Centre-Based High Tatras Hiking Holiday, Slovakia

Meet us at your preferred airport and enjoy hassle-free transport directly to your hotel in Smokovec, a charming village nestled beneath the majestic Gerlachovsky Peak in the High Tatra mountains. After checking in, take some time to unwind before meeting our representative for an introductory meeting to go over the plans for the days ahead.

Meals included: no meals included on this day

Overnight: Smokovec

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the High Tatras today, starting with a hike to the stunning cascade waterfalls of Studeny Potok. Then, we'll traverse the trails to three iconic mountain huts: Rainerova, Zamkovskeho, and Terryho.

Surrounded by panoramic views of jagged peaks and lush valleys, breathe in the crisp mountain air as we explore this pristine wilderness. After a day of adventure, we return to Smokvec in the afternoon to unwind at our hotel, reflecting on the beauty and serenity of the Tatras.

Walking: 6,5 hours, 1,5km/8,3mi, 745m up, 745m down

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch

Overnight: Smokovec

After a good breakfast, you’ll take a mountain tram to Tatranska Lomnica, followed by a cable car ride to the mountain lake of Skalnate Pleso (1,751m). This crystal-clear lake is surrounded by forested hills and towering granite peaks, and there’s an astronomical and meteorological observatory near the top, which you’ll have time to look around.

Velka Svistovka (2,037m) is next on your route, and it’s well-known for its high concentration of Tatra chamois. Endemic to the High and Low Tatras, Tatra chamois are a rare subspecies of the chamois. It’s thought that there are only about 600 left. They often wander around in this alpine terrain, close to where you will be walking.

The trail is secured by chains on a few of the more difficult sections, but the mountain provides an accessible and gratifying climb. From the summit of Velka Svistovka, make your descent to the Zelene Pleso Hut. Located at the glacier lake of the same name this is an absolutely beautiful spot for lunch.

From Zelene Pleso you continue to Biela Voda from where you take a public bus back to Tatranska Lomnica, which is only about 10 minutes away.

Walking: 6 hours, 13km/8mi, 279m up, 1119m down

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch

Overnight: Smokovec

Today you’ll hike through the Studena Dolina Valley. From its narrow beginnings, the valley gradually gets wider, and terraces harbouring mountain lakes tower above. Pause and enjoy the sight of colourful flowers, the scent of pine trees and the sound of rare birds singing in the mountains as you traverse the valley.

The valley leads you up to Zbojnicka, or ‘Robbers’, Hut, where you can enjoy a traditional lunch of soup and dumplings. Zbonicka Hut is one of the highest at an altitude of 1,960m and still a popular base for trekkers. Its name harks back to the days when it was a hunters’ hut, and poachers used to stalk the valley.

Your hike ends where it started, at Hrebienok. From here, you’ll take a funicular and tram back to your hotel and enjoy a well-earned dinner!

Walking: 6 hours, 12km/7,4mi, 694m up, 694m down

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch

Overnight: Smokovec

Today’s trek starts with a tram journey through the Tatras’ most famous settlements to Strbske Pleso (1,347m), Slovakia´s highest village and home to a beautiful glacial lake. The village is one of the most popular destinations in Slovakia as it provides many kilometres of hiking routes and the chance to admire the lake itself.

From here, follow a trail to the crystal-clear mountain lake of Popradske Pleso, one of the biggest in the Tatra range. Enjoy lunch on the terrace of the mountain hotel, and visit the symbolic cemetery which is dedicated to the victims of the Tatra mountains. In the afternoon, descend back to Strbske Pleso and return to Smokovec.

Walking: 4,5 hours, 11km/6,8mi, 324m up, 324m down

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight: Smokovec

Once again, today’s trek starts with a tram journey to Strbske Pleso.

From here, you’ll follow a trail to Skok waterfall. The hiking trail is waymarked and leads you along a road to the peace and tranquillity of the pine-forested Mlynicka Valley. From here, a stony path squeezes you through hairpin turns to the foot of the waterfall, which drops 25m from the rocky ledge above. It’s easy to see why these are among the High Tatras’ top ten attractions – the cascading waters are beautiful as they tumble down the mountain into the pools below. This is the perfect place for your picnic lunch, maybe dipping your feet into the refreshing water before returning to Strbske Pleso and then by tram to your hotel in Smokovec.

Optional walk:

Those who want to make this day more challenging can continue through the valleys and pass several smaller glacial lakes; you’ll reach Pod Soliskom Hut, one of the newer mountain chalets in the region. From here, you can enjoy far-reaching views of the Tatras.

Remember that this optional route also involves trekking through sections secured with chains, and you’ll need a head for heights.

