Across the High Tatras to the Slovak Paradise
Overview
High Tatras and Slovak Paradise, a unique two-country trekking experience suitable for advanced hikers
High Tatras
You will be struck by the majesty of these mountains from your first glimpse of them in the distance. The steep rocky peaks and deep, narrow valleys offer a welth of hiking adventures.
When we say High Tatras, we think of majestic peaks touching the sky, dark turquoise mountain lakes carved by glaciers, waterfalls and unique plants. The only mountains of Alpine type in the whole Carpathian Mountain range are called "the smallest alpine mountains in Europe".
Slovak Paradise
The hidden beauty of the Slovak Paradise only becomes apparent when you enter the mountains and start hiking there. Explorers can find rocky terraces, river gorges, narrow canyons with waterfalls, iron steps and ladders as well as less demanding paths through woods and meadows.
We start our tour in Poland and travel on foot across the ridge of the High Tatras to Slovakia. This demanding and unforgettable trip is intended for experienced hikers. Only in Slovakia can you hike in Paradise - the Slovak Paradise, with 300 km of marked trails exploring every corner of its enchanting lanscape.
Itinerary
- Arrival at the airport
- Transfer to Zakopane
A short walk in the area of Zakopane to warm up for the more demanding hiking ahead of us.
- Transfer to Lysá Poľana
- Hiking
From here, we will start our heavy hiking tour across the ridge of the High Tatras. In the morning, we will hike to a mountain hut under the ridge on the shore of the mountain lake Morskie Oko. In the afternoon, we can trek up to one of the peaks on the ridge, or we can just take an easy walk around the lake and relax before the exertions of the next day.
- Hiking
This day will takes us up to the ridge of the High Tatras, to Rysy - one of the highest peaks in the range. Here we will cross the border from Poland into Slovakia. Demanding hiking and climbing assisted by chains will be rewarded with fascinating views from the summit in both directions: Slovakia and Poland. We will then continue down into Slovakia.
- Easy hiking in the Tatras
After the previous strenuous day, the hiking on our fourth day will be easier. We will hike from the lake Štrbské pleso along the main “Tatra Way” to the hotel Sliezky dom and down to the valley. A funicular railway takes us back to our hotel.
- Hiking
- Transfer to the Slovak Paradise
A “must-see” for every visit to the High Tatras are the famous Studený Potok waterfalls. We approach them from Starý Smokovec and continue to the lake at Skalnaté pleso. The hike down to Tatranská Lomnica is rather steep, so make sure your legs are up to it! A gentler descent is possible by cable car. We then leave the High Tatras for the Slovak Paradise, which is a true paradise for hikers and climbers!
- Moderate hiking
There are many fascinating hiking trails in the Slovak Paradise. This day we will explore the gorge of the River Hornád and climb up the canyon to the ruins of an old monastery from the 13th century. We will take an easier route back to the hotel through the forest.
- Amazing hiking in the gorges
An easy stroll through the forest will soon change into a scramble through one of the most amazing gorges, Veľký Sokol. We will climb ladders and cross the river on footbridges. Experience and courage are required! Once out of the gorge, the forest path to Kláštorisko is easier to manage. We will go down through the gorge Kláštorská roklina and then to Čingov through the canyon of the Hornád River.
- Departure
Farewell to the mountains, transfer to the airport and departure.
Gallery
Skalny Dworek *** Zakopane, PL
The hotel is a quiet and magical place that can charm anryone. It merges modernity and the regional style, to make something that is one of a kind. The unique climate, the congenial atmosphere and professional staff, combined with first-class service, have fostered an ideal place where you can take a rest and relax. We offer 25 cosy rooms of different types and standards, and 2 luxury apartments with air-conditioning.
You will surely be pleased with the beauty and elegance of the design and furnishings of the rooms and fall in love with the homely atmosphere created by all the features combined.
Being comfortable and quiet, the rooms give you the perfect opportunity to relax.
Schronisko Morskie Oko The High Tatras, PL
Morskie Oko (literally "An eye of Sea") is the largest and fourth deepest lake in the Tatra Mountains. It is located deep within the Tatra National Park in Poland in the Rybi Potok Valley. Morskie Oko has been recognized by the journalists of The Wall Street Journal as one of the five most beautiful lakes in the World.
A hut of the Polish Tourist Country-Lovers' Society (PTTK) stands on the moraine that closes the north end of the lake. The hut is situated at 1,405 meters above sea level and is one of the oldest Tatra montain chalets. The hut is named after Staniszlaw Staszic, who explored the lake in 1805. It is a point of departure for hikes to Rysy.
It is open all year round and can accommodate 78 persons – 35 persons in the new large hut and 43 in the old small hut. There are rooms with 3 to 6 beds in the new hut (equipped with bed linen) and multiple-bedded dormitories with bunk beds in the old hut (sleeping bag necessary). There are shared showers and toilets. The hut has a restaurant and also operates a seasonal bar.
Mountain hotel Popradské Pleso * Popradské Pleso, SK
The mountain hotel is situated in the valley “Mengusovská dolina” in the High Tatras, on the shore of Popradské Pleso (lake) close to Štrbské Pleso, at an altitude of 1 494 metres. It is equipped more like a mountain hotel than a mountain chalet. The hotel provides accommodation for a diverse clientele – from apartments for those who need comfort to rooms for undemanding tourists- in 7 types of rooms with different views. Total capacity is 155 beds. Besides accommodation there are many other services provided such as a restaurant, Slovak pub,an infrared and Finnish sauna, hot tub, lounge, reception with the sale and rental of climbing supplies, souvenirs, postcards and snacks, exchange, storage, outdoor terrace, massages, billiards, table tennis, etc.
Park Hotel Čingov *** Smižany, SK
This comfortable hotel in the unspoiled countryside of the Slovak Paradise can be found in the picturesque surroundings of Čingov – Hradisko, the gateway to the Slovak Paradise National Park. The Park and its 220 km of marked tourist paths lead you into an unspoiled landscape of wild rocks and canyons with numerous wonderful waterfalls and natural scenery. The hotel offers its guests comfortable accommodation in 20 double rooms with balconies giving beautiful views of the panorama of the Slovak Paradise and the nearby High Tatra Mountains. A restaurant is also available for guests as well as a bar with pool tables and an outdoor terrace. There is also a sauna and tennis court.
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| On Request |
on request
|
The price includes
- private bus transfer and English speaking tour guide for the entire trip (Swedish, Finnish speaking guides on request)
- transfer of baggages from Zakopane to Popradské Pleso
- accomodation as listed or similar
- full board
- entry fees to the Slovak Paradise
- funicular railway from Tatranská Polianka to Popradské pleso
The price does not include
- air ticket or other transportation cost to Slovakia
- optional visa
- travel and health insurrance
- drinks
- cable car from Skalnaté Pleso to Tatranská Lomnica
All bookings are subject to availability and written confirmation. Dates and prices for private groups will be sent on request.