The Tatra Mountains are an extremely popular place for trekking, and it’s not hard to see why. Covering 785 sq km (300 sq miles), they form the natural border between Slovakia and Poland and are the highest mountains in the Carpathian range.
The landscape, three-quarters of which is in Slovakia, is crammed with rocky peaks, deep glacial valleys, mountain lakes, waterfalls, pine forests and crystal-clear streams. This also makes it a haven for flower-filled meadows and wildlife such as Tatra chamois, brown bears, lynx, wolves, marmots, deer and many bird species. Protected by UNESCO, the mountains are formed of three parts: the High Tatras, the Belianske Tatras and the Western Tatras. On this trip, you’ll get to step foot into the first two, and have far-reaching views of the third.
Meals included
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation
Pension Jesensky (or similar)
After breakfast, you transfer by public bus to Tatranska Kotlina, the official start of today’s route across the Valley of the Seven Springs. This easternmost valley on the southern side of the Tatras is considered the gateway to the Belianske Tatras.
Your route begins in dense forest near to the famous Belianska Cave. The cave is 3,829m long and is a theatre of fascinating rock formations, chambers, halls and waterfalls. You may be able to visit today, or later on in your trip, if you wish. 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.
Total walking
Distance: 12 km
Total ascent: 935 m
Total descent: 135 m
Min elevation: 757 m
Max elevation: 1624 m
Meals included
Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Accommodation
Mountain hut – Zelene Ples
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. It provides basic and clean multi-share accommodation and has a restaurant.
Total walking
Distance: 8.5 km
Total ascent: 548 m
Total descent: 630 m
Min elevation: 1648 m
Max elevation: 1997 m
Meals included
Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner
Accommodation
Mountain hut – Zamkovskeho Chata
Continue along the Tatranska Magistrala Trail, rewarded with stunning views all day long. Today’s hike showcases the Tatras’ best bits – waterfalls, glacial lakes, mighty mountains and wildlife.
Your first stop is Studeny Potok (Cold Stream) Waterfall. We think they are one of 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 on to Rainerova Chata, the oldest hut in the Tatras. Built in 1863, it’s a traditional stone hut serving drinks and snacks. Heading into the Velicka Valley, you’ll pass-by 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. The final section of today´s long trek is a descent from Ostrva saddle (1,966m) down to Popradske Pleso Hut (1,500m), your final destination for the day and home for the next three nights.
Your accommodation tonight is at Popradske Pleso hut, which is more chalet-like in its style. The hut is located on Popradske Pleso Lake at an altitude of 1,494m, and once again circled by lofty peaks and pine forests. Accommodation is still multi-share, but facilities include a restaurant, bar, sauna, shop and games. There’s also an al fresco terrace for you to sit on and soak up the views with a well-earned beer or wine!
Total walking
Distance: 15 km
Total ascent: 1045 m
Total descent: 1022 m
Min elevation: 1258 m
Max elevation: 2071 m
Meals included
Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation
Mountain hut – Popradske Pleso
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.
Total walking
Distance: 12 km
Total ascent: 1029 m
Total descent: 1029 m
Min elevation: 1495 m
Max elevation: 2476 m
Meals included
Breakfast, packed lunch
Accommodation
Mountain hut – Popradske Pleso
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.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore the village. You could enjoy coffee and cake at one of the traditional restaurants.
In the early evening, take the mountain tram back to Tatranska Lomnica (your starting hotel) to check-in for the last night in the Tatras.
Total walking
Distance: 5.5 km
Total ascent: 88 m
Total descent: 238 m
Min elevation: 1344 m
Max elevation: 1513 m
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Penzion Jesenski (or similar)
Your adventure comes to an end today. Straight after breakfast or later in the day (as you wish) transfer to airport for your flight home.
Meals included
Breakfast