High Tatra Mountains · Slovakia
9 Days Hiking and Camping in the High Tatra Mountains
The High Tatra Mountains (locally known as Vysoké Tatry) form the highest range of the Carpathian Mountains and create a spectacular natural border between Slovakia and Poland. Renowned for their dramatic peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, waterfalls, and extensive network of hiking trails, the Tatras are one of Central Europe’s premier outdoor destinations, offering everything from gentle lakeside walks to challenging mountain ascents amidst breathtaking scenery.
This guide goes over 9 amazing hikes in the High Tatra Mountains, organised around a base-camp approach: setup camp once, then explore the area on day hikes.
ACTIVITY OVERVIEW
📏 Distance
230km/143mi
⏱️ Duration
9 days
⛰️ Highest point
2,503m /8,212ft
🗓 Best Season
Mid June – September
ESTIMATED COSTS
🚌 Transfers
~30 EUR
⛺ Pitches
~170 EUR
🍦 Food
~20-30 EUR per day
What to Expect
in the High Tatra Mountains
Hiking in the High Tatras Mountains offers a fantastic mix of well-marked trails, crystal-clear mountain lakes, rugged peaks, waterfalls, and welcoming mountain huts serving hearty Slovak food. Whether you're looking for an easy walk or a challenging summit, the Slovak side has something for every level of hiker, with spectacular alpine scenery never far from the trail.
⛰️ Rysy
The highest peak in Poland and one of the most rewarding hikes in the Tatras, offering exceptional views across both countries.
⛰️ Kriváň
Slovakia's national mountain and a symbol of Slovak identity, famous for its distinctive curved summit and challenging ascent.
⛰️ Kôprovský štít
A magnificent summit hike with sweeping views over glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and the highest peaks of the Tatras.
⛰️ Slavkovský štít
A rewarding summit hike rising directly above Starý Smokovec, offering expansive panoramic views of the High Tatras, alpine valleys, and distant mountain ranges.
🏞️ Veľké Hincovo Pleso
The largest and deepest lake in the High Tatras, surrounded by rugged mountain scenery and reached via a rewarding full-day hike.
🛖 Téryho Chata
A spectacular mountain hut surrounded by glacial lakes and rocky peaks, making it one of the most scenic hiking destinations in Slovakia.
🛖 Zbojnícka chata
One of the High Tatras' most scenic mountain huts, tucked away in the beautiful Veľká Studená Valley. Surrounded by waterfalls, rugged peaks and alpine scenery.
🏞️ Zelené Pleso
Known for its striking emerald-green waters and scenic mountain hut, this is one of the most beautiful day hikes in the range.
🌊 Vodopády Studeného Potoka
A series of beautiful waterfalls connected by forest and mountain trails, perfect for a shorter but highly rewarding hike.
⛰️ Priečne sedlo and Prielom
Exhilarating mountain passes, featuring chains and ladders with spectacular views of rugged peaks, glacial valleys, and alpine lakes.
🗺️ Trail Maps & Navigation
Full route overview with key waypoints and navigation information.
Famous Peaks
Sections of the Tatranská Magistrála Thru-Hike
Famous Huts and Technical Circulars
⚠️ The maps provided on this website are intended as a general guide only. Conditions, routes, and features may change at any time. Always rely on your own judgement and seek local or professional advice if possible.
🧭 Navigation Tips
Download offline maps before you go — cell signal is unreliable.
Carry a physical map as backup — batteries die in cold weather.
Note key safety locations and emergency shelter options for each stage.
Check weather and trail conditions the evening before each stage.
Preparation
in Poprad
0
Poprad is a gateway city to the High Tatras, known for its convenient transport links, thermal spa complex, and historic Spišská Sobota district, making it a popular base for exploring Slovakia’s mountains and national parks.
Getting to Slovakia
✈️ Fly
The most convenient airport to get to the Slovak Paradise is Poprad-Tatry Airport (TAT) located a short 10min car journey from central Poprad.
