Hike Slovakia’s High Tatras Mountains in a Weekend
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, local, English-speaking guidesHotel
3 nights in a family-run hotelMeals
All your breakfasts and dinnersTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenPermits
All permits and entry feesSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 8 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
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 Adventure Hiking in Slovakia in a Week
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
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
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
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.
The Area
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.
Alternatively, there are a small number of flights between the UK and Poprad-Tatry Airport. Private transfers between this airport and your starting/finishing point are not available, however, the cost of a taxi is approximately 15-25 EUR one way.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
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 on a sunny day can be 20-30 °C. It rains approximately 12 days each month, totalling 80mm monthly.
Spring and autumn temperatures are cooler, ranging from 4 – 13 °C, but it is also drier (just 60mm monthly) and the colours are beautiful.
Make sure to pack for occasional rainfall and cooler evenings.
Stunning Slovakia!
Highly recommend this hiking trip in the High Tatras mountains. Our guide, Jan, was superb; we enjoyed some wonderful conversations and learnt so much about Slovakia and this particular region. The hikes were varied and really enjoyable, the scenery was out of this world, with spectacular views. I’d recommend going in October as the autumnal colours were so beautiful. Our hotel was comfortable and the food (and wine!) excellent; the jacuzzi/spa an added bonus (as was the evening visit to the thermal baths). All in all it was a wonderful hiking experience, made all the more special having Jan as our guide and a really friendly group. I didn’t want it to end!
Excellently organised trip with a great local guide!
The trip was with a fantastic group, our guide Tom had amazing knowledge of the area! It was well organised and we got to see a vast amount of the Tatras throughout the 3 days! Would highly recommend to anyone looking to explore Slovakia!
Surpassing all others - MBA are a class act
I can't praise this trip highly enough. The organisation was seamless, our brilliant guide Tom took care of everything and made the trip carefree and really fun. The hotel was very comfortable, the staff very accommodating, great breakfast and dinner choices and the spa after a hard day up the mountains was a lovely addition!
The hiking was excellent, the routes chosen over the 3 days were very different, the scenery was spectacular and we really enjoyed the more challenging and technical sections.
We had a wonderful group of like minded souls which further cemented a very magical weekend in the mountains.
Special extra mention to mountain man Tom, who was born to be a mountain guide. He generously shared his extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna, his passion for nature and our surroundings, while making us laugh and keeping us safe. What a dude : )
Moody and magical
I joined this trip in the first weekend of October and had the most amazing time. We only saw glimpses of the majestic Tatras mountains due to the mist, but really enjoyed the moody, atmospheric experience and autumn colours. Our guide Patrick was fantastic. He kept a close eye on the weather and adjusted our itinerary to make the most of our trip. We visited breathtakingly beautiful caves, hiked through forests and around lakes, ate wonderfully hearty food and soaked in thermal baths. The group was great too. As with all my other Much Better Adventures trips, we met as strangers and left as friends.
Slovakia is magický
My first trip with MBA, it did not disappoint! Tom was an incredible guide, so knowledgeable about the mountains, the wildlife and fauna and clearly passionate about introducing people to Slovakia. I really enjoyed the hikes, the views are incredible and Tom planned the days perfectly so we got the best conditions for each hike. Already planning my next trip!
Life changing trip
Tom was an exceptional guide. He planned a wonderful trip that matched our abilities as a group and showed us the best that Slovakia has to offer. Would not hesitate to recommend this trip in an extraordinarily beautiful place.
Fabulous hiking trip
I've just spent a fabulous few days hiking in the High Tatras mountains of Slovakia. We had three days of varied hikes with breathtaking views and stunning scenery. Tom was a wonderful guide, so knowledgeable and with a great sense of humour. Tye hospitality was also superb. This trip really exceeded my expectations and I'm so thrilled I have taken the time to visit this beautiful country
Exceeded expectations!
This trip exceeded my expectations! From start to finish it was so well organised. Our guide Patrick was superb, supportive, kind & knowledgeable. The hotel & food were awesome plus meeting a group of like minded people. Thank you MBA, I will definitely book with you again & recommend you to my friends. Slovakia, wow, stunning scenery! Every day the trip offered a new experience! 5 stars from me.
Trip of a lifetime
This was my first time as a solo traveller and I was made to feel at ease as soon as I arrived. I was really anxious about this trip (especially as I have food allergies) but I couldn't have wished for a better time. Our guide, Tom, was not only lovely and welcoming but you could also tell he knew what he was doing. We had the worst weather for this trip (constant rain, winds and flooding) but he still managed to tweak the itinerary to make it brilliant for us. I would 100% recommend this trip, especially if this is your first time. I've met so many wonderful people, eaten a 3 course meal each evening and seen the most beautiful views all in such a short space of time. If you're considering it, DO IT!
