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.

Since December 2013 until March 2014, visitors to the High Tatras had chance tosee beautiful works of art made from ice. A unique ice cathedral with decoration inspired by Tatranian nature was located right on Hrebienok in the High Tatras. A designed tent resembling an igloo shielded it from wind and snow. Exterior and interior were greatly illuminated which only enhanced the artistic experience. After the end of the TATRA ICE MASTER 2014, a competition where the best artists from 8 European countries created unimaginably beautiful ice sculptures, the surrounding of the cathedral was filled with another works made of ice. Our staff was there. We have here a small memory of this event, when ice works crated by human hands put joy into hearts of visitors to the Tatras.

Text a foto: Oskár Mažgút

Překlad: Stanislava Waniová