Other nearby airports include Košice International Airport (KSC) and Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK) in Poland but they are 1.5hr and 3hr away by public transport respectively.
60-150 EUR
Transport to Poprad
🚕 Ride Sharing
Bolt is a great balance between price and convenience. Do keep in mind that it may take up to 20 minutes to find a drive as the airport is quite small and there is not that many drivers in Poprad.
~5-10 EUR · 10 min
🚕 Taxis
Taxis are always an option for but does require a bit more negotiation. Initially, they will ask for 20 EUR to get to Popard city center but with some haggling, you can get them down to 15 or a bit lower. Always agree on the price before getting in.
~15 - 20 EUR · 10 min
🚎 Public Buses
There are no public buses to and from the airport.
Where to Stay
🏨 Hotels and Hostels
There are plenty of hotels and hostels which can be booked by all the popular online travel agent sites such as Booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb.
Hostels / guesthouses: 20 to 40 EUR
Budget hotels: 30 to 80 EUR
20-80 EUR
💡Considering the cost of accomodation and camping are quite close, especially if you factor in the cost of checked luggage or have multiple people sharing , it would make more sense to have a nice comfortable bed to stay in at night.
🏕️ Rijo Camping Stara Lesna
RIJO Camping is a fully featured campsite in the heart of the High Tatras, offering tent and caravan pitches with stunning views of Lomnický Peak. The biggest benefit is that it is an easy 15min walk to Stara Lesna train station providing you easy access to the wider Tatra electric rail network.
To get to campsite, you can catch the Tatra electric railway from Podprad-Tatry station. You will need to change at Starý Smokovec and catch a connecting service in the direction of Tatranska Lomnica.
Google maps is pretty accurate with the schedule but strangely, some stations are not listed as stops even though they are active. This includes Stara Lesna.
16 EUR
💡Tatra electric railway - Tickets can be purchased at major train stations or online via the Slovak Rail website. I recommend downloading their mobile app called IDeme vlakom and getting the weekly ticket for 16EUR. This provides unlimited travel on the electric rail network which includes: Štrba to Štrbské Pleso, Poprad Tatry to Štrbské Pleso and Starý Smokovec to Tatranská Lomnica.
Please note that the account registration process can be a bit confusing for english readers as the pages are only partially translated. If you need help with creating an account, you can follow the step-by-step guide.
Stocking Up on Supplies
🎒 Decathlon
Decathlon is a large international sporting-goods store known for affordable, good-quality equipment for almost every outdoor and athletic activity.
🎒INTERSPORT Galfy Poprad
A well-stocked outdoor and sports retailer selling hiking gear, clothing and footwear. Only sells Campingaz gas canisters.
🎒Sportrysy Poprad OC Storeland
A specialist outdoor equipment store offering high-quality hiking, mountaineering, and skiing gear.
⚠️ Check the connector type! Campingaz is a very common brand of camping gas in France but uses a proprietary connector instead the usual screw thread.
🛒 Tesco Supermarket Poprad Forum
Offering a full range of groceries, fresh produce, snacks, and travel essentials right in the center of the city.
🛒 Kaufland
A large discount supermarket in Poprad offering affordable groceries, fresh bakery items, fruit and vegetables and drinks. Located right next to the train station and bus depot.
🛒 BILLA
A mid-size supermarket, located next to the train station and bus depot offering everyday groceries, fresh bakery items, snacks, drinks and travel essentials.
🎒 Decathlon
Decathlon is a large international sporting-goods store known for affordable, good-quality equipment for almost every outdoor and athletic activity.
🎒INTERSPORT Galfy Poprad
A well-stocked outdoor and sports retailer selling hiking gear, clothing and footwear.
🎒Sportrysy Poprad OC Storeland
A specialist outdoor equipment store offering high-quality hiking, mountaineering, and skiing gear.
