Brno

The Tatra National Park is the oldest national park in Slovakia. But Slovakia is not the only country with a national park covering the high mountain part of the Tatras. On the other side of the Tatras, Poland has also created a national park, and together they 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, varied hiking trails, small villages, breathtaking views, and beautiful landscape have already won over many tourists.

The High Tatras also feature the highest peak in Slovakia (Gerlachovský štít), which stands at 2655 m. Nevertheless, at 340 km², the High Tatras are 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 Cave.

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

Štrbské Pleso

Not only the lake itself but also the journey there has a lot to offer. Thanks to the hairpin bends winding higher and 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 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 rather 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 a lot to see. There is also no shortage of photo opportunities in the area. Besides the panoramic 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.

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

Popradské Pleso

In contrast to the lively, touristy atmosphere of Štrbské Pleso, Popradské Pleso is quiet and left in its natural state. You can see beautiful mountain peaks, and you can also walk around this lake 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 alpine plants. Particularly well known, and also a popular photo subject, are the dwarf mountain pine, Swiss pine, and the 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 a unique species of chamois. Due to their isolated development after the Ice Age, they differ significantly from their relatives in the Alps and the Apennines. There are only about 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 especially well while hiking, but brown bears are also frequently sighted, particularly in September. In the period before hibernation, the bears gorge themselves on berries and roam around near the hiking trails.

Climate

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

The winds mostly reach the mountains from the west or northwest, and due to the location and height of the range, a rain shadow forms on the leeward, Slovak side. As a result, annual rainfall on the Slovak side is about 300 mm lower than in Poland. February is considered the driest month, and July the wettest.

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

Hiking in the High Tatras

It is important to know that the hiking trails in the high mountain area are only open seasonally. From November 1 to June 15, the hiking trails are closed. During the open period, 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 is only slightly uphill. Once you arrive at Popradské pleso, you can decide whether you want to hike to the next, higher-lying lake or to Ostrva 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 luck, you may spot large predators. For example, brown bears, wolves, and lynxes live there.

You can start your hikes in the Low Tatras area conveniently at one of the two information centers, Krupová (Chopok Juh) or Jasná (Biela Pút´). There you'll find hiking maps and experienced staff who can help you choose your route. A cable car also runs from the Krupová information center. So you can hike up and take the cable car down, or vice versa. Of course, you can also hike or ride both ways. Just keep in mind that the cable car often makes its last trip down early in the afternoon.

Are dogs allowed in the national park?

In fact, there are some restrictions we would like to point out in this article. Put simply, you should not take dogs above the forest and alpine hut level into the alpine environment. You may only bring your dog outside 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 prohibited for pets.

Even if your dog listens perfectly and doesn't bite, the rules for the respective hiking trails must be followed. A leash requirement and even a muzzle requirement are not uncommon, and violating these obligations can result in a fine. If you pay attention to the signs and only take your dog on permitted paths and let it off the leash only 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 well-being of your dog and the other animals. Here are a few nice 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 (about 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. This is not a circular route, however; 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 pleasant trip!

A trip to Tatra National Park is definitely worthwhile. The beautiful nature and mountainous landscape will surely win you over, and there is much to see. The great biodiversity is enchanting to behold, and you are sure to discover a lot. Whether you prefer it touristy or natural doesn't matter, because Tatra National Park has something for everyone! Remember to get a vignette when travelling on Slovakia's roads. You can easily purchase one from us. For more information on tolls in Slovakia, please see our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to optimally plan your trip and see the appropriate toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are happy to help you at any time via email.