Hiking Trails
More than 600 km of marked trails for all levels
Network of Hiking Trails
The High Tatras offer an extensive network of marked trails for hikers of all levels
Tatra Trail
The longest continuous hiking trail in the High and Western Tatras
Crossing the Tatras on the Tatra Trail
The most famous hiking trail in the Tatras. The Tatra Trail (Tatranská magistrála) is a red-marked trail running along the southern slopes of the Western and High Tatras. The whole route is about 72 km long – from Tokáriny near Jalovec, not far from Liptovský Mikuláš, to Veľké Biele pleso below Kopské sedlo. Pure walking time is about 20 hours, ideally spread over 3–4 days. The highest point is Sedlo pod Svišťovkou.
High Tatras section: Often only the section from Podbanské (about 46 km, 13–15 h of pure walking time) is meant by the Tatra Trail; it runs higher in the mountains with more elevation change. From Podbanské it climbs to Tri studničky, passes Jamské pleso to Štrbské Pleso and continues to Popradské pleso (a side path leads to the Symbolic Cemetery in about 20 min). It zigzags up to Sedlo pod Ostrvou, continues past Batizovské pleso to Sliezsky dom, then via Hrebienok, past Rainerova chata and Obrovský Waterfall to Skalnaté pleso and over Sedlo pod Svišťovkou to Chata pri Zelenom plese. It ends at Veľké Biele pleso below Kopské sedlo.
Stages (approximate pure walking time; signposts often give slightly longer times):
- Stage 1: Podbanské – Tri studničky – Štrbské Pleso (3.5–4.5 h)
- Stage 2: Štrbské Pleso – Popradské pleso – Sedlo pod Ostrvou – Sliezsky dom (4.5–5.5 h)
- Stage 3: Sliezsky dom – Hrebienok – Skalnaté pleso (3–4 h)
- Stage 4: Skalnaté pleso – Sedlo pod Svišťovkou – Chata pri Zelenom plese – Veľké Biele pleso (2.5–3.5 h)
- Western Tatras section: Tokáriny – Podbanské (5.5–6.5 h)
The most beautiful sections: the traverse above Popradské pleso to Sedlo pod Ostrvou, the area around Batizovské pleso, Obrovský Waterfall in Malá Studená Valley, Skalnaté pleso and the views from Sedlo pod Svišťovkou, the highest point of the trail.
Accommodation: There are mountain chalets along the route where you can stay overnight. Booking in advance is essential, especially in the high season. Chalets on or right next to the trail: Chata pri Popradskom plese (formerly Chata kapitána Morávku), Sliezsky dom, Bilíkova chata, Zamkovského chata and Chata pri Zelenom plese. Accommodation is also available in Podbanské and Štrbské Pleso.
Easy Trails (suitable for families)
Easy walks with beautiful views
Štrbské pleso – Loop
A beautiful walk around Štrbské pleso. The paved path is suitable even for strollers. Wonderful views of the surrounding peaks and information boards about the nature and history of the area. Refreshments are available at several places.
Hrebienok – Studený potok Waterfalls
From Hrebienok (reached by funicular from Starý Smokovec, or about 45 min on foot) it takes about 15 minutes to the Studený potok waterfalls. Following the red Tatra Trail past Rainerova chata, you reach Obrovský Waterfall in Malá Studená Valley in about half an hour; it is roughly 20 metres high. Suitable for all ages.
Hrebienok – Loop
A loop from Hrebienok (reached by funicular) via Bilíkova chata. Beautiful views of Slavkovský štít and the Tatra valleys. You may see marmots; in winter the trails are well groomed.
Popradské pleso – Loop
A comfortable path leads around Popradské pleso, one of the largest Tatra tarns, with a beautiful reflection of the Mengusovské štíty. You can continue to the Symbolic Cemetery.
Moderately Difficult Trails
For more experienced hikers in good shape
Hrebienok – Zamkovského chata – Téryho chata
A classic route through Malá Studená Valley: about an hour from Hrebienok to Zamkovského chata, then about two hours to Téryho chata. Beautiful views of waterfalls, forest sections and a high-mountain landscape that gradually opens up. The destination is the Five Spiš Tarns. You can stay overnight at Téryho chata.
