Brno

The Tatra National Park is the oldest national park in Slovakia. But Slovakia is not the only country to have a national park covering the high mountain section of the Tatras. On the other side of the Tatras, Poland has also created a national park, and together these form the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

• Unique high mountain landscape: crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls, marked hiking trails

• Biodiversity: rare plants & animals (including chamois, marmots, brown bears)

• Highlights: Gerlachovský štít (2655 m), lakes such as Štrbské & Popradské pleso

The Tatra National Park protects the unique flora and fauna of the highest European high mountain range located north of the Alps. The crystal-clear lakes, diverse hiking trails, small villages, breathtaking views and beautiful scenery have already won over many tourists.

The High Tatras are also home to the highest peak in Slovakia (Gerlachovský štít), which stands at 2655 m. Nevertheless, with its 340 km², the High Tatras is the smallest high mountain range in the world. The main ridge is just 26 km long.

Lakes

Over 100 lakes and many waterfalls make the park even more unique. There are also several caves, though it should be noted that only one of them is accessible. This is the Belianska jaskyňa cave.

The largest and deepest of all the lakes in the Tatra National Park is Veľké Hincovo pleso, while Modré pleso is the highest-situated lake in the Tatra National Park. However, these are not the most frequently visited lakes. That distinction goes to Štrbské and Popradské pleso.

Štrbské Pleso

Not only the lake itself but also the drive there has plenty to offer. Thanks to the hairpin bends winding ever higher up the mountain, you already get a fantastic view during the drive. On the way to the mountain lake, you even pass another lake, namely the Liptovská Mara Reservoir. Together with its surroundings, this also offers a truly beautiful view. There is a car park in front of the lake. With around 350 spaces, it is also quite large. Parking there costs 1.30 euros per hour. At other nearby car parks it can be more expensive.

Souvenir shops, restaurants and cafés are located near the lake, showing that it is indeed a fairly touristy spot. At 1346 m, the lake is framed by mountain peaks, creating a truly beautiful panorama. There is even a panoramic circular trail around the lake, which takes only about 45 minutes. The nature around the lake is beautiful and there is plenty to see. The area is also not lacking in photo opportunities. Besides the panoramic circular trail, you can also explore one of the many other paths. If you would like to go out on the lake in a boat, you can rent a rowing boat.

Besides hiking, you can also enjoy other activities around the lake. In winter you can go skiing, and in summer, for example, rent a mountain bike.

Popradské Pleso

In contrast to the lively and touristy atmosphere of Štrbské Pleso, Popradské Pleso is quiet and left in its natural state. You can see beautiful mountain peaks, and this lake can also be circled on a circular hiking trail. You can reach the lake via a varied hike.

Flora and Fauna

Flora

In the Tatra National Park, you will mainly find mountain and high-mountain plants. Particularly well known and a popular photo subject are the dwarf mountain pines, Swiss stone pines, or the alpine edelweiss flower.

Fauna

Many rare animals also live in the Tatra National Park. These include, for example, brown bears, lynxes, wolves, wildcats, Tatra chamois and Tatra marmots. The chamois is the symbol of the Tatras and belongs to one of the unique species of chamois. Due to its isolated development after the Ice Age, it differs significantly from its relatives in the Alps and the Apennines. There are only around 1,000 of them, and they are under strict protection. More than 100 bird species also call the Tatra National Park home, as do many different fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.

You can spot chamois and marmots particularly well while hiking, but brown bears are also frequently spotted, especially in September. In the period before hibernation, bears gorge themselves on berries and roam around near the hiking trails.

Climate

In fact, the Tatras are among the coldest and wettest regions of Slovakia. In the valley basins, however, the weather typical of Slovakia prevails. The biting cold only sets in on the way up to the peaks of the highest mountains, where the air temperature drops by about 0.6°C per 100 metres of altitude. Snow is generally expected from November to May. But even in August, snow can fall on the highest peaks.

