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Tatras Mountains in winter, Slovakia. Photo: Host/Slovakation
4.9
| 115 reviews

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

Duration

3 nights

Annual Leave

2 days off work

Group Size

Up to 8 people

Season

Jan - Mar

Location

Slovakia

Meeting Point

Kraków Airport, Poland

Classic Accommodation

Hotel

Customer Reviews

(115)

4.9

Difficulty

Moderate

From

From

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

Day 1

The High Tatras

Tatras Mountains in winter, Slovakia. Photo: Host/Slovakation

Travel into the High Tatras Mountains that separate Slovakia and Poland and head for the lovely alpine village of Stary Smokovec, 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

Tatras Mountains in winter, Slovakia. Photo: Host/Slovakation

Hiking

6hrs · 16km · 700m up · 700m down

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

Tatras Mountains in winter, Slovakia. Photo: Host/Slovakation

Hiking

6hrs · 13km · 500m up · 500m down

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

Tatras Mountains in winter, Slovakia. Photo: Host/Slovakation

Hiking

4hrs · 10km · 300m up · 300m down

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.

Included

Guides

Experienced, friendly, English-speaking guides

Accommodation

3 nights in a family run hotel in Stary Smokovec

Meals

Expect continental breakfasts and traditional dinners

Transfers

Transfers to and from the airport and everything in between

Equipment

All your winter walking equipment will be taken care of

Not Included

Flights to and from the meeting point

Travel insurance

Some meals as described

Personal expenses

Visas where required

Day 1

Hotel · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 3

Hotel · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Departure day

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 a friendly, family run Penzion Lomnicky hotel in the village of Stara Lesna. 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.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent 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).

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Kraków Airport, Poland

Arrive by 16:30 on Day 1

Ends

Kraków 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.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

What do I need to bring?

  • Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
  • Hiking jacket: short, thin, breathable and waterproof.
  • Lots of layers: e.g.base layer, long sleeve shirt, fleece, downjacket/warm sweater.
  • Snow/Mud gaiters
  • Backpack for carrying personal items
  • Swimsuit for thermal baths
  • Gloves, hat, scarf
  • Sun glasses or even ski goggles.
  • Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
  • Ear plugs (to sleep tight)
  • Personal Toiletries (shower gel, shampoo)
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Private Room Upgrade

Per Person

Alison H.(March 2024)
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 👌

Douglas G.(March 2024)
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!

Matt R.(March 2024)
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!

Adam C.(March 2024)
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.

Craig C.(March 2024)
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

Jack G.(March 2024)
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.

JENNY P.(March 2024)
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

Morwenna B.(March 2024)
So good!

We had an amazing time exploring the mountains in the snow and learning about Slovakia from Tom and Martin who were great. They are super knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. It was a great intro to winter hiking in snow balanced nicely with plenty of time to relax and enjoy meals (including traditional Slovakian dishes) and a nice afternoon at the thermal pools.

Julia G.(March 2024)
My first trip. Exceeded expectations.

My first trip. Exceeded expectations. Andrej was a great guide. The scenery was stunning.

Peter F.(March 2024)
Perfect holiday

We had a brilliant adventure in the High Tatras. Andrej was the perfect guide. He took us to the best places and was very relaxed and friendly with us all. The group bonded really well even though we were different ages. Our top tip is to ask your leader to take you to the local pub. This appears to be in the living room of a couple who were extremely friendly and hospitable. No faults to this holiday. Perfect.

Janice H.(March 2024)
Great trip.

This was a very enjoyable trip. We gelled well as a group and Jan was a great guide who shared his love of the mountains and Slovakia with us. The winter walking was fab, the walks varied and just the right distance and level of challenge for me each day. We did have some foggy weather but breaks in the cloud and a very sunny final day gave us excellent views. A well organised adventure from start to end. Thank you Jan and the MBA team.

Imy P.(March 2024)
BHG X MBA takes on Slovakia

Our guides Martin and Tom were so friendly and helpful, nothing was ever too much for them to do for us. We all had an amazing trip with some unforgettable experiences. The walks were all well planned and varied, stopping at some different mountain huts for lunch. The hotel was cozy and welcoming. There was a great selection of food. All of the food we had was delicious and Tatra Tea is a must try! The trip fell on my birthday and our guides went the extra mile and we had a Marlenka honey cake which was the best cake I’ve ever had! I would 100% recommend this trip to anyone and I’d love to come back in the summer to explore more of the High Tatras. Our guides were very knowledgeable and told us a lot about the history of their country. They planned for us to stop at supermarkets so we could try a great mix of Slovakian snacks too! The trip had a great balance of hiking and relaxing, with the thermal baths being a real treat after a nice hike!