Things to Do
🏄♀️ AquaCity Poprad
One of Slovakia's best-known thermal water and wellness resorts. It features indoor and outdoor thermal pools, saunas, wellness facilities, and mountain views. It's particularly enjoyable after hiking in the Tatras or on a break day to help the body heal.
🛝 Spišská Sobota
A beautifully preserved medieval quarter of Poprad with colourful burgher houses, a historic square, and the Gothic Church of St. George. It's much quieter than many European old towns and makes for a pleasant stroll.
🛍️ Tatra Gallery
An unusual contemporary art gallery housed in a former power station, featuring Slovak and international artists.
Hikes to Famous Peaks
A selection of hikes to the most popular and accessible peaks in the Tatra Mountains.
Štrbské Pleso to
Rysy Return
1
9.5hrhr · 20.9km · 1,260m ascent
At 2,503 metres, Rysy is Slovakia’s highest peak you can climb without a guide and is one of the country’s most famous hikes. The trail passes the clear lakes Popradské Pleso and Veľké Hincovo Pleso, then crosses rocky alpine ground to the summit. With its mountain lakes, dramatic views, and the reward of reaching a top Tatras peak, Rysy is a memorable goal for experienced walkers.
Disclaimer
Please note that this is only a draft based on other sources and research - I have not personally completed this hike yet.
I do plan to return and hike it in the future. Stay tuned!
Top Tips
This hike gets extremely busy during peak season. It will be best to start early to beat the crowds and also avoid potential afternoon storms.
The chains create quite the bottleneck. Be patient and give people plenty of space to ensure everyone stays safe.
Due to the location of the Bufet Majláthova chata, the timing for lunch won’t be great. If you can’t wait, it would make more sense to self cater for lunch.
Food Options
☕ Cafe Furkotka
A cosy cafe serving coffee, homemade cakes, pastries, and light meals.
~5-10 EUR
🛒 Kaffex Supermarket
A small well stocked supermarket with all the basic supplies and not badly priced considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
🛖 Bufet Majláthova chata
is a simple mountain hut buffet in the Velická Valley, serving quick warm meals, soups, and drinks—an ideal refuelling stop for hikers in the High Tatras.
~5-15 EUR
🍽️ Koliba Patria
A traditional Slovak koliba-style restaurant serving hearty mountain dishes like bryndzové halušky, goulash, roasted meats and dumplings in a rustic wooden setting with lake views.
~10-20 EUR
🍽️ Reštaurácia Furkotka
A cosy mountain restaurant serving hearty Slovak dishes such as bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon), kapustnica (sauerkraut soup with sausage), goulash, schnitzels and more.
~10-20 EUR
Štrbské Pleso to
Kriváň Peak
Return
2
9hr · 20.6km · 1,1130m ascent
With its distinctive curved summit, Kriváň is Slovakia’s national mountain and one of the most iconic peaks in the High Tatras. The challenging hike climbs through forests, alpine meadows, and rocky mountain terrain before reaching a spectacular summit with amazing views across the Tatras and surrounding valleys.
A popular cultural saying states that every Slovak must hike to the summit at least once in their lifetime
Disclaimer
Please note that this is only a draft based on other sources and research - I have not personally completed this hike yet.
I do plan to return and hike it in the future. Stay tuned!
Top Tips
Start early and be prepared. This is a very long hike with no food options on the way.
Food Options
☕ Cafe Furkotka
A cosy cafe serving coffee, homemade cakes, pastries, and light meals.
~5-10 EUR
🛒 Kaffex Supermarket
A small well stocked supermarket with all the basic supplies and not badly priced considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
🍽️ Koliba Patria
A traditional Slovak koliba-style restaurant serving hearty mountain dishes like bryndzové halušky, goulash, roasted meats and dumplings in a rustic wooden setting with lake views.
~10-20 EUR
🍽️ Reštaurácia Furkotka
A cosy mountain restaurant serving hearty Slovak dishes such as bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon), kapustnica (sauerkraut soup with sausage), goulash, schnitzels and more.
