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.

Thanks to the beauty and difficulty of individual trails, the High Tatras fulfill the needs of the most demanding tourists. A trek across Mlynicka and Furkotska valley takes an entire day. Mountain hikers prefer this route. Our photogallery takes a closer look at this tour across two Tatranian valleys. We start off by Strbske Lake. From there we follow a yellow trail to Mlynicke Valley. Then we go by Skok waterfall, Pleso nad Skokem lake and Capie lake.

The terrain goes uphill to Bystra lavka saddle. Here you can make a turn and take a short climb to Furkotsky pyramidal peak (2 405 m). Let's go back to Bystra lavka saddle where the trail is secured by chains. Here we go steeply downhill to Vysne Wahleberg lake. Our tour then follows Nizne Wahlenberg lake. We still go donwhill and eventually we join a red tourist trail to Strbske lake.

Text and photos: Radoslav Biskupič