Discover High Tatras

First impressions of High Tatras

The High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry) are the smallest high mountain range in the world — only 26km long but with 25 peaks above 2,500m, the dramatic granite spires on the Slovak-Polish border looking like a miniature Alps somehow dropped into Central Europe. The range is the spiritual heart of Slovak nature: protected since 1949 as Tatras National Park, it has Slovakia's highest mountain (Gerlachovský štít, 2,655m), the country's only chamois population, and 220km of well-marked hiking trails ranging from gentle valley walks to via ferrata on the famous 'orla perć' eagle ridge. The main resort base on the Slovak side is the village of Štrbské Pleso (1,346m, on a crystal-clear glacial lake), with cable cars and the country's biggest ski resort; Starý Smokovec is the most charming old-fashioned resort, with the famous funicular up to Hrebienok and the dramatic Studenovodské vodopady waterfalls. Don't miss the strenuous but spectacular all-day hike to Rysy peak (2,503m, on the Polish border, the easternmost point on the EU's 'highest summit walks' route) and the easier loop around Štrbské Pleso lake. The range has reliable winter skiing December to April; summer hiking is best from June (when snow finally clears the high passes) to early October.