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.

A conquest of High Tatra Mountains, this was rather dangerous challenge for Czech and Slovak balloonists. After three years of preapir works, they flew over, in the height of four kilometres, the highest mountain range of Slovak Republic. The way was long and freezing, taking two hours. After each overcome kilometre, the air-temperature dropped of 7 °C.

In a height of four kilometres, where mostly the plains are flying, the weather was comparable with Anctarctide relations.

So, Balony Company presented us such extraordinary experience.

Text: Tereza Flašková

Photo: Balony.eu