Lorraine L.(March 2024)
Great trip! Stunning country Tom

Great trip! Stunning country Tom was a great guide & very knowledgeable & proud

Virginia K.(March 2024)
Great winter trip

Brilliant trip. Beautiful hikes and scenery. Our guide Tom was wonderful, kind and considerate, the trip was well planned and organised.

Victoria M.(March 2024)
AMAZING, just amazing!!!

Fantastic trip, absolutely breathtaking scenery all round, it didn’t matter if it was raining or the sun was shining the views were awe inspiring. The food was incredible both at the hotel and in the mountains huts we visited for breaks. The people we met were lovely and friendly. The rest of the group I was with were great. Possibly the absolute highlight was Jan our host and guide, full of fascinating insights into Slovakian history, modern Slovakia and the local area. I can highly recommend the little pub around the corner from the hotel where we ended up after dinner for a few drinks at an absurdly reasonable price. Take a few extra euros for it and enjoy.

Tom Y.(March 2024)
Best way to spend a weekend

One of my favourite trips so far. The organisation was perfect and the area we visited was incredible. Our guide Andrej was great and made a real effort not only to educate us on the area but bring the group together during the four days, especially as 8 solo travellers. It wouldn’t have been the same without him. Would highly recommend this trip.

Claudia T.(March 2024)
Great weekend hiking

We had a great weekend hiking in the Tatras Mountains. The scenery is stunning (even in the rain!) and the food is authentic and delicious. We had lots of fun with our guide, Jan, who was friendly and informative.

Zoe W.(March 2024)
Say Ahoy to Solvakia

Spent an amazing few days in the high tatras. I booked as a last minute trip and I'm so glad I did. Slovakia is beautiful, the photos really don't do the mountains justice. Our guide Jan was great, he really brought the trip to light, his knowledge of mountains, of Slovakia and his genuine pleasure of showing us his country and getting to know us all invidiually. I enjoyed learning about the history of Slovakia but hearing about Jan himself, I love having a local guide because it makes the whole experience so much more authentic. The group also made the trip, I was a solo traveller but everyone was very welcoming and we had the best time together. The airport transfers also made the trip very easy logistically. Couldn't recommend this trip to Slovakia enough, I'm already planning to return in summer.

Stephen H.(March 2024)
What a great long weekend!

Really great trip! Our guide Andy was so helpful, positive and informative. The hotel was great, good local food and a games room that kept us all entertained. The hikes were varied, with stunning scenery and good lunch stops. The spa was another highlight. And we were blessed with a brilliant group. Highly recommended!

Holly W.(March 2024)
High Tatras Winter Trip

We had a brilliant few days on this trip! Some great hikes with some really beautiful views. Jan, our guide, was so much fun and gave us loads of information on the scenery and Slovakia’s history. We really enjoyed getting to use the crampons for the snowy bits, and even the foggy and rainy weather on a couple of days was fun and atmospheric. The food at the hotel, and at our lunch stops, was all hearty and delicious. Just what we needed! Thanks so much for a brilliant trip.

Laura W.(February 2024)
Great trip - thanks Tom!

Tom was an amazing guide! We had such a great time, from beautiful views, amazing food, and a gorgeous ski lodge accommodation, it really was a great trip. I highly recommend if you’re looking for some fresh air, have a sense of adventure and up for some fun along the way. Great group. Thanks again

Phil T.(February 2024)
High Tatras hiking

We thought the trip was excellent. Jan was a very friendly and knowledgeable local guide. The walks were varied and Jan amended the itinerary in light of local weather conditions, and the pace of the group - enabling us to extend one of the walks. Two of the group picked up minor injuries preventing them from walking on the last day - there was a plan B for them to still get out and meet at the 'summit' with the rest of us. The accommodation was clean, comfortable and spacious and the evening meals were lovely. We went to some stunning locations. All in all, a great experience and we would book another trip with MBA.

