Premium: Hike Slovakia's Tatras Mountains

Meet your fellow adventurers at Krakow Airport and hop in the shared transfer heading south into Slovakia. The drive takes you across the border to Hotel Lomnica, your Standout Stay of the trip – a grand 19th-century building turned mountain retreat, where heritage charm meets five-star comfort. Once you've settled in, you might fancy a wander through the hotel’s art gallery or a wind-down in the spa. In the evening, you’ll meet your local guide for a welcome briefing and tuck into a dinner of modern Slovak dishes.

After breakfast at Hotel Lomnica, you’ll take a short transfer to the trailhead in Tatranska Kotlina. The hike begins through quiet pine forest and open meadows, climbing steadily to the Plesnivec hut – a good spot to grab a coffee or snack. From here, follow a scenic ridge towards White Lake, then continue to Green Lake, framed by jagged granite peaks and shimmering reflections. It’s a favourite with local hikers and one of the Tatras’ real gems. You’ll stop here for a packed lunch by the water before descending through the valley. Back at Hotel Lomnica in the late afternoon, dinner is just across the road at Kuszmannov Bazar – a relaxed spot for local dishes, craft beer and a laid-back atmosphere.

Head out to the peaceful Koprova Valley, a quiet corner of the Tatras that few visitors reach. You’ll start with an easy e-bike ride along a smooth forest track – a great way to cover ground without a long walk in. Ride past Slovakia’s highest waterfall before continuing on foot, climbing steadily through pine forest and open slopes to reach Temnosmreccianske Lake, a still, glacial pool surrounded by dramatic peaks. Soak up the calm of this untouched alpine spot over a packed lunch, then retrace your steps down the valley. Back at Hotel Lomnica, there’s time to unwind in the spa before sitting down to a five-course tasting dinner with wine pairing at Restaurant Sissi, featuring seasonal produce and wines from the hotel’s own cellar.

Begin the day with a short transfer to the shimmering lake of Strbske Pleso, the starting point for today’s trek. Your luggage will be transported ahead, so you can walk light along one of the High Tatras’ most scenic routes. You’ll follow the Tatranska Magistrala – a legendary trail that links the park’s best viewpoints – skirting the shore of Popradske Pleso, a deep, mirror-still lake framed by towering granite cliffs, before climbing towards the Ostrva Saddle. From here, the landscape opens up to reveal the rugged Mieguszowiecki massif and a wide glacial valley below. Along the way you’ll pass several mountain huts and restaurants, where the group can choose a lunch stop and order from the local menu (allow around €20, payable by card or cash). Continue through alpine terrain to reach Sliezsky Dom, Slovakia’s highest mountain hotel, perched at 1670m beneath the country’s tallest peak. Settle into your new base and soak up the stillness before dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Step straight from your hotel door onto the mountain trail towards Vychodna Vysoka (2429m). The route climbs gradually through the Velicka Valley, following rocky alpine paths past the glistening Velicke Pleso lake. As you gain height, peaks unfold in every direction, with wide views stretching across the High Tatras. From the summit, take a moment to soak up the vast Slovak wilderness before descending the same way back to Sliezsky Dom. Spend the afternoon unwinding – relax in the wellness area, sip a drink on the terrace or just enjoy the mountain stillness before your final dinner together.

After breakfast, check out of Sliezsky Dom and settle in for your transfer down from the mountains. Enjoy a final look at the Tatras’ peaks before continuing north towards Poland. Arrive at Krakow Airport around midday, where your adventure comes to an end.