Ultimate Guide to the High Tatras Mountains, Slovakia

Slovakia is known around the world for its unique folk architecture, grand medieval castles, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure sports, particularly ski resorts. Its excellent infrastructure makes it a very accessible country for international travelers, and information in English is widely available especially at tourist attractions such as tours, trails, and transportation centers. Slovakia is an excellent adventure travel destination.

The High Tatras range is the smallest alpine mountain range in the world, although it is also considered a part of the larger Carpathian range. The jewel of the High Tatras is Mount Kriváň (2,495 m), and its famous curved profile is an important symbol in Slovak art and culture. When the Slovak people voted to choose a national symbol for the back of the Slovak Euro coins, Mount Kriváň came in second place.

The highest peaks in Slovakia are found in the High Tatras, and many of them are along the Polish border. The popular Mount Rysy, straddling the border of Slovakia and Poland, is the Poland’s tallest peak, although it is only the seventh highest in Slovakia.

In addition to world-renowned ski resorts, the High Tatras region boasts over 600 km of marked hiking trails. Long-distance hikers enjoy the Tatranská Magistrála trail, which stretches 72 km and connects the eastern edges of the High Tatras to the westernmost points of the region.

A visit to the High Tatras is very affordable when compared to other parts of Europe. End the day with a tall, cold glass of beer for only €2.50. You can also enjoy a meal with generous portions in a local mountain chalet near Zelene Pleso, for example, for about €7. Get more adventure on a smaller budget with a trip to the High Tatras!

Ready for an amazing High Tatras adventure trip? Let’s start planning!

The High Tatras are remote enough to offer spectacular wilderness, but the area is still easily accessed thanks to a well-developed infrastructure.

Flying to the High Tatras

The easiest and fastest way to reach the Tatras National Park is by flying. There is an airport in the historic city of Poprad that is just a 30-minute drive from the High Tatras. The small Poprad-Tatry Airport (TAT) offers regular flights year-round to and from London’s Luton Airport (LTN), as well as seasonal service from Riga and Kiev.

From the Poprad airport, you will first need to make your way into the city of Poprad, before hopping on the Tatra Electric Railway – this will take you to the High Tatras in about 25 minutes. Bus routes are also available, but since these typically don’t save time or money, we recommend the train.

While Poprad is the closest airport, larger airports can usually offer better prices, broader schedules, and many more destinations. Other airports within a reasonable driving distance are:

• Košíce Airport (Slovakia) – 2h drive
• Krakow Airport (Poland) – 2h 45min drive
• Bratislava Airport (Slovakia) – 3h 30min drive
• Vienna International Airport (Austria) – 4h 25min drive
• Budapest Airport (Hungary) – 4h 25min drive

Plan your trip around the activities you’re interested in and the typical High Tatras weather.

Ski resorts typically open for the season in mid-to-late December and remain open until March or April. If you’re planning a ski trip in the High Tatras, the best snow is likely to be found in January and February.

For hiking and other adventure sports, plan your visit for sometime between mid-June and late October. The famous Tatranska Magistrala trail as well as trails to most mountain huts and several beautiful lake hikes are open all year, but most trails are closed between November 1 and June 15. If you plan your visit between June 15 and October 31, you will have more opportunities to experience the best of the Tatras.

Keep in mind that the Tatras is a popular destination in the summer and many of the best locations can be crowded. Despite the crowds, many people enjoy the events and festivals that are held during the summer months. It is also worth noting that higher peaks, such as Mount Rysy, are often still snow covered until mid-July, so more hiking options are available later in the summer. If you want to avoid the peak season crowds, you’ll find excellent weather and smaller crowds by visiting In September.

More detailed information about average temperatures and precipitation.

Getting around in the High Tatra mountains is easy and convenient thanks to the Tatra Electric Railways system. All mountain resorts including the larger city of Poprad are connected. The trains run frequently and stop in every small village in the area, so you can always reach the trailhead you’re looking for with a simple walk from the train station.

While it is possible to travel by car, it can be difficult to find available parking near the popular trails and parking can be very expensive (up to €10 to park for 4 hours). Parking a car at a trailhead can also be complicated if you’d like to hike a trail that ends in a different place than it starts. Most hikers prefer to leave their cars parked at the hotel and use the train to save time and money.

A single one-way ride on the Tatra Electric Railways costs only €2 EUR, but if you are riding frequently it is worth purchasing a week-long free-ride pass for €14. If you’re staying long enough to take advantage of it, a month-long pass is just €16.

High Tatras map

Use this map to help you plan your trip as you see what attractions are available and how you can get between them.

There are three major resort locations in the High Tatras where travelers come to relax and play: Štrbské Pleso, Starý Smokovec, and Tatranská Lomnica. You can find quality High Tatras hotels in all of these locations and any of these three is a wonderful choice for your stay in the High Tatras.

Hotels in Štrbské Pleso

Štrbské Pleso is a scenic resort town in the western Tatras near a breathtaking lake with the same name. It is popular with families and there is plenty of great hiking near Štrbské Pleso.

Popular hotels in Štrbské Pleso are the Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras, which is the only 5-star hotel in the High Tatras region, and Hotel Patria which is often featured in pictures of Štrbské Pleso due to its unique design resembling Mount Patria. Both hotels are in beautiful locations.