~10-20 EUR
Štrbské Pleso to
Kôprovský Štít Return
3
9hr · 20.1km · 1,070m ascent
one of the best day hikes in the High Tatras, taking you past crystal-clear mountain lakes, through beautiful alpine valleys, and up to one of the region's most impressive viewpoints. The trail passes Popradské pleso and Veľké Hincovo pleso before climbing steadily to the summit, where you're rewarded with sweeping views of peaks like Kriváň and Rysy. It's a long day on the trail, but with no technical sections, it's a fantastic hike for anyone looking to experience the best of the High Tatras.
Disclaimer
Please note that this is only a draft based on other sources and research - I have not personally completed this hike yet.
I do plan to return and hike it in the future. Stay tuned!
Top Tips
Due to the location of the Bufet Majláthova chata, the timing for lunch won’t be great. If you can’t wait, it would make more sense to self cater for lunch.
Food Options
☕ Cafe Furkotka
A cosy cafe serving coffee, homemade cakes, pastries, and light meals.
~5-10 EUR
🛒 Kaffex Supermarket
A small well stocked supermarket with all the basic supplies and not badly priced considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
🛖 Bufet Majláthova chata
is a simple mountain hut buffet in the Velická Valley, serving quick warm meals, soups, and drinks—an ideal refuelling stop for hikers in the High Tatras.
~5-15 EUR
🍽️ Koliba Patria
A traditional Slovak koliba-style restaurant serving hearty mountain dishes like bryndzové halušky, goulash, roasted meats and dumplings in a rustic wooden setting with lake views.
~10-20 EUR
🍽️ Reštaurácia Furkotka
A cosy mountain restaurant serving hearty Slovak dishes such as bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon), kapustnica (sauerkraut soup with sausage), goulash, schnitzels and more.
~10-20 EUR
Starý Smokovec to
Slavkovský Štít
Return
4
8hr · 14.8km · 1,390m ascent
Rising directly above Starý Smokovec, Slavkovský štít is one of the most rewarding summit hikes in the High Tatras, offering a challenging but non-technical ascent to a panoramic viewpoint at 2,452 metres. The trail steadily climbs through alpine terrain before opening onto expansive views of the Tatras’ highest peaks, glacial valleys, and distant lowlands, making it an excellent choice for hikers seeking a classic High Tatras summit experience without the need for chains or ladders.
Disclaimer
Please note that this is only a draft based on other sources and research - I have not personally completed this hike yet.
I do plan to return and hike it in the future. Stay tuned!
Top Tips
It is possible to take a small shortcut by riding the Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok funicular. A return journey will cost about 16 EUR (15 EUR if you sign up to a GoPass account), runs every 30 minute and operates between 7:00am and 19:00pm.
Food Options
🍽️ MONDIEU
A modern café known for its breakfast and morning brunch offering, serving freshly baked pastries, croissants, eggs, pancakes, avocado toast, and quality coffee in a relaxed, stylish setting
~5-10 EUR
🛒 COOP Jednota SUPERMARKET
A small well stocked supermarket in the heart Starý Smokovec. Surprisingly, the prices are not too bad considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
🍽️ Dobré Časy
A lively gastropub serving craft beers alongside burgers, steaks, pizzas, and modern Slovak favourites in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Best part is that you don’t have to rush back from your hike as Dobré Časy open until late.
~10-20 EUR
🛒 COOP Jednota SUPERMARKET
A small well stocked supermarket in the heart Starý Smokovec. Surprisingly, the prices are not too bad considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
Part of the
Tatranská Magistrála
The Tatranská magistrála is a classic long-distance hiking trail running along the southern slopes of the High Tatras, linking mountain resorts, lakes, and viewpoints on a mostly well-marked red route with some of the best panoramic scenery in Slovakia.
