From one of the most popular tourist attractions in Slovakia are the Tatras mountains. Only mountains are thought to be found in Poland, zero most of the area of the natural park is on Slovak territory. Keep in mind that it should not be confused with Nízke Tatry, the Low Tatras, further south of the Highlands. These mountains have unique characteristics and therefore are quite attractive to visit.
In this article we are going to tell you about all the characteristics, populations and activities that take place in Mount Tatras.
Key features
Vysoke Tatry is the Slovak name for the High Tatras Mountains, which is part of the Carpathian Mountains, the highest towards the east of Romania. More than 25 peaks are more than 2.500 meters high. In a terrain only 25 kilometers wide and 78 kilometers long, the landscape of mountain lakes, waterfalls and canyons is condensed.
The Tatras Mountains were first mentioned in the year 999, when the noble Boleslaus II used the mountains as the boundary of the Principality of Bohemia. The Tatra Mountains National Park (TANAP) is the oldest national park in Slovakia, it was founded in 1949 and has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993, which guarantees the diversity of flora and fauna. The reserve is a refuge for some endangered species, such as the European brown bear "King of the Tatra Mountains", which can weigh up to 350 kilograms and reach up to 2 meters in length. They do not pose a danger because they will flee from humans and can sometimes be seen crossing the road. It is also common to see chamois, chamois and marmots.
The High Tatras are subdivided into the Western Tatras, the Central Tatras, and the Belensk Tatras, which are distinguished by their geological composition and location. The settlement is located on the so-called Freedom Road, which connects these three parts of the High Tatras. In addition, it is important to mention the characteristics of the Carpathian Mountains, where similar natural beauties can also be found.
Mount Tatras towns
The perfect base for learning about the Tatra Mountains is Vysoké Tatry, which consists of three cities: Štrbské Pleso, Starý Smokovec and Tatranská Lomnica.
The administrative headquarters of the High Tatras, Tatranska Lomnica, one of the largest and most beautiful settlements, it is located on Freedom Road, on the side of Lomnicky Peak. It is one of the most popular ski destinations in Slovakia. There is also the TANAP Museum, where you can learn more about the biosphere reserve.
In Tatranska Lomnica, we can find many ski resorts and accommodation, including the Hotel Lomnica, built in 1893, after decades of neglect, restored to its former majestic appearance. There are many hiking and climbing routes in the Tatra Mountains, if you are interested, you can write to us so we can show you the way.
Strbske Pleso is a ski resort, tourist and seaside resort. It is located next to the alpine lake of the Strbske glacier and is a good option for hiking to Krivan and Rysy. Its 16 kilometers of free cross-country ski trails and downhill slopes are good reasons to come. In this context, it is worth highlighting the characteristics of those offered in other similar areas.
Stary Smokovec has the appeal of the Hrebienok cable car and it is an ideal starting point for summer mountain routes. Just 30 minutes from the cable car, you will find the Studeny potok waterfall.
Activities of Mount Tratas
There is no doubt that the Tatras encourage activities such as skiing, downhill or cross-country skiing or snowboarding, but they are also good options for hiking and being in contact with nature in summer.
Some ski resorts have spas and thermal pools, such as AquaCity Poprad, Aquapark Tatralandia, and Besenova. The town of Poprad is considered the gateway to the Tatra Mountains because it is not far from the mountains, allowing tourists to find a wider range of recreational opportunities. The Chata pod Rysmi refuge under Rysy peak is the highest in Mount Tatras, 2250 meters above sea level.
The Tatranska Magistrala Trail is the longest trail in the High Tatras, with over 70 kilometers connecting some of the most beautiful and famous spots in the nature park, such as Podbanské, Štrbské pleso (Strbsk Lake), Popradské pleso (Poprad Lake), Hrebienok, Skalnaté pleso (Skalnate Lake), and Zelené pleso (Green Lake). It is usually completed in three to five days, with overnight stays in a shelter. For those who love nature, the landscapes of the Tatra Mountains are simply breathtaking.
Skiing and winter sports
The longest ski resort in the Tatra Mountains is located in the Tatranska Lomnica Ski Center. It departs from Lomnicke sedlo and then heads to the village of Tatranska Lomnica. The total length is about 6 kilometers, the slope is 1300 meters and the starting point of the descent is only suitable for advanced skiers.
One of the peculiarities that we can find in the Tatras is the highest botanical garden in Slovakia at the Lomnicky peak, 2634 meters high. Although it is not large, there are 22 types of flowers in the botanical garden. At the top of Lomnicky Peak there is an observatory that doubles as accommodation.
There are more than a hundred lakes in the national park. The largest and deepest lake is Veľké Hincovo pleso, the highest Modré pleso is 2.192 meters and the most famous are Štrbské pleso and Popradské pleso. Although there are many caves, only Belianska jaskyňa is equipped and open to the public. However, it is essential to know them to fully enjoy the visit.
Another attraction in winter is the Hrebienok Ice Dome, an ice sculpture that chooses a theme each year (like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona). This is a free and fun activity for children.
Trekking in Mount Tatras
Some of the most important peaks and destinations on the hiking trail include Gerlachovsky Stit (the highest peak, 2655 m above sea level), the most visited Lomnicky Stit due to the cable car, and Krivan in the Eastern Tatras, which is one of the most famous peaks. The Slovaks are also a symbol of the country.
In the Slovak part of the Eastern Tatras, only 7 peaks can be reached by trails. Two of them are on the Polish border and can also be accessed from the Polish side. The other peaks on the Slovak side can only be accessed with a certified mountain guide.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about Mount K behind and its characteristics.