Hotels in Starý Smokovec

Starý Smokovec is another popular resort town, conveniently located in the central region of the High Tatras. There is a hub here for the Tatras Electric Railway that makes it easy to explore the whole region. In Starý Smokovec the place to stay is the Grand Hotel Stary Smokovec. You’ll enjoy the finest hospitality and art nouveau style at this historic hotel built in 1904.

Hotels in Tatranská Lomnica

On the eastern side of the Tatras, Tatranská Lomnica is a resort town that’s famous for its world-class skiing. The area around Tatranská Lomnica is home to the highest peaks in the High Tatras as well as a cable car to Lomnický štít. You have two great options for a memorable stay in Lomnica: Hotel Slovan, which is a traditional Slovak-style 3-star hotel, or the Kukučka Hotel, which is a newly-built 4-star hotel featuring timber-style mountain decor and wellness facilities.

Other great options to stay in the Tatra Mountains

While the major resort towns have a lot to offer, budget travelers can significantly reduce their expenses by avoiding these tourist hubs and choosing to stay in a small village. There are a number of small villages along the electric railway line that are very convenient.

We can personally recommend the Privát Nataša Hotel in the village of Nová Lesná. In Stará Lesná, the Penzion Deni hotel is another wonderful and affordable option. Consult the electric railway map to discover which lovely small villages are convenient for exploring the Tatra mountains region.

Mountain chalets are great options for multi-day hikes and they are typically a great value for the price. The Rysy Mountain Chalet is popular with hikers due to its location about halfway along a trail between Poland and Slovakia. Téryho chata is another beautiful mountain that offers a bit of a challenge to reach it.

City lovers can stay in Poprad and be in the mountains within 30 minutes. When selecting a Poprad hotel, be sure to stay close to the Tatra Electric Railways station for convenience. We like the Penzión Slávia Hotel in Poprad. It is in a great location and offers clean, cozy rooms for a very affordable rate.

Where to eat in the High Tatras

Outdoor enthusiasts will find many things to do in High Tatras. The most popular activities are hiking, skiing, and climbing, but you will also find some truly unique experience available in this wonderful region as well.

Hiking in the High Tatras

There are so many great hikes in the High Tatras that you could never try them all on one trip. Whether you are looking for something short and easy or a longer challenge that will test your skills and endurance, there are multiple options available.

Challenge seekers shouldn’t miss the incredible Mount Rysy hike. On the border between Slovakia and Poland, Mount Rysy is the highest peak in the region that you can climb to without a guide. For a test of your endurance, the Zelené Pleso hike takes you over 20 km of some of the most beautiful scenery in the Tatras. Beautiful landscapes and views are also available on a much easier stroll along the Štrbské Pleso Lake trail. There is truly something for everyone, so don’t visit the High Tatras without take a hike!

Skiing in High Tatras

Skiing in the High Tatras is both affordable and easily accessible. In the three major resort towns, Štrbské Pleso, Starý Smokovec and Tatranská Lomnica, you’ll find a total of 24km of pistes and 60km of nordic ski trails. Snow transforms the High Tatras region into a spectacular winter wonderland, so you’re sure to enjoy incredible skiing in a stunning mountain environment.

Climbing in High Tatras

There is incredible climbing available in the High Tatras with a variety of different types of features and levels of difficulty. The national park regulations state that climbing activities are only permitted for those who are members of a climbing club who have their membership card available upon request. If you’re qualified, climbing is permitted almost anywhere in the park, with a few exceptions. More information can be found directly from the High Tatras National Park.

Other Can’t-Miss Activities in the High Tatras

Lomnický štít Cable Car: Visit Lomnický štít (Lomnický peak), Slovakia’s second-highest peak, by cable car. The historic cable car takes about 9 minutes each direction and holds 4 people at a time. Since a limited number of visitors can be accommodated each day, it is necessary reserve your ticket in advance. For many, the price feels almost as steep as the ride (€39 per person round trip from Tatranska Lomnica) but if your budget allows, you won’t regret visiting the peak that is widely considered to be the most beautiful place in Slovakia.

Poliankovo Gallery: Visit the Poliankovo Gallery in Tatranská Polianka, where you’ll find an impressive digital gallery showcasing both travel and wildlife visualizations by a famous Slovak film director and traveler, Pavel Barabas. Many exhibits promote environmental awareness and wildlife preservation. Enjoy this unique gallery in an intimate location and be sure to stop in their lovely cafe for refreshments.

Belianska Cave: Located in Tatranská Kotlina, the Belianska Cave is the largest cave in the High Tatras that is open to the public. Researchers are unsure how this incredible stalactite cave formed. Its unusual formations have been explored for over 125 years. Cave tours take 70 minutes along a path that is over 1,300 m long.

Boating on Štrbské Pleso: Rent a boat for a relaxing afternoon on the pristine Štrbské Pleso lake. There are 18 wooden boats available to rent, as well as a sport boat. If your adventures have you feeling tired, you can even hire a private rower to take you out on the lake. Don’t be surprised if you spot a few wedding boats during your excursion.

Dangers when hiking in High Tatras

Interesting facts about High Tatras