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.
| Lokalities Subjects | Articles Photogalery | Videogallery Discussion |
Articles
SK, Hybe – The Village of Famous Outlaw
In the valley of the rivers Hybice and Bílý Váh, the picturesque village of Hybe is situated in the vicinity of the majestic Tatra peaks. The first mention of the settlement of the area dates back to the late 12th century. The serf settlement affiliated to the royal property developed years ago, gained city privileges as a mining town (1265), market law (1396), and was even exempt from toll. In the 13th century German Saxons find their home here.
The Miners of Hybe tried to mine gold at the foot of Kriváň, but mining was not profitable. As the work in the high terrain was very difficult, the miners moved to more accessible Bocianska valley.
In 1390 the then colony becomes a vassal town manor in Liptovsky Hradek, during the 14th and 15th century the poslovenčení (retreat of German speaking population) and changes the character of the village from mining economy to ecnomy based on agriculture and crafts. Hybe is becoming an important economic and cultural center, with over 20 kinds of crafts being developed, of which brickwork stands out. Even local bricklayers became famous as experts in the construction of Budapest.
If you visit this village, do not miss the sightseeing of the one-nave early Gothic Roman Catholic Church of All Saints with a tower from the year 1300. It is located in the center of the village behind the brick fortifications. Fortification itself occurred in the 17th century. Underneath this sacral building is a family tomb with the remains of the Renaissance Hungarian poet Valentin Balaš, who is considered the founder of modern Hungarian lyrical poetry and is also the first author of Hungarian erotic poetry.
A little further away is the Evangelical Church, a one-nave Classicist building with a tower from about 1826, which stands on the site of the former wooden articular church. After a fire in 1906 it underwent neo-Baroque reconstruction. The interior offers a view of original Baroque furnishings as well as a classicist statue of Christ.
Hybe also boasts a set of town houses and folk houses, especially from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. You will also find several memorial houses of the greats of literature - Dobroslav Chrobák (in addition to the memorial room there is also an exposition on culture and history, a pottery workshop, a gingerbread baking workshop and information center), Jakub Grajchman, Hungarian sculpture Slovakia - Albert Škarvan. The former Evangelical Folk School and the plaque of the Evangelical priest and anti-fascist warrior Ján Bakos, the nationalist Ján Šimkovice or the writer, the famous fruit maker and beekeeper Ludevit Orphanides are also worth a look. Famous natives are also Ján Svetlík, the creator of the Bratislava memorial to Soviet soldiers killed during the Second World War - Slavín, or television screenwriter Petr Jaroš, the creator of stories such as Hybian outlaw, Jánošík (1993) and Millennium Bee.
From the natural wealth of the village we recommend to see protected linden trees, a local park and undoubtedly the Hybická Gorge with distinctive rock formations. There are also mineral springs containing hydrogen sulphide in the cadastre. In the village you would even find a ski lift ideal for beginners, a memorial to the victims of both world wars, certified cross-country trails and, of course, there is also a statue of Hybian outlaw Pacha on the main road number 18.
GPS: 49°02'42.4"N 19°49'46.3"E
Text: Oskár Mažgút
Photos: HIK, o.z.
Related Articles
SVK: Pribylina - Liptov Village Museum
SK, Nižná and Vyšná Boca – Beautes of Bocianská Valley
SK, Liptovsky Hradok – Lesser Known Tourist Spots
SK, Liptovská Anna – Tourist Trek up Čerenova Rock
SK, Liptovský Mikuláš – Infofest Festival which Brought the Best from Around the Globe
SK: Liptovska Kokava – Machy Nature Reserve
SK, Liptovsky Hradok – Small Yet Beautiful Town
SK, Liptovský Ján – A Bike Trip to Javorie Klippe
SK, Liptovsky Mikulas – The Town of Olympic Winners and More I
SK, Liptovsky Mikulas – Sightseeing
SK, Liptovský Peter and Jamník – Traditional Townships of Liptov
SK, Liptov Region – A Summer Full of Experiences
SK, Liptovska Mara Dam – Paradise for Those Who Love Water Sports and Swimming
SK, A Trip Across the Villages of Liptov
SK: Tourist Trek from Kalameny to Liptovsky Castle
SK, Važec – Peculiar Town in the Heart of Nature
SK, Východná – Folklore Heart of Slovakia
Mountains / Europe / Slovakia
Important Information:
Information and warnings on travelling abroad is to be found HERE.
Mobile application:
