Hike Slovakia’s High Tatras Mountains in a Weekend
Walk the scenic peaks and valleys of Slovakia’s highest mountain range and prized UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 1 ½ days off work.
The High Tatras mountains in northern Slovakia are a hiker’s paradise. With 26 peaks over 2500m, several famous walking trails, more than 100 small alpine lakes, and a host of endemic plants and wildlife, the range is like a smaller, less expensive version of the Alps. Spend a long weekend exploring this remarkable area with a local expert guide. Your hassle-free trip includes:
- 3 days of guided hiking in the High Tatras
- 3 nights of accommodation in an apartment-hotel
- All breakfasts and dinners
- Professional, local, English-speaking guide
- Airport transfers
- Hiking transfers
- 1 cable car ticket
Perfect for:
This is the perfect getaway if you’re seeking an active weekend in a mountain range every bit as scenic as the Alps—but less expensive and more personal.
Need To Know
The following are not included in the trip price:
- Flights to/from Slovakia
- Lunches
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Entry to thermal pool (optional)
- Tips for your guide (optional)
This trip will run with a maximum of 8.
Sure can! A lot of people do, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our Epic Weekends are very social in nature and we’ve seen lots of new friendships born out of them. Expect a mix of solo travelers and very small groups of 2 or 3, all with a shared appreciation of escaping the city for the great outdoors to try something new and meet new people.
Slovakian food is simple, fresh and hearty. Staples include pork, poultry, cheese, pastry, potatoes, onions and garlic. Lentil and vegetable stews are common, as well as wild game, pasta dishes and stone fruits.
Absolutely! Just let us know at booking.
A moderate level of fitness needed to enjoy these hikes. A typical day of hiking will cover 18km of uneven terrain with as much as 1000m of ascent. Some hikes include short sections of scrambling; previous scrambling experience is recommended but not required.
The High Tatras in summer are beautiful and relatively warm. From June to August the average daytime temperature is 12 °C, but it can range from 8 – 18 °C. It rains approximately 12 days each month, totaling 80mm monthly.
Spring and fall temperatures are a bit cooler, ranging from 4 – 13 °C, but it is also drier (just 60mm monthly) and the fall colors are beautiful.
Your host will send you a full list after you book. The basics are:
- Sturdy, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Rain/windproof jacket
- Lightweight, breathable hiking shirts and trousers
- Warm jacket or sweater
- Water bottle
- Small rucksack for carrying personal items
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses and sunblock)
- Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
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Got a question not covered here? Contact the host.
Location
The High Tatras range is part of the Tatras Mountains, which, in turn, are part of the Carpathian Mountains. The range lies on the border between northern Slovakia and Poland, and is preserved in both countries with National Park and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve listing. With its abundance of high peaks, rugged valleys, alpine tarns and wildlife, the High Tatras are often likened to the Alps, but smaller and more personal.
There are 26 mountains in the High Tatras that rise to 2500m or higher. The highest (Gerlachovsky Peak, 2655m) and second highest (Lomnicky Peak, 2654m) are both located just outside Ždiar, the village where your cabin is, providing incredible views in every direction.
The High Tatras range is home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, including many endemic species. You’ll hike through forests of pine, spruce and larch, including the dwarf varieties that grow at timberline. Alpine marmots are a common sight, and, with luck, you’ll see the critically threatened Tatra Chamois.
Start point
Krakow Airport - 17:00
Your adventure begins at Krakow Airport (KRK) with your airport transfer at 17:00. Please schedule your flight to arrive more than 30 minutes before this time, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area.
Finish point
Krakow Airport - 19:30
At the end of your adventure, you will be dropped back at Krakow Airport (KRK) at 19:30. You’re free to book any flight that departs after 21:20.
What to Expect
Thursday: Arrival
Your host will meet you at the Krakow Airport in the evening and drives you 2.5 hours away to your friendly family run three-star hotel in the village of Stary Smokovec.
Check in, unwind, then regroup for dinner and to review the weekend’s plan.
Friday: Hike the Velicka Valley
After breakfast you’ll hike to the scenic Velicka Valley. Located at the foot of the highest mountain in Slovakia, Gerlachovsky Peak (2655m), the valley boasts incredible scenery.
Hike to a pretty mountain lake and eat lunch with a waterfall view, then explore the famous Tatranska Magistrala trail as it winds through a labyrinth of dwarf pines and spruces.
Descend along a pristine mountain stream, then return to the hotel for your last night in the mountains.
16km of walking, 975m ascent
Saturday: Hike to Green Lake
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then catch the cable car from town partway up Lomnicky Peak, the second highest mountain in Slovakia.
From there you’ll hike to the summit of a 2000+m peak, then descend through a rugged valley to Green Lake.
Enjoy lunch at a lakeside hut surrounded by 2500m peaks, then finish your walk through a dwarf pine forest to White Lake.
In the evening your guide can take you to an excellent thermal pool or you can relax in town. Refuel with dinner before heading to bed for a well-deserved night’s sleep.
18km of walking, 535m ascent
Sunday: Strbske Lake hike and departure
After breakfast you’ll pack up and head to Strbske Lake, one of the most scenic—and photographed—lakes in Slovakia.
From the lake you’ll enjoy an easy hike and stunning scenery on your way to Popradske Lake.
Return to Strbske Lake and toast to an excellent weekend at a lakeside restaurant. Drive 2.5 hours to Krakow airport to catch your flight home.
12km of walking, 470m ascent
Note: This itinerary and the duration of the activities are subject to change due to group abilities and preferences, weather conditions and forecasts, special events, etc.
Accommodation
During the trip, you will be staying in a friendly family run three-star hotel in the village of Stary Smokovec. The hotel is beautifully presented with a modern twist on traditional Slovakian style. All rooms are en-suite and come with WiFi, towels and a hairdryer.
Accommodation is based on shared twin rooms (same gender) that are stylishly furnished and comfortable. If two of you are travelling together, you can of course request a room together.
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for €15 per person, per night (subject to availability). Please request this at the time of booking.
The hotel has its own wellness centre and restaurant. The wellness centre includes a dry sauna, herbal sauna, infra sauna, relaxation room, hydro massage bath and massage therapists. The use of the facilities is included in your adventure, massages can be arranged at extra cost.
Dates & Prices
Prices include
Accommodation · Airport Transfers · Guide · Local Transport · Meals As Described · Happiness Guaranteed · 100% Financial Protection
Please note: Flights are NOT included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Extras
Make your life easy. Once you have reserved your space, your host can help you arrange the extras you’ll need. Here are some guide prices which can be confirmed with you during booking.
| Private Room Upgrade | Payable Before Departure |
|---|---|
| Optional Private Room Upgrade | · · · Per Person, Per Night |
| Additional Night | Payable Before Departure |
|---|---|
| Additional Night | · · · |