Adrien A.(February 2024)
Great trip with an amazing guide

I found this trip to the Tatra Mountains really great. We stayed in a hotel surrounded by mountains which had a spa we could use after the hikes and there's nothing better than spending time in a jacuzzi and a sauna after a day of hiking in the snow! The landscapes were stunning and Tom, our guide, was great at adjusting the pace and the route according to the group. He was keen to share about Slovakian culture and history, and he took us to some great pubs and bars in the area. The food was really good throughout and I think we all had a great time!

Louise R.(February 2024)
This was a fantastic trip.

This was a fantastic trip. Slovakia is a stunning country. The hikes in the snowy High Tatras mountains were beautiful. Tom was a brilliant guide . He was very accommodating and couldn’t do enough for us! He provided crampons and poles for the hikes which were most necessary! He was also very knowledgeable, giving us lots of interesting information about his country - both historical and geographical. The group of eight people was lovely too. The visits to the thermal baths and to see the ice sculptures were a lovely added extra. I loved the food too- in our accommodation and also the lunches in the mountain restaurants. I would highly recommend this trip and would love to go back in the summertime. This was my third trip with MBA and they never disappoint. Five stars all the way!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Karen R.(February 2024)
Beautiful weekend hiking

A lovely break in the mountains. Beautiful walks, good company and well organised. Our guide Tom was excellent and made sure we all had a great time.

Laura B.(February 2024)
Amazing hikes in beautiful Slovakia

Had a really nice time in the Mountains. Would definitely recommend this trip!

Siarah K.(February 2024)
Stunning Tatra mountains hike

Tatra mountains are incredibly beautiful, the thermal pools were very relaxing and Tom was an excellent guide. He was knowledgeable and adapted our days as needed due to weather/ blisters/ timing etc. The group was fantastic and I highly recommend this trip for a long weekend in nature.

Elizabeth M.(February 2024)
Must see

The three days of hiking, led by Tom, was incredible. We were comfortable and the food was great. Tom really cared after our group and taught us a lot about the local area and the country. He was kind, and proud, and looked after our ever need. The high Tatras are super beautiful and everyone who has the opportunity and enjoys being in the mountains should go. We had a lovely weekend with very nice company.

Furhan A.(February 2024)
Really fun, well organised and

Really fun, well organised and met a great bunch of people!

Jonathan C.(February 2024)
Fantastic Trip!

We had an incredible experience in the Tatras mountains. Our wonderful guide, Jan, made the experience extra special with his knowledge, guidance, friendliness and great sense of humour. The scenery was beautiful despite the occasional poor weather and the accommodation was comfortable and provided good food. Overall, a fantastic trip, brilliant scenery and even better company. 10/10 recommend..

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 122kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

To enjoy this trek you need to be reasonably fit, but if you hike, bike or run every now and then, you'll 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.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

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 definitely recommended.

Absolutely. You can leave anything you don't need in your hotel room throughout the trip and just hike with small rucksack for personal items each day.

The local tap water is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottles (at least 1.5L) to fill up to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.

For current advice about travelling in Slovakia, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.

Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.

Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.

We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

Our team of Adventure Hunters create exclusive adventures with highly vetted, specialist hosts. We only work with independent, local in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. See here for more info about the local teams we partner with.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES

January 2025

Thursday • 16th January 2025

to Sunday • 19th January 2025
Guaranteed to run

Saturday • 18th January 2025

to Tuesday • 21st January 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 23rd January 2025

to Sunday • 26th January 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 30th January 2025

to Sunday • 2nd February 2025
Guaranteed to run

Saturday • 1st February 2025

to Tuesday • 4th February 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 6th February 2025

to Sunday • 9th February 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 13th February 2025

to Sunday • 16th February 2025
Guaranteed to run

Saturday • 15th February 2025

to Tuesday • 18th February 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 20th February 2025

to Sunday • 23rd February 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 27th February 2025

to Sunday • 2nd March 2025
Guaranteed to run

Saturday • 1st March 2025

to Tuesday • 4th March 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 6th March 2025

to Sunday • 9th March 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 13th March 2025

to Sunday • 16th March 2025
Guaranteed to run

Saturday • 15th March 2025

to Tuesday • 18th March 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 20th March 2025

to Sunday • 23rd March 2025
Guaranteed to run

Thursday • 27th March 2025

to Sunday • 30th March 2025
Guaranteed to run
Private trip

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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