The winds usually reach the mountains from a westerly or north-westerly direction, and due to the location and height of the range, a rain shadow forms on the leeward, Slovak side. As a result, the annual precipitation on the Slovak side is about 300 mm lower than in Poland. February is considered the driest month, while July is the wettest.

In addition, sudden changes in weather and rapid temperature swings can occur, especially during the summer months from June to August. So if you are out in the mountains during this time, be prepared for a sunny morning to turn into a heavy thunderstorm by the afternoon. In that case, it's best not to stay above the tree line, as the risk of being struck by lightning is highest there. So bring enough equipment to ensure your safety and be prepared for any kind of weather.

Hiking

With 600 km of hiking trails and 22 cycling routes, there is something for everyone, and fantastic variety is guaranteed on every new path.

Hiking in the High Tatras

It is important to know that the hiking trails in the high mountain area are only open seasonally. From 1 November to 15 June, the hiking trails are closed. During the open periods, you can access all trails accompanied by an experienced mountain guide.

A 5 km long and very varied hike, for example, leads from one lake to another. Although the trail is located in the High Tatras, it only climbs gently uphill. Once you reach Popradské pleso, you can decide whether you want to hike to the next, higher-situated lake or to Ostrava Peak (1984 m).

Hiking in the Low Tatras

The Low Tatras are located in Central Slovakia and cover a large area with caves, deep canyons, steep cliffs, peaks and valleys. With a bit of luck, you may spot large predators. For example, brown bears, wolves and lynxes live there.

You can conveniently start your hikes in the Low Tatra area at one of the two information points, Krupová (Chopok Juh) or Jasná (Biela Pút'). There are hiking maps available and experienced staff who can help you choose your route. A cable car also runs from the Krupová information point. So you can hike up and ride down, or vice versa. Of course, you can also hike or ride both ways. Just keep in mind that the cable car's last trip down often leaves as early as the early afternoon.

Are dogs allowed in the national park?

There are indeed some restrictions that we would like to point out to you in this article. Simply put, you should keep in mind that with dogs you may not enter the alpine environment beyond the forest and mountain hut level. You may only bring your dog outside of marmot colonies, chamois herds, large carnivores, and other endangered animal species. Markings and signs indicate whether you are allowed to continue with your dog or not. Areas used for mountaineering, ski touring, and winter tourism are also off-limits to pets.

Even if your dog listens perfectly and doesn't bite, the rules for the respective hiking trails must be followed. Leash requirements and even muzzle requirements are not uncommon, and violating these requirements can result in a fine. If you pay attention to the signs and only take your dog on permitted trails and let it off the leash in permitted areas, nothing stands in the way of your trip with your four-legged friend.

This may sound like a lot of restrictions at first, but there are also many beautiful trails that you can explore with your dog. After all, it's about the welfare of your dog and the other animals. Here are a few lovely routes where dogs are allowed and welcome:

• You can use the funicular railway from Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok, for example, to then walk to the Rainer Hut. There, a fantastic view awaits you. If you have a larger dog (one that doesn't fit in a bag or carrier for smaller dogs or animals), you will need to buy a separate ticket for it (around 10 euros).

• You can take a cable car to Chopok and from there go on a hike to the highest peak of the Low Tatras. However, this is not a circular route, so you simply take the same path back.

• Along the Tatra Ridge Trail, there are several lovely excursions you can take with your four-legged friend. For example, from the mountain lake "Štrbské pleso" to the hut area "Bobrovecká vápenica".

The Europamaut team wishes you a wonderful trip!

A trip to Tatra National Park is definitely worthwhile. The beautiful nature and mountainous landscape will certainly win you over, and there is plenty to see. The great biodiversity is enchanting to behold, and you are sure to discover a great deal. Whether you prefer it touristy or natural doesn't matter, because Tatra National Park has something for everyone! Remember to get a vignette if you're travelling on the toll motorway sections of Slovakia that require one. You can easily purchase one from us. You can find more information on tolls in Slovakia in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and see the suitable toll products displayed for you. If you have any questions, we are available to help at any time via email.