High Tatras: Peaks, Trails and Natural History

Gerlachovský štít is the highest peak in the Tatras, Slovakia and the Carpathians. This elevation puts the scale of the High Tatras into perspective; mountain lakes, marked trails and the range’s distinctive natural and cultural history also shape its character. Different interests can guide your trip: scenery, wildlife and plant life, walks or insights into life at the foot of the Tatras.

Elevations and landscape

Elevations provide a sense of orientation even away from the highest peak. At 2,376 metres, Sedielko is the highest mountain pass. Skalnaté pleso lies at 1,751 metres in the Skalnatá Valley, below the southern slopes of Lomnický štít. The pass and mountain lake are distinct landforms; these figures place them in the mountain landscape. Alongside the peak, you’ll encounter prominent passes and a high-altitude lake.

Nature in the national park

The High Tatras National Park, TANAP, was founded in 1949 as the first national park of its kind in Slovakia. Since 1993, the Slovak and Polish parts of the High Tatras have together formed a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Tatra chamois is a symbol of the Tatras and has evolved in isolation since the Ice Age. At Lomnický štít, the botanical garden showcases plant species that grow only in this region. Together, these themes reveal different aspects of natural history: a protected area, a transboundary habitat and a regionally distinctive range of animal and plant life.

Hiking trails and different time scales

The Tatranská magistrála crosses the southern slope of the High Tatras as a 46.25-kilometre, red-marked hiking trail. Its length, marking and route give it a distinctive character as a long-distance traverse. From Hrebienok, a 30-minute walk leads to the best-known, accessible waterfalls; it is also suitable for older people and children. This puts a long traverse alongside a walk with a stated duration, offering options for different time budgets. Trail conditions can change, so check them before your visit.

Mountain lake, cable car and rowing boats

Skalnaté pleso can be reached from Tatranská Lomnica by cable car or on foot from Hrebienok or Chata pri Zelenom plese. Operating conditions may vary by season. The aerial cableway to Lomnický štít covers an elevation difference of 855 metres in 8.5 minutes; its operation depends on conditions. If you’re planning a cable-car ride, check the latest operating information in advance.

At the landing stage on Štrbské pleso, 18 stylish wooden rowing boats and one sports rowing boat are available. The boat offering may change; if a rowing trip is part of your plans, check the current information when you’re ready to visit. Tatras Tower offers another clear elevation figure: it is 53 metres high, is accessible to people with disabilities and has its entrance at 1,367 metres above sea level.

Museum and architecture

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 at their foothills. Dioramas depict typical Tatra animals; ethnographic exhibitions explore the material and spiritual culture of communities in the foothills and the Tatras. A visit to the museum thus connects nature with regional everyday life and cultural history.

Starý Smokovec is home to the Neo-Gothic Church of the Immaculate Conception. Built in 1888 in an Alpine style, it features distinctive half-timbering. Its construction date, Neo-Gothic form and Alpine design give the area a distinctive architectural feature alongside its natural and museum history.

Getting your bearings in Starý Smokovec

Starý Smokovec is a transport hub, with a branch of the Tatra Electric Railway and a cable car to Hrebienok. Hrebienok is also the starting point for the 30-minute walk to the waterfalls. This connection makes the town a useful point of reference if you’d like to factor transport links and a specific short walk into your plans.

Discover more destinations: Vranov nad Topľou District, Medzilaborce District, Prešov, Stropkov District, Snina District, Svidník District, Sabinov District, Stará Ľubovňa.

Back to the overview of the region: Prešov Region.