Hike Slovakia’s High Tatras Mountains in a Weekend

Why it's much better

• 3 full days in the hiker's paradise of the High Tatras mountains
• Hike through forested valleys, past waterfalls and alpine lakes nestled beneath 2500m+ peaks
• Follow the Tatranská Magistrala trail; an epic but little known trekking route

• Guides Expert, English-speaking local guides
• Accommodation 3 nights in a family-run hotel
• Meals All breakfasts and dinners
• Transfers All airport transfers
• Permits All permits and entry fees
• Transport All transfers in between hike sections and a cable car pass
• Happiness Guaranteed We're so confident that your holiday will be your best yet, we actually guarantee it
• Feel Good Vibes We mitigate 4x the carbon emitted by all our travellers and support important conservation projects

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 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.

Hiking distance: 18km - Elevation ascent/descent: 535m/1350m - Duration: 7-8 hours

Saturday: 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.

Hiking distance: 15km - Elevation ascent/descent: 850m/900m - Duration: 5-6 hours

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.

Hiking distance: 10km - Elevation ascent/descent: 350m - Duration: 4 hours

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.

During the trip, you will be staying in a friendly family run three-star hotel in the village of Novy Smokovec called Hotel Villa Siesta. 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.

Private Room Upgrade

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for £55 per person (subject to availability).

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.

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.

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.