The High Tatras in Slovakia has been named as the best destination in Europe to visit this summer. The word pleso means tarn and refers to the resort's large mountain lake. Keep your eyes peeled for a lynx or an eagle through the beech and spruce trees. Most of the best trail heads, hotels, and restaurants are clustered around the three main resort towns, which ring the peaks at an elevation of around 1,000m (3,280 ft.). Arrival at the Hight Tatras tourist paradise Zakopane. Mountain Bike High Tatras [rel_attraction_big_picture title=”Mountain Bike High Tatras”] Do you want to see the beauty of the park by bike? Dramatic mountain landscapes, wildflower-filled meadows, fields of blooming yellow rapeseed flowers, jagged peaks often clad in mist, pristine rivers and waterfalls, wooded hiking trails – need I say more? The tallest peaks are in Slovakia. The High Tatras in Slovakia is a small mountain range. For information on booking accommodations in mountain huts, contact the Tourist Information offices . Overcast day in the High Tatras. A visit to the High Tatras often begins at Vysoké Tatry, the town located at the foot of the mountain range. In between the shifts I hiked around the High Tatras of Poland and Slovakia. This will certainly take Strbské Pleso upmarket. Popradské pleso is a mountain lake of glacial origin located in the High Tatras, Slovakia. The Tatras have two main tourist seasons, summer hiking and winter skiing. You can see it from Štrbské Pleso. Prices and availability subject to change. Detailed travel guide to the Tatras introduces you to the whole region around the Tatra mountains, including attractions on the Polish side. Rather it's the way that they vault, so dramatically and out of nowhere, from the flat grasslands around the town of Poprad to their lofty snowcapped peaks. High Tatras National Park has plenty of bike trails to make that happen! {:}{:sk}Inšpirujte sa mojimi výletmi vo Vysokých Tatrách počas magickej zimy a zažite jej čaro aspoň cez moje fotky a článok. Sadly, it will take a generation to fully restore the mountains to their former glory, but the beauty of the peaks and upper elevations remains intact. The resort of Smokovce, divided into "Starý" (old) Smokovec and "Nový" (new) Smokovec, lies in the middle and is about 18km (11 miles) east of Strbské Pleso. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Strbské Pleso, traditionally, was the most youth oriented of the resorts, and accommodations and restaurants were limited mostly to student-dorm-type facilities. The two world wars and the decades of Communism afterward put an end to all of that. For sure the High Tatras is the best known recreational resort of Slovakia. Ski season, depending on the weather, starts in mid-December and runs to mid-March. Kriváň is considered to be… There are many waterfalls in the Tatras, but the most impressive is definitely the waterfall Skok. Frommer's EasyGuide to Amsterdam, Brussels and Bruges, Frommer's EasyGuide to Florence and Tuscany. Scroll down and skip the jabbering, if you just want to see the pictures. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Tatra National Park, Poland on Tripadvisor: See 1,458 traveler reviews and photos of Tatra National Park tourist attractions. Twenty-five peaks reach higher than 2500m and the tallest mountains – like Gerlachovský štít (2654m) – attract the most hikers, revealing Slovakia as a nation of adventurers. All are easily reachable by car or electric railroad from the regional capital of Poprad. They are a range of the Tatra Mountains chain. We took advantage of High Tatras skiing (apline and Nordic), High Tatras hiking, and snowshoeing. If you are planning to hike the Tatras, the best time to do so is from June 15 through September. You won't be alone tramping between the High Tatras' waterfalls, alpine meadows and more than 100 ultramarine lakes. Most of the people visit capital city Bratislava but Slovakia has more to offer from lakes where you can swim, nice towns to beautiful mountains. It is a range in the Tatra Mountains chain, which in turn is part of the Carpathian Mountains. The chamois in the Tatra Mountains is a special one. Tatranská Lomnica is quieter and boasts two of the area's best hotels. The most visited lakes are the Štrbské pleso and Popradské pleso. High Tatras is a breath-taking national park located in the north of Slovakia. 10. This museum is devoted to history of winter sports in High Tatras. Many of the most beautiful buildings, including the two "Grand" hotels in Starý Smokovec and Tatranská Lomnica, were built at that time. