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.

If you ask some Slovak about things he is proud of, he will answer the nature, most certainly. Yes, there are several natural gems in our small country, one of them are the the High Tatras. Their roughness and monumental impression is softened by snow that covers tham to "warm" white sweater. Whether you travel by car or by bus their dress will welcome you and invite you for a closer look. Their impressiveness from a large distance, fragility when you are close... this is how our beloved small - huge mountains are. Lens of our camera can't even capture that beautiful feeling that you will experience when you visit this picturesque part of Slovakia.

Text and photo: Oskar Mažgút

Překlad: Stanislava Waniová