Much Better Adventures
Excellent programme. Our guide, Tomas, adjusted the hikes because of the severe rainfall. Because of this we were able to hike everyday. The Penzión was also good, plenty of good food. Also, not expensive. Loved it, looking forward to doing another trip with them
Weekend top adventure
A fantastic weekend despite awful weather, turned around by the resourceful Tom. Great walks, group and organisation.
Best weekend ever!
Tom was an awesome guide who lined up three amazing hikes for us, adjusted things based on the weather conditions, made sure everyone was happy and was just generally superb. The High Tatras were unbelievably beautiful.
Spectacular!
I loved this 3 day hiking adventure in the beautiful high Tatras mountains. Tom our guide was a perfect host - everything was well planned and ran like clockwork. He was passionate about sharing his knowledge about the nature and the area we were in. The group was super fun and made everything so enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone who is able to hike for a full day and able to manage some rocky terrain. I don’t like heights but this trip was fine for me. The hotel was comfortable and the food was tasty. It even had a hot tub for a little extra money which was very welcome after a long hike!
A brilliant weekend
Another MBA brilliant weekend. Firstly, Jan. He was vibrant, knowledgeable, funny and obviously loves his job. It was only a small group of six but we worked well and supported each other and that was mainly due to Jan's comfortable and relaxed.nature. The hikes were as stated, moderate. Jan changed the itinerary so that we has the best weather on all days but that first ascent shocked us all, especially in the heat. It was challenging in parts, where we used the chain and navigated some boulders but that added to the fun and diversity if the trip. The slovakian high tatras, although small in area, make up for it with a simply stunning backdrop. The vistas are incredible.and well worth the hike up and down to stand and see the spectacular views. The hotel was comfortable and the food varied and accommodated for veggies and vegans. I would highly recommend this weekend.
Pictures don't do the views justice!
Great trip - definitely recommend. Jan was professional, funny and a great guide throughout the trip - his experience made sure we avoided any potential bad weather and had the best experience. The hotel is basic but well located. The views along the hikes are better than you can imagine. If you're debating booking this trip - go for it.
Beautiful mountains and lakes
This was my first trip with MBA and it didn’t disappoint, I have never done anything like this before so found the hikes challenging partly due to the terrain and heat but also being slightly deluded about my fitness levels!! However I am so pleased that I did it as it was an incredible experience the scenery was amazing and our group was fantastic (big thank you to everyone for being so supportive ☺️). Our guide Tom was brilliant, kind, friendly and so passionate about his country. The hotel was basic but comfortable and the staff were friendly and welcoming. Great weekend would definitely recommend.
Fab weekend in High Tatras
High Tatras were on my list to visit for a long time and I’m glad I chose this MBA adventure. It was my first time going on MBA trip and it did not disappoint. It was short but sweet, scenery was amazing, group was fabulous and our guide Tom was great! Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and highly recommend to anyone that’s looking to spend a few days in the mountains.
Great host, exceptional scenery
The scenery was exquisite, better than I imagined! The hiking was harder than I anticipated, especially in the heat. Had an amazing experience with my group. Our host Tom went above & beyond to ensure our trip was amazing. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend MBA or the high Tatras to other travelers. Must try the halusky at the hut for lunch 💕
Relatively mild hikes on rocky grond, but fab views!
A weekend away in the High Tatras Mountains was just what I needed. Whilst the hikes are not very strenuous, they are quite rocky and technical in parts. I didn't find the hiking a challenge, but it was fun and the views and lakes are absolutely spectacular.
A massive shout-out to out guide Tom who quickly threw together a Plan B when a thunderstorm was forecast on one of the days, and kept the trip going strong. He's super knowledgeable and friendly too, top guy.
As a vegan choices are limited, as to be expected, so bring plenty of snacks!
Incredible adventure
This is a great little adventure around a few locations in the Tatras Mountains. Our guide, Tom, had incredible knowledge both of the mountains and Slovakia as a whole which was great to be able to learn so much. This was my first MBA adventure and so I went for a beginners difficulty rating however as a seasoned hiker I'd say it was far easier than expected and would be suitable for anyone that hadn't hiked before as long as they were reasonably fit and active. It was still a great experience however I would recommend perhaps doing the adventure hiking experience if you are already a hiker as it may be a bit more if a challenge.
Enchanting forests and crystal lakes!
The trip starts with a 2-3hr drive to the hotel in the Tatas with a stop off for food and restroom half way through. Drive went pretty quick because of the amazing views and group dynamic.
Hiking through the forest over rugged terrain truly felt like you were exploring hidden paths. Please note that the hikes are quite technical. They were as expected in terms of cardio difficulty, but a little more technical than expected due to very large boulders and rocky terrain. Hiking poles are recommend for 2/3 of the hikes. A couple of us decided to be more careful than the rest of the group going down the mountain, be prepared for the group to not stick together the whole time.