Note: according to the national park´s regulations, this optional route is closed until 15 Jun 2020. If you’ll be visiting before 15 Jun, this optional route is not possible to do.

Walking: 4,5 hours, 11km/6,8mi, 403m up, 403m down

Meals included: Breakfast, Packed Lunch

Overnight: Smokovec

After five days of walking, this day is left free to relax. You can visit one of the water parks in the foothills of the Tatras offering indoor and outdoor thermal pools and wellness centres.

If you fancy a different adventure, try rafting in Pieniny National Park. A classic or traditional rafting trip through the Dunajec Gorge is a great way to soak up the views from a different perspective.

Hiring an E-bike is also an option if you want to explore the surroundings on a bike. If you’re a cave lover, then Belianska Cave should be on your list, too.

Cultural trips are also nearby. Spissky Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to the 12th century. Located on a hilltop above the town of Spisske Podhradie and Zehra village, it was built as the political, administrative, economic and cultural centre of the region.

Levoca is renowned for its authentic and well-preserved architectural profiles of the old medieval town. Explore the historic centre, including the museum and St. James’ church, with the highest wooden altar in the world.

We have some great trips to choose from and can certainly help you to plan and book them.

Meals included: Breakfast

Overnight: Smokovec

Enjoy a smooth transfer back to your preferred airport, where your adventure comes to an end.

Meals included: Breakfast

Poprad or Krakow.

Poprad or Krakow.

Flights & Airport Options

Poprad or Krakow: Which One to Choose?

Poprad-Tatry International Airport, Slovakia

For the most convenient journey, we recommend flying from London Luton or London Stansted to Poprad-Tatry, nestled in the stunning foothills of the High Tatras. This route includes a quick and hassle-free transfer of just 20 minutes to your hotel, making it the ideal choice for those travelling from the UK.

Krakow International Airport, Poland

If flying to Poprad-Tatry isn’t convenient, you can also fly to Krakow, which offers a wide range of international flights. For an additional fee, you can book a private transfer from Krakow Airport directly to your hotel. The journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Prices of private transfers from Krakow

1-3 passengers: 135 Eur (one way)

4-7 passengers: 155 Eur (one way)

• Accommodation: 7 nights in a three-star hotel

• Meals: 7 breakfasts, 4 packed lunches

• Transfers: From and to the airport and local tatra tram

• Permits: All permits and entry fees

• Others: Maps and detailed routing description

• Travel insurance
• Flights
• Local bus on day 3 (approx.. 2 Eur)
• Cable cars (approx.. 30 Eur)
• Everything not mentioned in the itinerary

Single Room Supplement: Enjoy Extra Privacy

For a bit more privacy, opt for a single room supplement at 145 EUR and enjoy your own space on the journey!

Solo traveller including single room: 220 Eur.

Our Selected Hotels

During this trip you will stay at a three-star hotel.

Smokovec: Hotel Villa Siesta (or similar)

What is the accommodation like?

Hotel Villa Siesta***
Hotel Villa Siesta is a charming retreat located in Nový Smokovec, within the High Tatras region of Slovakia. The hotel offers comfortable accommodations, including double rooms and spacious apartments, catering to both couples and families. Guests can indulge in the on-site wellness center, which features saunas and massage services, perfect for relaxation after a day of mountain activities. The hotel's restaurant serves a variety of local and international dishes, ensuring a delightful culinary experience. Its prime location provides easy access to numerous hiking trails and ski areas, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Day 1: none
Day 2: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Day 3: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Day 4: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Day 5: Breakfast
Day 6: Breakfast, Packed Lunch
Day 7: Breakfast
Day 8: Breakfast

If you need to arrive or leave on a different date, please contact us and we’d be more than happy to arrange extra pre or post tour accommodation for you.

On this hiking holiday in the High Tatras, you'll follow our carefully crafted daily route descriptions. Our Self-Guided walking and hiking holidays are among the best on the market in Slovakia and we have been operating them since 2003. Following our detailed itinerary, our self-guided tours offer greater independence than that of a guided holiday, but safe in the knowledge that should you need any further assistance or help there is always someone who speaks English just a phone call away!

We recommend you pack as light as possible. Below you will find a recommended packing list. There is no specialist walking or climbing equipment, such as harnesses etc., needed for this trip.

• Walking boots
• Trainers
• Shorts and t-shirts
• Walking trousers and tops
• Fleece or warm jumper
• Waterproofs
• Water bottle
• Small first-aid kit
• Sun cream, sunglasses and sunhat

Email us at sales@slovakia-explorer.com or click the ENQUIRE OR BOOK button in the Dates and Prices section to let us know you’re interested.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions at all.

Our knowledgeable and helpful team is here to help, and we look forward to welcoming you to our spectacular country soon!