Hike Slovakia's High Tatras Mountains in a Weekend: The Winter Edition
A proper winter hiking adventure among alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks and remote valleys – topped off with a soak in thermal baths
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesHotel
3 nights in a family-run hotelMeals
3 breakfasts and 3 dinnersTransfers
Transfers to and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment
All your winter walking equipment will be taken care ofSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 8 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Trek your way through the spellbinding High Tatras in winter - 78km of unspoilt mountains with the views to match
Traverse untracked powder and verdant pine forests in Slovakia’s remote backcountry over a long weekend
Soak your aches away in the revitalising, steamy waters of one of the region's natural thermal springs
Key Information
Day 1
The High Tatras
Travel into the High Tatras Mountains that separate Slovakia and Poland and head for the lovely alpine village of Stara Lesna, where you’ll get a warm reception at the friendly, family-run hotel you’ll be staying in. After settling into your room, head down to meet your travelling companions over dinner and relax into the holiday rhythm.
Day 2
Hike to the Green Lake
Hiking
Climb to the remote, vivid turquoise waters of the aptly named Green Lake, 1545 metres above sea level - a particularly magical location in winter. After exploring the shoreline and grabbing some hard to believe photos, relax in a landscape of snow-capped peaks, wildflower meadows and rolling green pine forest. As this trip strikes that all-important balance between adventure and relaxation, balance out your day with some serious sauna and jacuzzi time back in the village.
Day 3
Winter hiking to Velicke Lake
Hiking
Today you'll be hiking into the winter wonderland that is the High Tatras Mountains. Relaxation earned, soak in a natural thermal pool and let your worries (and muscle knots) fade away.
Day 4
A last hike before home
Hiking
Starting at lovely Lake Strbske Pleso, you’ll hike through the ridiculously picturesque Mengusovska Valley - a lost world of jagged peaks, dramatic rock faces and verdant forest, ending at the glistening Lake Popradske. Then, after four days of adventure and relaxation, it’s time to head home refreshed and revitalised.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Krakow John Paul II International Airport, Poland
Arrive by 16:30 on Day 1
Ends
Krakow John Paul II International Airport, Poland
16:00 on Day 4
Transfers
Your host will pick you up at the airport at 16:30 on Day 1. You'll arrive back at the airport around 16:00 on Day 4, so if departing that evening, book any flight that leaves on or after 17:55.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Kraków from major airports across the UK and Europe.
Your group arrival and departure transfers are long (150km/approximately 3 hours) and include a border crossing. For this reason, private transfers are not usually offered by your host as the cost is prohibitive and you are encouraged to join the group arrival/departure transfers.
As the first and last day of your adventure are full days and the traffic between Kraków Airport and the city is usually heavy, it is not possible to be picked up or dropped off at a city hotel. However, public transport between the city and the airport is good. There is a train that leaves once or twice per hour, this takes 17minutes and is very economical.
Alternatively, there are a small number of flights between the UK and Poprad-Tatry Airport. Private transfers between this airport and your starting/finishing point are not available, however, the cost of a taxi is approximately 15-25 EUR one way.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
For breakfast, expect a continental buffet with a little bit of everything. For lunch, you will stop in mountain huts and small hotels. Expect hearty meals of sauerkraut, tomato, bean or lentil soups, schnitzels or goulash. One of the soups is always vegetarian, however, a vegan diet is difficult to cater to, so we recommend you bring a packed lunch or ingredients from a local shop, just in case. For dinner, expect a 3 course meal of soup, a main meal and dessert.
What is the accommodation like?
High Tatras Mountains
You'll be staying in either Penzion Lomnicky or Vila Linda which are both friendly, family run hotels in the village of Stara Lesna. They are beautifully presented with a modern twist on traditional Slovakian style. All rooms are en-suite and come with WiFi, towels and a hairdryer.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Moderate
To enjoy this trek you need to be reasonably fit, but if you hike, bike or run every now and then, you should manage it without any major problems. Previous mountaineering experience isn’t required as you are not going to walk in difficult and exposed places, however, you will be walking with crampons and shown how to use these effectively.
On any winter hike in a high mountain environment, you will potentially encounter high winds, rain, snow, ice and steep slopes. The Tatras Mountains are no different and you should be prepared to face these conditions. Temperatures can get as low as -20°C so multiple warm layers are necessary.
Unbelievable trip!
From start to finish, this trip was incredible. The pick-up arrangements were smooth, food and accommodation spot on. Honestly couldn’t fault a thing.