Our guide Tom was well equipped and has poles he can give you.
The guide was very experienced at gaging people’s fitness and checking in on everyone, in addition to appropriately planning for adverse weather etc and planning alternatives which were all great!
This was my second MBA trip and it didn’t disappoint!
If you are fit and are confident negotiating uneven rocky terrain then don’t hesitate, book the trip!
Hike, culture, parené buchty, what more could you want
Went on this tour with two friends in August - everything was run really well! We loved our tour guide Tom, he was easy going yet organized, and knew a lot about Slovak culture, language and history that he shared with us. The hiking itself was fantastic! The views were amazing and the hiking was challenging but not too strenuous. Our group were chilled, like minded and really easy to get on with. Also, MBA was kind enough to put us 3 in a single room together. Overall, had a great time and will look to do another hiking tour with MBA!
Beautiful place let down by guide
Great scenery. Accommodation basic but nice. Food good. Guide drivers like a lunatic, on walks disappears in the distance and generally doesn't care for the slowest in the party. The walk is about the process and the journey not just about getting to the next checkpoint. Allow people to slow down and enjoy the views!
Wonderful trip with my family!
Went with my brother and dad on the Tatras trek and we had an amazing time. Our guide, Jan, was really helpful the whole way through and the flexibility on the treks meant we could add in or divert treks if there was something in particular we wanted to see or if we were a bit tired! The treks weren't technically challenging but the level of ascent/descent and the length of 'the big walk' meant it challenged our endurance and recovery....and our downhill knees!
We were very lucky as we had wonderful company across the 4 days which made the walks even more enjoyable. Would absolutely recommend this trip for anyone looking for something mildly challenging and in beautiful surroundings.
Incredible!
This is an incredible trip! Our guide Jan was fantastic and kept us entertained and safe with his great humour and excellent knowledge of the mountains. The walks are very manageable for anyone with a decent level of fitness and the scenery is amazing. The hotel was lovely too and the trip catered well for vegetation diets. Thanks MBA for another great trip!
First of all, a big
First of all, a big shout-out to our local guide, Jan. He was polite and checked in on everyone to make sure they were doing fine. Unfortunately, I was unable to do the second hike because of the boulders; I struggled to get across them on the first hike. But that's okay, as safety has to come before fun. The hotel we stayed at was just lovely, and the staff couldn't do enough for you.
Absolute Pleasure
The most well spent weekend in quite a long time! Too many memories worth cherishing forever. Definitely recommend this trip.
This was my first group
This was my first group trip and I would absolutely recommend. The group was brilliant, the accommodation was lovely (I even got a mountain view room!), the level of hikes was just what I was hoping for (mostly moderate with a couple of more challenging parts). Tom was a wonderful guide who ensured everyone was comfortable throughout the hikes, and also kept us entertained with fascinating stories about the history of Slovakia and its landscape. Already looking forward to booking my next trip with MBA!
Magical Mountains
Such a beautiful adventure through the High Tatrus Mountains with our amazing guide Tom
We were taken away by the beauty of this mountain range and the forest foothills
The routes were well considered, accessible to most with a few challenges to keep it interesting
The mountain ‘huts’ were an experience in themselves. The food was fabulous, hot and hearty, just the order after a morning of hiking.
The accommodation was superb, a traditional style chalet with all the charm. The staff were friendly and the food was fantastic.
Our guide Tom was the star of the show. Knowledgeable, experienced, organised and a real gentleman.
I’d definitely do this trip again if there weren’t so many other MBAdventures tempting me.
A wonderful adventure with wonderful people. I loved every minute.
Absolutely stunning scenery
This was my first MBA trip and it didn't disappoint! It's a very well organised trip – a lot is packed into the three days without it feeling like too much. The High Tatras are truly stunning and every hike gave us beautiful views.
The physical demands of the hikes were about what I expected. I think anyone with a good level of fitness would be fine – people who struggle with heights may find parts challenging (though I can get nervous with heights and was fine). I loved how varied the trails were.
I was impressed with the accommodation; the rooms are comfy and the food was much better than I was expecting. I'm vegetarian and they catered for me very well. The portions are generous! The wellness centre with sauna & jacuzzi was a lovely treat after a day's hiking.
Tom, our guide, was fantastic – he was great at making sure everybody was happy and helping the members of our group who found the trails trickier. He was very knowledgeable about the area and Slovakian history, and as a bonus he takes great photos! He really made the trip brilliant.
All in all the trip was everything I wanted and I'm already looking into what I'd like to book next!
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
Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Private Room Upgrade
… Per Person
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 122kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
You'll need to bring all your luggage with you, however on each day of hiking your main luggage can be left in the hotel in Novy Smokovec. You will only need to have a daypack for each day of hiking.
The local tap water is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottles (at least 1.5L) to fill up to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.
For current advice about travelling in Slovakia, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude, by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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