Tatra National Park in Slovakia

The Tatra National Park is the oldest national park in Slovakia. However, Slovakia is not the only country with a national park covering the high-alpine part of the Tatra Mountains. On the other side of the Tatras, Poland has also established 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 (e.g., chamois, marmots, brown bears)
• Highlights: Gerlachovský štít (2,655 m), lakes such as Štrbské & Popradské pleso

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 landscape have already convinced many visitors.

In addition, the High Tatras are home to the highest peak in Slovakia (Gerlach Peak – Gerlachovský štít), which stands at 2,655 m. Despite this, the High Tatras, with an area of 340 km², are the smallest high-mountain range in the world. The main ridge is only 26 km long.

Lakes

Over 100 lakes and many waterfalls make the park even more unique. There are also several caves, but it is important to note that only one of them is accessible: the Belianska jaskyňa cave.

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

Štrbské Pleso

Not only the lake itself, but also the journey there has plenty to offer. Thanks to the serpentine mountain roads that climb higher and higher, you already get fantastic views along the way. On the route to the mountain lake, you even pass another lake: the Liptov Reservoir. Together with the surrounding landscape, it also provides a truly beautiful view. There is a parking lot in front of the lake. With around 350 spaces, it is quite large. Parking costs €1.30 per hour there. At other nearby parking lots, it can be more expensive.

Souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés near the lake show that it is a fairly touristy place. At 1,346 m, the lake is framed by mountain peaks, creating a truly beautiful panorama. There is even a panoramic loop 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 full of great photo opportunities. In addition to the panoramic loop, you can explore one of the many other trails. If you would like to go out on the lake by boat, you can rent a rowboat.

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

Popradské Pleso

In contrast to the lively and touristy atmosphere at Štrbské Pleso, Popradské Pleso is quiet and remains largely natural. You can see beautiful 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 Tatra National Park, you will primarily find mountain and alpine plants. Particularly well-known—and popular photo motifs—are dwarf mountain pines, Swiss stone pines, or the Alpine edelweiss.

Fauna

Many rare animals also live in Tatra National Park, including brown bears, lynx, wolves, wildcats, Tatra chamois, and Tatra marmots. The chamois is the symbol of the Tatras and belongs to a unique chamois subspecies. Due to 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 Tatra National Park home, as do many different fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.

On hikes, you can often spot chamois and marmots, and brown bears are also frequently seen, especially in September. In the period before hibernation, bears feed on berries and roam near hiking trails.

Climate

In fact, the Tatras are among the coldest and wettest regions in Slovakia. In the valley basins, by contrast, the weather typical for Slovakia prevails. You only feel the bitter cold on the way up to the highest peaks, where air temperature drops by about 0.6°C per 100 meters of elevation gain. Snow is usually expected from November to May. However, 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, annual precipitation 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 weather changes and rapid temperature shifts can occur—especially during the summer months from June to August. If you are out in the mountains at that time, be prepared for a sunny morning to turn into a strong thunderstorm in the afternoon. In that case, it is better not to remain above the tree line, as the risk of a lightning strike is highest there. Bring enough gear 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 path.

Hiking in the High Tatras

It is important to know that the hiking trails in the high-alpine area are only open seasonally. From 01/11 to 15/06, the trails are closed. During the open period, you can access all trails accompanied by an experienced mountain guide.

For example, a 5 km long and very varied hike leads from one lake to another. Although the trail is in the High Tatras, it is only a gentle ascent. Once you arrive at Popradské pleso, you can decide whether you want to hike to the next higher lake or up to the Ostrava peak (1,984 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 lynx live there.

You can start hikes in the Low Tatras at one of the two information points: Krupová (Chopok Juh) or Jasna (Biela Pút´). There are hiking maps 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. 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?

There are indeed some restrictions that we would like to point out in this article. Put simply, you can follow the rule of not entering the alpine environment above the forest and mountain hut zone with dogs. You may only take 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 obeys perfectly and does not bite, the rules for each trail must be followed. Leash requirements and even muzzle requirements are not uncommon, and violating these rules may result in a fine. If you pay attention to signs, keep your dog on permitted routes, and let them off-leash only in allowed areas, nothing will stand in the way of your trip with your four-legged companion.

This may sound like a lot of restrictions at first, but there are also many beautiful trails you can explore with your dog. After all, it is 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 take the funicular from Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok and then walk to the Rainer Hut. A fantastic view awaits you there. If you have a larger dog (one that does not fit in a handbag or small pet carrier), you will need to buy a separate ticket for them (around €10).
• You can take a cable car to Chopok and from there hike to the highest peak in the Low Tatras. This is not a loop trail—you simply return the same way.
• Along the Tatra Magistrale, there are several lovely outings you can do with your dog—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 worth it. The beautiful nature and the mountainous landscape will certainly impress you, and there is plenty to see. The great biodiversity is wonderful to observe, and you are sure to discover a lot. Whether you prefer it touristy or untouched does not matter—there is something for everyone in Tatra National Park! Remember to get a vignette if you are traveling on Slovakia’s roads. You can easily purchase one from us. You can find more information about tolls in Slovakia in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and have suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, you can reach us anytime by email.