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. The highest peak in the High Tatras (and the Carpathian Mountains) is Gerlachovský štít at 2,655 meters. Gerlachovsky stit is the highest at 2655 meters. If such a situation happens in the High Tatras, there are plenty of possibilities to spend time indoors. There are plenty of towns that will get you happily next to the mountains. The High Tatras are commonly called the "world's smallest Alpine range." The Tatras are actually part of the much larger Carpathian range that begins its rise just outside of Bratislava and then draws a wide arc through northern Slovakia, southern Poland, and into Romania. One note about the environment: A powerful windstorm struck the High Tatras in 2004, knocking down tens of thousands of trees in a matter of minutes. The best skiing is situated near Strbské Pleso, but all three major resorts have lifts and ski-rental facilities. These days, the High Tatras remain a popular tourist destination for Slovaks, Poles, and, increasingly, Russians, though it's hard to escape that bittersweet feeling of nostalgia for those good old days. They are mostly found above the treeline in the alpine zone. Do Hiking . Just rent a bike from a local sports store and get along your way. What to See in High Tatras. BEST FOR: Landmark, Mountain, Water Park Liptovsky Mikulas BEST FOR: Water Park, Ski Area, Cave Strbske Pleso BEST FOR: Wildlife Area, Spa, National Park Tatranska Lomnica BEST FOR: National Park, Cave, Entertainment Center Poprad See on map. {:} That's a reference to the relatively short length of the mountain chain, just 30km (about 20 miles) end to end. Besides the splendid nature, the cogway railroad, called also as “zubačka” by the domestic people, is an attraction for tourists. Choose dates. The High Tatras are part of the Carpathian mountain range in the north of Slovakia, shared partly with Poland. One disadvantage is that you'll have to travel a bit to get to the best hiking trails. Part of it is protected natural reserve. In terms of planning, it's possible to base yourself at one the main resorts and do a series of day hikes, or you can hike the complete range, bedding down each night in a series of simple mountain chalets situated at comfortable hiking intervals. Plan visits to Gubalowka, Aquapark Tatralandia + Demanovska Cave of Liberty. 150km (93 miles) E of Zilina; 350km (217 miles) NE of Bratislava. All of them are worth to pay a visit. As of this writing, however, the Kempinski Hotel Group was planning to open a massive five-star hotel along the edge of the lake in early 2009. The Tatras are actually part of the much larger Carpathian range that begins its rise just outside of Bratislava and then draws a wide arc through northern Slovakia, southern Poland, and into Romania. {:en}Winter wonderland of High Tatras in Slovakia is something you really want to experience at least once in your lifetime. See High Tatras from bird's perspective. It's also close to the Hrebienok funicular, and makes a great base for hiking in the peaks. 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. The High Tatras are an ode to beauty, boasting snow-capped peaks, verdant forests and crystalline lakes. The High Tatras (majestic peaks, turquoise glacier lakes, waterfalls) The Low Tatras (caves, waterfalls and forests) You can do fun activities like hiking, cycling, bungee jumping, paragliding and skiing in both Tatra regions, but the landscape varies depending on where you go. The damage was greatest in the area between Strbské Pleso and Starý Smokovec. In the High Tatras there are more than 80 tarns, 32 are located on the Slovak side of the mountains (the rest of them are in Poland). Turistika Vysoke Tatry – Hiking in High Tatras Slovakia is a beautiful place to visit. Discover 2020's top High Tatras attractions. Lomnicky štít (2,633 meters), the third highest peak in the Carpathian Mountains, is easily accessible from a cable car in Slovakia. This is the liveliest resort and has the best hotel and restaurant facilities. Slovakia’s High Tatras mountains are absolutely beautiful and worth taking some time to visit. Popradské pleso, Vysoké… @ designmesk Popradské Glacial Lake. Some of the highest peaks, which are part of the range that lie in the park, are Gerlachovský štít (2,655 m), and Kriváň (2,495 m). It's not the hills' height that's so impressive -- the tallest are only in the 2,600m (8,528-ft.) range. Every year the High Tatras attract thousands of tourists, mountaineers and skiers by its beauties, high peaks and magnificent mountain lakes. We have reviews of the best places to see in Tatra National Park. The only cave open to public in the TANAP is the Belianska jaskyňa. The High Tatra Mountains (or High Tatras or Vysoke Tatry) is