The Tatra chamois is a symbol of the Tatras and has evolved in isolation since the Ice Age. Gerlachovský štít is also the highest peak in the Tatras, Slovakia and the Carpathians. In the High Tatras, nature, elevation and culture come together in different ways: in protected landscapes, by mountain lakes, along trails and in museums. This lets you shape your discoveries around the topics that interest you most.
Peaks, Mountain Passes and Lakes
The region’s high-altitude landmarks represent different types of landscape. At 2,376 metres, Sedielko is the highest mountain pass. Skalnaté pleso lies at an altitude of 1,751 metres in the Skalnatá Valley, beneath the southern slopes of Lomnický štít. The lake, the pass and the peak are therefore quite different landmarks to help you get to know the mountain landscape.
The Tatranská magistrála adds a longer route linking these prominent places: this red-marked hiking trail is 46.25 kilometres long and crosses the southern slope of the High Tatras. You can reach Skalnaté pleso from Tatranská Lomnica by cable car; on foot, it is accessible from Hrebienok or Chata pri Zelenom plese. Operating conditions may vary seasonally, so check the latest information for your planned journey before visiting.
Nature and Conservation History
The Tatra National Park (TANAP) was founded in 1949. The High Tatras National Park was established as the first national park of its kind in Slovakia. Since 1993, the Slovak and Polish parts of the High Tatras have formed a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The dates mark different milestones: the establishment of the national park and the cross-border designation as a biosphere reserve.
The region’s plants and wildlife also offer a tangible way to discover its nature. Atop Lomnický štít, a botanical garden showcases plant species that grow only in this region. The Tatra chamois is not just a symbol of the Tatras; its isolated evolution dates back to the period since the Ice Age. Together, these examples offer different perspectives on the natural history of the High Tatras.
Water, Views and Activities
At the pier on Štrbské pleso, 18 stylish wooden rowing boats and one sport rowing boat are available. As fleet details may change, it is worth checking the latest information before your visit. The cable car to Lomnický štít offers a different perspective from the heights: it covers an elevation gain of 855 metres in 8.5 minutes. Its operation depends on conditions.
The Tatras Tower is 53 metres high and accessible to visitors with reduced mobility; its entrance is at 1,367 metres above sea level. A walk can also be an experience in its own right: from Hrebienok, a 30-minute trail leads to the best-known accessible waterfalls. It is also suitable for older people and children. As trail conditions may change, check the latest information before setting out.
Cultural Insights
The TANAP Museum in Tatranská Lomnica presents the nature and history of the Tatras, as well as the former way of life and culture of the people who lived in the foothills of the Tatras. Dioramas feature typical Tatra animals; ethnographic exhibitions explore the material and spiritual culture of communities in the foothills and in the Tatras. The museum thus combines natural history with insights into life in the region.
In Starý Smokovec, you can see another chapter in the history of architecture: the Neo-Gothic Church of the Immaculate Conception was built in the Alpine style in 1888. Its distinctive half-timbered construction makes this architectural style easy to recognise. Along with the exhibitions at the TANAP Museum, the church complements the themes of nature and landscape with cultural history.
Discover more destinations: Snina District, Svidník District, Bardejov, Levoča District, Vranov nad Topľou District, Kežmarok District, Poprad District, Stará Ľubovňa.
Return to the main travel overview: Prešov.
