Meet your host in Krakow and take a scenic drive over the border into Slovakia, then on to your hotel in Tatranska Lomnica, a charming village nestled in the shadow of the majestic Lomnicky Peak in the High Tatra mountains. Check-in, unwind and then review the plan for the days ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel Slalom (or similar)
After breakfast, you transfer by public bus to Tatranska Kotlina, the official start of today’s route.
Your route begins in dense forest near to the famous Belianska Cave. Continuing to Plesnivec Hut, you can take a rest, re-fuel and enjoy the forested surrounds, before arriving at Zelene Pleso, a glacial lake overlooking the majestic peaks of the Belianske Tatras.
Mountain huts are a great way to experience the majesty, solitude and might of the mountains. The huts are located in the middle of nowhere so you can soak up the views from dusk to dawn. They are also steeped in history and tradition, and usually have a story to tell. Locally-run, you’ll be assured of a warm and hospitable stay.
Tonight’s hut dates back to 1876. A traditional wooden cottage, it’s wedged right next to a crystal-clear glacial lake and nestled in the shadow of 2,500m peaks. You’ll be accommodated in multi-share rooms with bathrooms on each floor. There is a small restaurant and bar.
Walking: 6hrs, 12km / 7,5mi, 935m up, 859 m down
Accommodation: Zelene Pleso
Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Leaving the beautiful hut of Zelene Pleso behind, it’s time for a summit challenge. Following the famous Tatranska Magistrala path, you head to Velka Svistovka peak (2,037m).
The first part of the climb is on an easy, stony trail, past streams and waterfalls. As you head higher, the route turns rocky and you’ll need to clamber over boulders and along little ridges. The more difficult sections are secured by chains. The route evens out as you get near to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Belianske and High Tatras with Zelene Pleso Lake (your starting point) below you.
The area around Velka Svistovka is also well-known for its high concentration of the Tatra chamois. Continue to Skalnate Pleso Mountain Lake (1,751m), home to an observatory and weather station. There may be time to look around it, before the gentle descent down to Zamkovskeho Chata Hut at the bottom of the Studena Dolina (Cold) Valley.
Zamkovskeho Chata Hut is located in the shadow of Lomnicky Peak, which, at 2,634m, is the second highest mountain in Slovakia. The hut was built in 1943 to house partisans and their families. The hut has been recently renovated and provides cosy accommodation and has a restaurant.
Total walking: 0hrs, 8,5km/0mi, 548m up, 630m down
Accommodation: Zamkovskeho Chata
Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Your first stop is Studeny Potok (Cold Stream) Waterfall. They are among the High Tatras’ top ten attractions because the cascading waters are beautiful as they tumble down the mountain into crystal-clear pools below. As this trip is self-guided, you can stay at the waterfalls for as long as you wish, maybe dabbling your feet into the refreshing water!
You continue to Rainerova Chata, the oldest hut in the Tatras. Built-in 1863, it’s a traditional stone hut serving drinks and snacks. Then continue to Sliezsky Dom, the highest hotel in Slovakia and your home for the night; beautifully located in the foothills of the Gerlachovsky Peak, the highest summit in Slovakia, near the Velicky Waterfall, which is home to Tatra marmots, an endemic subspecies of the alpine marmot. They’re often spotted playing on the rocks by the falls.
Walking: 5 hrs, 10km/6,2mi, 529m up, 344m down.
Accommodation: Mountain hotel Sliezsky Dom
Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch
This hiking tour from Sliezsky Dom to Popradske Pleso Hut is an unforgettable adventure through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Tatras. Along the way, we'll experience the stunning beauty of glacial lakes, soaring peaks, and rugged mountain passes.
As we continue along the trail, we'll soon arrive at Batizovske Pleso, a crystal-clear mountain lake nestled in a stunning cirque beneath the towering Batizovsky peak. This idyllic spot is the perfect place to rest and enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Our next destination is Sedlo pod Ostrvou, a high mountain pass that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Tatras. As we climb up the rocky path towards the pass, we'll pass by towering cliffs and rocky outcrops, with awe-inspiring views around every turn.
Finally, we'll reach Popradske Pleso Hut, our ultimate destination for the day. This cosy mountain lodge is situated on the shore of the tranquil Popradske Pleso Lake, surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Tatras. Here, we can rest and refuel with a hearty meal and a warm drink before continuing our journey deeper into the mountains.
Walking: 5,5hrs, 10km/6,2mi, 475m up, 623m down.
Accommodation: Popradske Pleso mountain hotel
Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch
Today, you’ll attempt to summit Poland’s highest mountain, Rysy (2,053m). It’s a popular route because it’s perfectly achievable without any technical expertise and has beautiful views into Slovakia and Poland from the top – the mountain forms the natural border between the two countries.
Starting out from Popradske Pleso, you follow easier trails next to forested hills and lakes, before heading up onto more difficult terrain with boulders to negotiate. As you get higher, the route turns into a very steep climb with numerous sections secured by chains.
You’ll head to the highest of the three summits, the middle summit, which is renowned for offering one of the widest panoramas in the Tatras. If the weather’s kind, you’ll be able to see the highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský Štít (1,654m), the Western Tatras and, on the Polish side, the biggest glacial lake in the range, Morske Oko (Sea Eye).
You’ll return to your mountain hotel via the same route.
Walking: 8hrs, 11,5km/7mi, 1031m up, 1031m down.
Accommodation: Popradske Pleso mountain hotel
Meals included: breakfast, packed lunch
From Popradske Pleso, follow an easy route to Strbske Pleso (1,347m), the highest village in the Tatras with a glacial lake that’s surrounded by forested hills and tall peaks. 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.
Then, take the mountain tram back to Tatranska Lomnica (your starting hotel) to collect your main luggage and return to Krakow in time for your flight.
Walking: 2hrs, 5km/3,1mi, 93m up, 248m down.
Accommodation: Penzion Jesensky (or similar)
Meals: breakfast