Hrebienok – Zbojnícka chata
Through Veľká Studená Valley to the chalet. The route starts at the Studený potok waterfalls and gradually climbs into the high mountains. There are 26 tarns in Veľká Studená Valley! You can continue to the individual tarns.
Štrbské Pleso – Popradské pleso
A section of the Tatra Trail climbing gently to Popradské pleso, with views of the Mengusovské štíty. From the tarn it is about 20 minutes to the Symbolic Cemetery; along the Tatra Trail you can continue to Sedlo pod Ostrvou and Sliezsky dom.
Biela voda – Zelené pleso
A pleasant hike through the forest and up the Zelené pleso valley to one of the most beautiful Tatra tarns. It starts at the Biela voda bus stop between Tatranská Lomnica and Tatranská Kotlina. Zelené pleso has emerald-green water, and Chata pri Zelenom plese by the tarn offers refreshments. Excellent view of Jastrabia veža.
Difficult Ascents
For experienced hikers in excellent shape
Tri studničky – Kriváň
An ascent of the national symbol of Slovakia. The green-marked trail zigzags up via Grúnik and the Krivánsky žľab gully into the alpine zone. The last sections are rocky and exposed. Requires good fitness, a sure footing in exposed terrain and suitable weather. Unforgettable views from the summit!
Štrbské Pleso – Rysy
The highest peak accessible without a mountain guide. The ascent leads via Popradské pleso, the Žabie plesá Mengusovské tarns and Chata pod Rysmi. The summit lies on the Slovak–Polish border. Requires experience, good fitness and an early start.
Popradské pleso – Sedlo pod Ostrvou – Sliezsky dom
A high-mountain section of the Tatra Trail. From Popradské pleso it zigzags up to Sedlo pod Ostrvou with views of Mengusovská Valley, then runs below the peaks past Batizovské pleso to Sliezsky dom by Velické pleso. Rocky terrain and long stretches above the tree line with no shelter – dangerous in a thunderstorm.
Téryho chata – Priečne sedlo – Zbojnícka chata
A yellow-marked crossing from Malá to Veľká Studená Valley, described as the technically most difficult marked trail in the High Tatras. The steep section below the saddle is secured with chains and metal steps; since 2013 the trail can be walked in both directions. For experienced hikers only, in dry weather and without snow.
Tatra Valleys
Each valley has its own unique character
Malá Studená Valley
The most visited valley, with Obrovský Waterfall, Zamkovského chata, Téryho chata and the Five Spiš Tarns. Excellent views of Lomnický štít and the main ridge.
Veľká Studená Valley
A valley with 26 tarns. It leads to Zbojnícka chata and on to the high-mountain tarns. Beautiful views of Lomnický štít and Ľadový štít.
Mengusovská Valley
The valley with Popradské pleso and the Symbolic Cemetery, through which the marked trail to Rysy leads. Views of the Mengusovské štíty.
Furkotská Valley
A valley about 5.5 km long, north-west of Štrbské pleso. It holds the Wahlenbergove plesá and Furkotské plesá tarns, with views of Furkotský štít and Solisko. A popular full-day hike.
Mlynická Valley
A valley above Štrbské Pleso with the Skok waterfall and Capie pleso. You can climb all the way to Bystré sedlo, with views over Furkotská Valley.
Javorová Valley
A northern valley above Tatranská Javorina, about 10 km long. Less well known, it offers quieter hiking; a marked trail leads up it to the Sedielko saddle and on to Téryho chata.
Trail Markings
Red Markings
Main long-distance trails, including the Tatra Trail. They connect key points and cross the entire range. The most important trails in the Tatras.
Blue Markings
Secondary trails, often connecting valleys or leading to chalets and notable places. Important links between the main trails.
Green Markings
Access trails from towns and villages to the valleys. They usually lead from lower altitudes to the start of the main hiking trails.
Yellow Markings
Shorter local trails, loops or connecting paths. They often lead to local points of interest or form loops in combination with other trails.