Tatra National Park

• 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 mountain range 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 are also home to the highest peak in Slovakia (Gerlachovský štít), which stands at 2655 m. Nevertheless, with an area of 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, although it should be noted that only one of them is accessible. That 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-lying lake in the Tatra National Park. However, these are not the most frequently visited lakes. That honour goes to Štrbské and Popradské pleso.

Štrbské Pleso

Not only the lake itself but also the journey there has a lot to offer. As you wind your way up the mountain along the hairpin bends, 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 the surrounding scenery, 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 is subject to a fee, with the price depending on the length of stay. 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 that 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. In addition to 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, it is a great place to go skiing, and in summer, for example, you can 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 stunning mountain peaks, and you can also walk around this lake on a circular hiking trail. You 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 also a popular photo subject, are dwarf mountain pines, Swiss pines and 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 a unique subspecies of chamois. Due to their isolated development after the Ice Age, they differ significantly from their relatives in the Alps and 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 have a particularly good chance of seeing chamois and marmots on hikes, but brown bears are also frequently spotted, especially 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 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 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, the annual rainfall on the Slovak side is around 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 fluctuations can occur, especially during the summer months from June to August. 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 is best not to stay above the tree line, as the risk of a lightning strike 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 a 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 high-altitude trails above the mountain huts are closed; trails in the valleys and to many huts and lakes remain open. You may walk marked trails without a mountain guide during the season; off marked trails, a state-certified mountain guide is required.

A 5 km long and very varied hike, for example, leads from one lake to another. Although the hiking trail is located in the High Tatras, it only goes slightly uphill. Once you reach Popradské pleso, you can decide whether to hike to the next, higher-lying lake or up to the peak of Ostrva (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 start your hikes in the Low Tatras region conveniently at one of the two information points, Krupová (Chopok Juh) or Jasná (Biela Pút'). There you will find hiking maps and experienced staff who can help you choose your hiking route. A gondola lift 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 on both routes. Keep in mind, however, that the cable car often makes its last descent of the day in the early afternoon.

Are dogs allowed in the national park?

In fact, there are some restrictions that we would like to point out in this article. Simply put, you can follow the rule of not entering the alpine environment with dogs beyond the level of the forest and alpine huts. 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. A leash requirement and even a muzzle requirement are not uncommon, and violating these rules 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 will stand 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 lovely routes where dogs are allowed and welcome:

• You can use the funicular from Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok, for example, and then walk to the Rainer hut. A fantastic view awaits you there. If you have a larger dog (one that doesn't fit in a handbag or carrier bag 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 hike to the highest peak of the Low Tatras. This is not a circular route, however; you simply take the same path back.

• On the Tatra ridge trail, there are several lovely excursions you can undertake 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 journey!

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 a delight to behold, and you are sure to discover a few things. Whether you prefer it touristy or in its natural state, it doesn't matter, because Tatra National Park has something for everyone! Remember to get a vignette if you are travelling on the toll motorway sections of Slovakia that require one. You can easily purchase one with us. For more information on tolls in Slovakia, please see our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and see the suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are available at any time by email.