a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia and southern Poland. Vodopády Studeného… @ Koco C. Waterfalls of Cold Stream. The biggest and deepest lake of the Tatras is the Veľké Hincovo pleso, while the one situated highest is the lake Modré pleso (2,192 metres above sea level). The High Tatra resorts enjoyed a brief golden age in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the wealthy classes from Hungary, Austria, Germany, and later Czechoslovakia came to ski or to ride out the hot summers in the mountains. If you are really lucky, you can spot a Tatra chamois, a highly endangered animal resembling a mountain goat. High Tatras panorama in Nova Lesna, Slovakia. For more inspiration, check our travel guide about Tatras . You won't see the animals living there, but on your walks they will surely observe you: for example the brown bear, the lynx and the chamois. The highest peak in the Tatras (and the Capathian Mountains) is Gerlachovsky štít at 2,655 meters. Book tours of Zakopane, Liptovsky Mikulas + Strbske Pleso. If you have a group of peeps, consider renting a cottage or pension space. To pick 5 of the most beautiful tarns is a really difficult task, simply because all of them are breathtaking. The hikes here are some of the best in central Europe, and if you enjoy walking, then pick up some maps and gear and plan on staying at least a few days. Get close to the protected fauna and flora as you hike through this area, which is frequented by tourists and has well-marked paths. See the latest prices and deals by choosing your dates. Bring warm clothes, even in summer the temperatures may be near 0°C. The High Tatras (www.tatry.sk) are Slovakia's biggest tourist draw, and a visit to the country is not complete without seeing these majestic mountains. Actually, Slovakia is getting famous for its mountain infrastructure - many travellers think that in Slovakia there are the best mountain resorts in Europe! Located in Slovakia, the town actually comprises 14 settlements which were once individual villages. The High Tatras or High Tatra Mountains (Slovak: Vysoké Tatry; Polish: Tatry Wysokie; Rusyn: Высокі Татри, Vysoki Tatry; Hungarian: Magas-Tátra; German: Hohe Tatra; French: Hautes Tatras), are a mountain range along the border of northern Slovakia in the Prešov Region, and southern Poland in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Focus is on period from beginning of the Tatra villages (app. Zelené Pleso Hike: The hike to the beautiful Zelené Pleso (Green Lake) is one of our favorite hikes in the High Tatras. Slovakia has a lot of mountains where you can go hiking. The highlight of my trip was definitely climbing Mount Rysy – up the polish side and down the slovakian. It has been part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993. The Skok Waterfall is considered to be the most abundant waterfall in Slovakia and is also the third-largest waterfall in the High Tatras. The authorities have done a good job clearing trees where they could and all of the trails are open, but you'll still notice extensive damage, especially in the lower ranges. At the far western edge is the resort of Strbské Pleso. It presents its history and development up to these days on photos and various sport equipments. Lomnicky štít (2,633 meters), the third highest peak in the mountain range, is easily accessible by cable car. Skiing in High Tatras Skiing in the High Tatras is both affordable and easily accessible. The Tatra chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra tatrica) is a subspecies only occurring in the High Tatras. You will find information about history of skiing, ice skating, curling, climbing, sledging or bobsleigh. In winter the High Tatras provides a long skiing season, from December till May. Starý Smokovec has the largest station on the Tatra electric railroad and is a main junction for reaching the other resorts. The one area of Slovakia that we were told over and over to go and see, was the High Tatras. (updated Nov 2016) You can also take a tram and travel under the highest peaks and take delight in magnificent nature. The third of the bigger resorts is Tatranská Lomnica, about 6km (3 3/4 miles) to the east of Starý Smokovec. Hincovo pleso from Kôprovský štít. See all 141 properties in High Tatras Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. The High Tatras are commonly called the "world's smallest Alpine range." ... What to See. It's also possible to hike across the peaks into Poland (and you no longer need a passport to do this), but note that the trails in the higher elevations and across the peaks are closed in winter from November 1 until June 15. 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