Our guide, Tom, was next-level amazing. He was a total fountain of knowledge, answering all our questions about the local area and cuisines, and was always super friendly and accommodating. He planned the days meticulously, taking into account the weather and our group’s abilities, so everyone could enjoy the experience to the fullest.
The days were long but enjoyable, and you will need to be comfortable walking for extended periods of time.
Tom also took us to some really nice spots after the main activities, including this fantastic local pub just down the street. It was those extra touches that made the trip feel so special. He also brought the group together in such a natural way—we were all laughing, chatting, and feeling totally confident and safe the whole time.
Huge thank you to Tom and our group for making the trip such an incredible experience. Great people, great guide, great memories. Highly recommend!
We had a great time
We had a great time in the High Tatras, all 3 hikes were manageable for those that go hiking. The hikes were along good trails, through forests and opening up into impressive valleys, with a tasty lunch at mountain huts. The sauna in the hotel and then the geothermal bath after the 1st and 2nd days were very relaxing. Our guide, Andy, was excellent, ensured we all had a great time, on and off the mountain. A perfect multi-day hiking trip.
Snow and cottage tea
Martin and Tom were wonderful hosts. They shared as much history and information as possible about Slovakia and Tom found an amazing honey cake for a group members birthday. They adapted the route to suit the group and avoid busy routes with other hikers so we saw very beautiful unspoilt snow. The cottage tea at lunch times is a must. MBA doesn’t state in the listing that you can arrange to loan poles from Tom on arrival so do ask in advance if you want/need to. I would 100% recommend this trip to anyone.
Tatratea and sympathy (for my blisters)
Such a great long weekend with like-minded people. Our host Andy was brilliant- the perfect balance of structure and silliness. 4 days felt like a 2 week holiday as activities were a proper chance to switch off 👌
Had an amazing time hiking
Had an amazing time hiking in the High Tatras. The weather was fantastic the first day and loved the hike. Our guide Tom was wonderful, really supportive and friendly as well as knowledgable about everything!
Its a wonderfully beautiful place that I'm so pleased I got the chance to see!
One of my favourite trips!
Honestly, it's one of the best hiking trips I have been on. The views/hikes were spectacular and the hotel was great!
Special shout out to our guide, Jan! Definitely one of the best guides ans knowledgeable about the area and its history!
Fantastic!
This was my first time I’ve used a organised trip company like Much Better Adventures. It exceeded my expectations. Communication before the trip was very good. Everything went smoothly, and our guide Andrej was great, very knowledgeable and friendly. Everyone on the trip was travelling solo and we got along really well. The hiking wasn’t too difficult, and we were lucky to be blessed with the weather. The scenery was always beautiful and the mountains stunning. I’ll be back to Slovakia for sure. Can’t wait to book my next trip with MBA! If you are on the fence just bite the bullet and book it.
Highly recommended
Fantastic trip in the company of Jan, a brilliant guide who added so much to the experience. The highlight was the hike on the first day to Green Lake. The accommodation and food were excellent at the “pension” - way above expectatiosn
Fantastic Trip - Highly Recommend
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a fantastic trip to the High Tatras Mountains, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Led by the incredibly knowledgeable guide, Tom, every aspect of the journey was expertly curated. From navigating the trails to sharing insights about the region's flora and fauna, Tom's guidance enhanced the adventure in countless ways.
The breathtaking scenery of the High Tatras Mountains left me in awe at every turn. Towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests provided a picturesque backdrop for our trekking excursions. Each day brought new vistas and opportunities for exploration, making it impossible to tire of the stunning landscapes.
The accommodations exceeded expectations, offering comfort and convenience after long days of hiking. It was a joy to return to cozy lodgings, complete with all the amenities needed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Additionally, the culinary delights served throughout the trip were nothing short of exceptional. From hearty mountain fare to gourmet delights, every meal was a delightful experience, showcasing the region's rich culinary tradition.
A particularly memorable moment was the surprise birthday celebration arranged by the hotel staff. The birthday cake they provided was a thoughtful gesture that added a touch of warmth and celebration to the trip.
Overall, my journey through the High Tatras Mountains was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and indulgence. With Tom's guidance, breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and impeccable accommodation, it was an experience I will cherish for years to come.
Wonderful time spent in the
Wonderful time spent in the Tatras mountains with our guide Tom! The food was amazing and our accommodation was perfect. Tom was able to provide a lot of the Slovakian history which was really interesting to hear. Such a beautiful place 🥰 Lots of giggles and smiles. Thank you x