Štrbské Pleso to
Starý Smokovec via
Tatranská Magistrála
5
9hr · 23.4km · 870m ascent
A classic section of the Tatranská magistrála runs from Štrbské Pleso through alpine forests and scenic ridgelines, passing viewpoints and mountain huts as it traverses the southern slopes of the High Tatras toward Starý Smokovec. The highlights of this route are the constant panorama views and the crystal clear lakes; Štrbské Pleso, Popradské pleso, Batizovské pleso and Velické pleso
Top Tips
This is quite a long hike so it is best to start nice and early.
The peak of Ostrva is a great place to take in the views.
Take your time at each of the lakes but do keep in mind that the earlier lakes (Štrbské Pleso and Popradské pleso) can be quite busy. But as you travel further, you will find that you have the trail to yourself and very few people at the later lakes.
Food Options
☕ Cafe Furkotka
A cosy cafe serving coffee, homemade cakes, pastries, and light meals.
~5-10 EUR
🛒 Kaffex Supermarket
A small well stocked supermarket with all the basic supplies and not badly priced considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
🛖 Bufet Majláthova chata
is a simple mountain hut buffet in the Velická Valley, serving quick warm meals, soups, and drinks—an ideal refuelling stop for hikers in the High Tatras.
~5-15 EUR
🍽️ Dobré Časy
A lively gastropub serving craft beers alongside burgers, steaks, pizzas, and modern Slovak favourites in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Best part is that you don’t have to rush back from your hike as Dobré Časy open until late.
~10-20 EUR
🛒 COOP Jednota SUPERMARKET
A small well stocked supermarket in the heart Starý Smokovec. Surprisingly, the prices are not too bad considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
Starý Smokovec to
Tatranská Lomnica via
Tatranská Magistrála and
Zelené Pleso
6
10hr · 25.2km · 1,110m ascent
A scenic section of the Tatranská magistrála runs from Starý Smokovec toward Zelené Pleso, before continuing down to Tatranská Lomnica. The route passes through forests, alpine ridgelines, and high mountain terrain, with the standout highlight being the stunning emerald waters of Zelené Pleso framed by dramatic peaks; one of the most beautiful lake settings in the Tatras and a perfect midpoint on this long-distance mountain traverse.
Top Tips
Again, it is going to be a long day so starting early is a must.
The Studený Potok Waterfall is well worth. However, it is very easy to miss as it is a slight detour off the main trail.
Expect a steady flow of people moving in the opposite direction between Zamkovského Chata and Skalnaté Pleso, as many visitors descend from the cable car and continue their walk down toward Starý Smokovec.
The views on Velká Svišťovka are spectacular.
The descent towards Zelené Pleso is quite brutal. Sure footing is required especially at the chain sections. Give others plenty of space to ensure everyone stays safe.
Zelené Pleso Kežmarské is the highlight of the hike for good reason. Bonus if you can get a window seat at Chata pri Zelenom plese and watch the sun set over the mountains with a warm hearty meal.
There are two options to shorten the hike to make it a little bit more manageable:
Save 1 hr by riding the Stary Smokovec to Hrebienok funicular. A one way ticket will cost 14 EUR.
Save 3hr45min starting from Tatranská Lomnica and riding the cable car up to Skalnaté pleso. A one way ticket will cost 29 EUR.
Food Options
🍽️ MONDIEU
A modern café known for its breakfast and morning brunch offering, serving freshly baked pastries, croissants, eggs, pancakes, avocado toast, and quality coffee in a relaxed, stylish setting
~5-10 EUR
🛒 COOP Jednota SUPERMARKET
A small well stocked supermarket in the heart Starý Smokovec. Surprisingly, the prices are not too bad considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
🛖 Skalnatá chata
A cute mountain hut below Lomnický štít, serving hearty meals such as soups, goulash with bread or dumplings, schnitzel-style fried meats and drinks.
~10-15 EUR
☕ Panorama Café
A modern mountain bistro at the cable car station, serving quick, casual meals like soups, burgers, sandwiches, sausages and snacks.
