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4.9
| 62 reviews

Hike Slovakia’s High Tatras Mountains in a Weekend

Slovakia
3 nights
Moderate

Trek across the scenic peaks and awesome valleys of Slovakia’s highest mountain range – a UNESCO protected reserve

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with expert, English-speaking local guides

Hotel

3 nights in a family-run hotel

Meals

All your breakfasts and dinners

Transfers

To and from the airport and everything in between

Permits

All permits and entry fees

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 8 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

…

excluding flights

What's it like?

4.9
| 62 reviews
Magical Mountains
July 2024
Samantha D.
Magical Mountains
July 2024
Samantha D.
Absolutely stunning scenery
July 2024
Eleanor T.
Absolutely stunning scenery
July 2024
Eleanor T.
Absolutely stunning scenery
July 2024
Eleanor T.
Absolutely stunning scenery
July 2024
Eleanor T.
Absolutely stunning scenery
July 2024
Eleanor T.
Absolutely stunning scenery
July 2024
Eleanor T.
Incredible experience
July 2024
Vanessa B.
Great trip, but a big jump from 'easy' to 'moderate'
July 2024
Laura K.
Great trip, but a big jump from 'easy' to 'moderate'
July 2024
Laura K.
Great trip, but a big jump from 'easy' to 'moderate'
July 2024
Laura K.
Great trip, but a big jump from 'easy' to 'moderate'
July 2024
Laura K.
Hiking weekend
July 2024
alison s.
Hiking weekend
July 2024
alison s.
Hiking weekend
July 2024
alison s.
Such a gorgeous weekend!
July 2024
Jane K.
Such a gorgeous weekend!
July 2024
Jane K.
Such a gorgeous weekend!
July 2024
Jane K.
Such a gorgeous weekend!
July 2024
Jane K.
Such a gorgeous weekend!
July 2024
Jane K.
Fabulous experience
July 2024
Caroline H.
Fabulous experience
July 2024
Caroline H.
Fabulous experience
July 2024
Caroline H.
Fabulous experience
July 2024
Caroline H.
Fantastic long weekend in the High Tatras Mountains!
July 2024
Florence B.
Fantastic long weekend in the High Tatras Mountains!
July 2024
Florence B.
Candi
July 2024
Candida S.
Beautiful scenery
June 2024
Sarah B.
Beautiful scenery
June 2024
Sarah B.

Spend three days in the High Tatras – one of the wildest and most beautiful mountain ranges in Europe

Experience a hiker's paradise of forested valleys, hidden waterfalls and alpine lakes all nestled beneath 2500m+ peaks

Follow the epic but little-known route of the Tatranská Magistrala trail – remote, quiet and insanely beautiful

Looking for a longer adventure? See our alternative trip Hike Slovakia's High Peaks and Hidden Trails

Key Information

Day 1

Arrival

Meet your host and take a scenic drive over the border into Slovakia to your friendly family-run hotel in the lovely village of Stary Smokovec. Check-in, unwind and then meet the rest of your group for dinner and a chance to discuss the plan for the days ahead.

Day 2

Green Lake

Hiking

7-8hrs · 18km · 535m up · 1350m down

Catch the cable car part way up Lomnicky Peak, the second-highest mountain in Slovakia. Hike to the summit of this 2000+m peak and then descend through a rugged valley to the serene Green Lake. Enjoy lunch at a lakeside hut and then walk through a dwarf pine forest to White Lake. Spend the evening unwinding in a jacuzzi or sauna and then grab some dinner before a well-deserved night’s sleep.

Day 3

The Velicka Valley

Hiking

5-6hrs · 15km · 850m up · 900m down

Hike to the beautiful Velicka Valley, located at the foot of the highest mountain in Slovakia, Gerlachovsky Peak (2655m). Enjoy the incredible scenery and then trek to a pretty mountain lake for lunch with a waterfall view. Explore the famous Tatranska Magistrala trail as it winds its way through a labyrinth of dwarf pines and spruces and then follow a pristine mountain stream back to your the hotel for your last night in the mountains.

Day 4

Strbske Lake and home

Hiking

4hrs · 10km · 350m up · 350m down

Pack up and head to Strbske Lake, one of the most scenic and photographed in Slovakia. Enjoy a hike through some stunning scenery on the way to Popradske Lake, then grab some lunch and return to Krakow in time for your flight home.

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 3

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Slovakian food is simple, fresh and hearty with staples that include pork, poultry, cheese, pastry, potatoes, onions and garlic. Lentil and vegetable stews are also common, as is wild game, pasta and the Gnocchi dish "Bryndzove Halušky."

There are a variety of restaurants in town, including European-American fusion, pizza, pubs and Italian. It’s possible to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free diets, just let your host know before arrival.

What is the accommodation like?

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 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

On a typical day you’ll cover 18km of uneven terrain with as much as 1000m of ascent, so a moderate level of fitness is needed to enjoy it to the full. Some hikes also include short sections of scrambling. Whilst prior experience is recommended it’s not required to enjoy the trip.

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, totalling 80mm monthly.

Spring and autumn temperatures are a little cooler, ranging from 4 – 13 °C, but it is also drier (just 60mm monthly) and the colours are beautiful.

Make sure to pack for occassional rainfall and cooler evenings.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Krakow John Paul II International Airport, Poland

17:00

Ends

Krakow John Paul II International Airport, Poland

17:30

Transfers

You’ll be picked up on arrival and dropped off in time for any departures after 19:30.

Travel options

There are regular flights to Krakow 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 Krakow 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, broken-in waterproof hiking shoes or boots. Or at least waterproof socks, because you will have to step into water at times.
  • Rain/windproof jacket
  • Waterproof trousers/overtrousers
  • Lightweight, breathable hiking shirts, trousers and shorts in summer.
  • Sweater or fleece
  • Hat, gloves, scarf (for September and October departures)
  • Water bottle
  • Small rucksack for carrying personal items
  • Swimsuit
  • Insect repellent
  • All personal toiletries
  • Ear plugs
*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

Samantha D.(July 2024)
Magical Mountains
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