winter hikes Velka Studena Valley, located in the Slovak part of the High Tatras. A year-round open cottage, Zbojnicka Chata (1960 meters), which waits for us in this valley, offers a place to rest, refreshment and cozy accommodation. We can spend here a few days without getting away from the surrounding of Tatranian peaks. Keep in mind, however, that the motion in the Tatras in winter outside marked trails is very limited according to the TANAP rules!

Published: 10.4.2014

Today we go for a romantic walk to Strbske Pleso, a district of Strba town. It is a place that is popular among fishermen, however today it is a place where families with children go to, or where couples meet in the middle of Tatranian nature.

Published: 27.3.2014

Two weeks later we go again to the Tatras. This time we visit a small village of Tatranska Lesna. It is located almost in the middle on the road from Stary Smokovec and Tatranska Lomnica. On one side it borders with the Path of Freedom and from the other side with the mouth of Studena Valley.

Published: 13.3.2014

The heart of the city of Vysoke Tatry is a picturesque village of Tatranska Lomnica. The village is located at an altitude of 850 meters. The village is the largest settlement in the Tatras and, according to many, the most beautiful. Is that really true? That's what why went there to see on our naked eye.

Published: 17.2.2014

Although winter is in full swing and snow inspires people to put on ski boots rather than hiking boots. However, it is time to schedule trips for the summer season. Those planning to go to the High Tatras, for example, may rise to one of the easternmost mountains shields, Velka Svistovka (2037 meters). Because the adjacent Kezmarska Biela Voda Valley could be walked through also in winter, many winter hikers will appreciate the following tip.

Published: 9.2.2014

As many other places in the High Tatras (2314 meters) even Bystre Sedlo is not that well known among tourists. Perhaps, it is given to the fact that there is no cottage that would offer tourists some refreshments after being whole day on food. Or, perhaps, the route is not leading to any of the High Tatras’ peaks. There are only a few people but you will definitely enjoy your time in untouched Tatran nature.

Published: 19.12.2013

Today our steps are directed to eastern Slovakia. To the royal city of Kezmarok that is not only a significant historical center of the region of Spis but it is also a place of cultural variety and unique personalities.