~10-20 EUR
🛖 Chata pri Zelenom plese
A classic mountain hut with stunning views, set beside the turquoise waters of Zelené Pleso. Serves hearty Slovak dishes like soups, goulash, dumplings and cakes and serves food until quite late. The exact time varies depending on the season and weather but I managed to get food at 17:00pm without any issues.
~10-20 EUR
Famous Huts and
Technical Circulars
Each hike below comes in two versions: a standard route that visits the most famous and scenic mountain huts, and an extended option that adds more technical sections for those with sure footing and a stronger sense of adventure.
Malá Studená and Veľká Studená Dolina
Circular via Priečne Sedlo
7
9.5hr · 22.4km · 1,320m ascent
This outstanding circular hike showcases some of the finest scenery in the High Tatras, passing crystal-clear alpine lakes, dramatic mountain passes, waterfalls, and traditional mountain huts. Linking the beautiful Veľká Studená and Velická valleys via the scenic Priečne Sedlo , the route offers a full day of spectacular high-mountain landscapes and is widely considered one of the region’s most rewarding hikes.
Top Tips
Ride the Stary Smokovec to Hrebienok funicular to save a bit of time. Tickets can be purchased at the funicular entrance or online and costs is about 16 EUR (15EUR if you sign up to an Go PassAccount) for a return journey.
Key an eye out for Vodopády Studeného potoka as it is quite easy to miss.
Get a drink at Zamkovskeho chata as it will be the last little refreshment point (and shade!) before the exposed accent.
Watch in amazing as the Tatra Sherpas haul up massive loads of food and supplies up to Téryho chata.
Take you time at Téryho chata and enjoy the surround lakes. It is one of the most peaceful places in the Tatra mountains.
Priečne Sedlo is a tough but manageable crossing. Sure footing and a head for heights is required. Please note that the the section to the left is for hikers while the section to the right is for people with a via ferrata kit.
Keep an eye out for deer and marmots.
Routes
Standard
This option traverses the Malá Studená dolina and ends at Téryho chata, one of the highest and most iconic mountain huts in the High Tatras. You then return the same way and avoids Priečne Sedlo. This also means you will miss out on Veľká Studená dolina.
Extended
The longer option requires crossing Priečne Sedlo, one of the most challenging and dramatic mountain passes in the High Tatras. It links the Veľká Studená and Malá Studená valleys via steep, exposed terrain that includes fixed chains and sections of scrambling. The hike is long, strenuous, and best suited to experienced hikers, involving significant elevation gain, exposed alpine terrain, and steep sections aided by chains near the pass.
Food Options
🍽️ MONDIEU
A modern café known for its breakfast and morning brunch offering, serving freshly baked pastries, croissants, eggs, pancakes, avocado toast, and quality coffee in a relaxed, stylish setting
~5-10 EUR
🛒 COOP Jednota SUPERMARKET
A small well stocked supermarket in the heart Starý Smokovec. Surprisingly, the prices are not too bad considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
🛖 Zamkovského chata
A welcoming mountain hut nestled beneath the High Tatras peaks, serving traditional Slovak favourites such as soups, goulash, dumplings and homemade desserts. Located a bit early on in the day which might not make sense for lunch.
~10-15 EUR
🛖 Téryho chata
The highest mountain hut in the High Tatras, offering hearty Slovak meals such as soups, goulash, dumplings, and homemade desserts in a spectacular alpine setting surrounded by glacial lakes and towering peaks.
~10-20 EUR
🍽️ Dobré Časy
A lively gastropub serving craft beers alongside burgers, steaks, pizzas, and modern Slovak favourites in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Best part is that you don’t have to rush back from your hike as Dobré Časy open until late.
~10-20 EUR
🛒 COOP Jednota SUPERMARKET
A small well stocked supermarket in the heart Starý Smokovec. Surprisingly, the prices are not too bad considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
Veľká Studená and Velická Dolina
Circular via Prielom
8
9.5hr · 21.6km · 1,330m ascent
This outstanding circular hike showcases some of the finest scenery in the High Tatras, passing crystal-clear alpine lakes, dramatic mountain passes, waterfalls, and traditional mountain huts. Linking the beautiful Veľká Studená and Velická valleys via the scenic Poľský hrebeň saddle, the route offers a full day of spectacular high-mountain landscapes and is widely considered one of the region’s most rewarding hikes.
Disclaimer
Please note that this is only a draft based on other sources and research - I have not personally completed this hike yet.
I do plan to return and hike it in the future. Stay tuned!
Top Tips
Ride the Stary Smokovec to Hrebienok funicular to save a bit of time. Tickets can be purchased at the funicular entrance or online and costs is about 16 EUR (15EUR if you sign up to an Go PassAccount) for a return journey.
Pack plenty of water and snacks as there are no mountain huts or cafes until Zbojnícka Chalet.
Grab a bite to eat at Zbojnícka chata; a historic mountain hut surrounded by spectacular alpine views.
Velické pleso is a great place to relax and spend a few minutes to recover from the saddle crossing.
Standard
This option traverses the Veľká Studená Dolina (valley) and ends at Zbojnická chata, one of the most scenic mountain huts in the High Tatras. You then return the same way and avoids Sedlo Prielom. This means you will miss out on Mengusovská Dolina.
Routes
Extended
The longer option requires crossing Sedlo Prielom, one of the High Tatras’ most spectacular mountain passes, linking the beautiful Veľká Studená and Mengusovská valleys. The hike is long, strenuous, and best suited to experienced hikers, involving significant elevation gain, exposed alpine terrain, and steep sections aided by chains near the pass.
Food Options
🍽️ MONDIEU
A modern café known for its breakfast and morning brunch offering, serving freshly baked pastries, croissants, eggs, pancakes, avocado toast, and quality coffee in a relaxed, stylish setting
~5-10 EUR
🛒 COOP Jednota SUPERMARKET
A small well stocked supermarket in the heart Starý Smokovec. Surprisingly, the prices are not too bad considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
🛖 Zbojnícka chata
A remote mountain hut known for its hearty Slovak mountain food—like soups, goulash, and dumplings—served in a stunning alpine setting surrounded by waterfalls and rugged peaks
~10-15 EUR
🍽️ Dobré Časy
A lively gastropub serving craft beers alongside burgers, steaks, pizzas, and modern Slovak favourites in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Best part is that you don’t have to rush back from your hike as Dobré Časy open until late.
~10-20 EUR
🛒 COOP Jednota SUPERMARKET
A small well stocked supermarket in the heart Starý Smokovec. Surprisingly, the prices are not too bad considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
Mlynická and Furkotská Dolina via
Bystrá Lávka
9
7hr · 16.3km · 970m ascent
This spectacular circuit links two of the High Tatras’ most beautiful glacial valleys, combining waterfalls, alpine lakes, rugged mountain scenery, and high-mountain terrain into one unforgettable hike. Crossing the scenic Bystrá Lávka saddle, the route offers breathtaking views throughout and provides a perfect introduction to the dramatic landscapes that make the Tatras one of Europe’s premier hiking destinations.
Disclaimer
Please note that this is only a draft based on other sources and research - I have not personally completed this hike yet.
I do plan to return and hike it in the future. Stay tuned!
Top Tips
Take some time to enjoy the Štrbské Pleso which is the start and end of the hike.
Start nice and early. Even though the hike is not the longest out there, the saddle crossing can become quite congested.
If you have the legs, you can take a small detour to eat at Chata pod Soliskom.
If you’re running out of energy, it is possible to catch the cable car from Solisko to Štrbské Pleso. A one way ticket will cost about 22 EUR (20 EUR with a GoPass account).
Standard
This option traverses the Mlynická Dolina (valley) and ends at Skok waterfall, a dramatic mountain waterfall in the High Tatras. You then return the same way and avoids Bystrá Lávka. This means you will miss out on Furkotská Dolina. This is a nice quick hike for those who a little short on time.
Routes
Extended
The longer option requires crossing Bystrá Lávka, a high alpine mountain pass, offering a challenging hike across ladders and rocky terrain. The hike is long, strenuous, and best suited to experienced hikers, involving significant elevation gain, exposed alpine terrain, and steep sections aided by chains near the pass.
Food Options
🍽️ Cafe Furkotka
A cosy mountain café serving quality coffee, homemade cakes, and light snacks.
~10-20 EUR
🛒 Kaffex Supermarket
A small well stocked supermarket with all the basic supplies and not badly priced considering the location.
~1-10 EUR
🛖 Chata pod Soliskom
A mountain hut above Štrbské Pleso serving hearty Slovak dishes such as goulash with dumplings, bryndzové halušky, garlic soup, fried schnitzels, grilled sausages, and sweet pancakes, all enjoyed with panoramic views.
~10-20 EUR
🍽️ Koliba Patria
A traditional Slovak koliba-style restaurant serving hearty mountain dishes like bryndzové halušky, goulash, roasted meats and dumplings in a rustic wooden setting with lake views.
~10-20 EUR
🍽️ Reštaurácia Furkotka
A cosy mountain restaurant serving hearty Slovak dishes such as bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon), kapustnica (sauerkraut soup with sausage), goulash, schnitzels and more.
~10-20 EUR
Not sure on what to bring?
The complete long-distance
hiking kit list
Everything you need to pack — from blister-prevention basics to gear that's keeps you safe and comfortable on the trail.
🚰 Water
There are plenty of water source around and you will general pass by at least one chata (mountain hut).
🍔 Map of Food Spots
Finding great places to eat while on the trail can sometimes be tricky, so I’ve put together all my recommendations in a Google Maps list called
It includes places I’ve personally visited as well as others that are highly rated by the local community.
💩 Toilets
Toilets can be found in mountain huts and cafe dotted all over the High Tatra Mountains. It is customary to buy sometime before using their facilities.
🚎 Public Transport Tip
The Tatra Electric Railway is a great way to get around the Tatras. It is very affordable at about 6 EUR a day or 16 EUR for a weekly pass. The train comes once every hour and runs all day.
There are also buses which can you to places where the train does not reach. However, it is best to cross reference google maps and other navigation apps with the official bus website Cestovné poriadky (cp.sk).
📶 Phone Reception
Phone reception in the High Tatra Mountains is generally quite good. Since you don’t actually go that far from the major resort hubs, you’ll usually have signal for most of the routes. The only place where reception can be a bit patchy is when your deep within the gorges or doing the saddle crossings.
Helpful Links
Železničná spoločnosť Slovensko (zssk.sk)
Offical website for the Tatra electric railway. Not only can you buy tickets for the electric rail but also for trains to other parts of Slovakia like Kosice.
Vysoké Tatry REGIÓN (regiontatri.sk)
Use summary of the transport in the Higher Tatra Mountains.
Cestovné poriadky (cp.sk)
The official site for the buses in the region.
Tatry Mountain Resorts (vt.sk)
The official website for all the cable cars and funiculars in the High Tatra Mountains.
Mapy (mapy.com)
Great resource to see the official trails.
SLOVAKIA TRAVEL (slovakia.travel)
The official Mountain Rescue App for the region. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get my account registered due to having a UK phone number.
Zanna van Dijk (zannavandijk.co.uk)
A good resource for some nice trails in the Tatra.
💶 Cash
Most places along the trail accept card payments, so it’s easy to manage expenses without carrying much cash.
The only spots that typically require cash are the more remote mountain huts like Chata pri Zelenom plese.
Terms of Use
A quick but important note for all visitors: we do our best to share high-quality, accurate information, but it’s always possible that we’ve missed something or that conditions have changed. All GPS tracks (GPX files and maps) and route suggestions are meant to be used as general guidelines—not exact instructions.
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