Slovakia - 14 days Hiking in the Tatra Mountains and Slovak Paradise
📍7 routes 🕐12:01 ↔️23.4km ↗️1,250m
AI - Hiking in the Tatra Mountains is one of the most impressive outdoor experiences in Central Europe. The rugged granite peaks, alpine lakes, and panoramic ridgelines create a dramatic landscape that feels far wilder than its compact size suggests. Trails vary from gentle valley walks to demanding ascents like Rysy or Kriváň, offering options for both casual hikers and seasoned mountaineers. Along the way, you’ll encounter crystal-clear tarns, blooming meadows in summer, and sweeping views that stretch across Slovakia and into Poland. The Tatras reward every step with a sense of grandeur and untouched natural beauty.
Just a few hours away lies a different kind of wonder—the Slovak Paradise National Park, known for its unique system of ladders, catwalks, and canyon routes. Instead of high peaks, this region offers narrow gorges carved by rivers, moss-covered rock walls, and forests that feel enchanted. Popular hikes like Suchá Belá or Piecky take you through waterfalls, wooden bridges, and vertical ladders that turn the journey into an adventure rather than a simple walk. The cool, shaded canyons make it an ideal summer escape, while the park’s extensive trail network offers plenty of variety for multiple days of exploration.
Together, the Tatra Mountains and Slovak Paradise showcase the diverse natural character of Slovakia. The Tatras impress with their alpine drama, while Slovak Paradise delights with playful, technical trails through hidden gorges. Visiting both regions lets hikers experience two completely different worlds within a short distance—an unforgettable blend of high-mountain majesty and fairy-tale canyon adventure.
Activity Overview
Number of days: 10 (at Steady pace)
Distance: 166km / 103mi.
Elevation gain: 10,000m / 32,700 ft.
Highest point: 2,526m / 8,287 ft.
💵Costs
Airfares (with checked-baggage) £160.00
Transfers £xx.xx
Campsite Pitches £200.00
Total £xxx.xx
🚌Transport
Flights ~£280 - London to Geneva with luggage
Bus ~£30 - Geneva to Chamonix via coach; Flixbus, Alpybus, BlaBlaCar, SwissTours
Around town Free - No costs for trains and buses are €2 in the Chamonix area if you stay there ( Carte d'hote Guest Card)
Courmayeur to Chamonix~£30 - Bus; Flixbus
Key Highlights of the
Tatra Mountains and
Slovak Paradise
Tatra Mountains
Rysy (2,503 m) – The highest peak in Poland and a classic cross-border hike offering sweeping alpine views.
Kriváň – A national symbol of Slovakia; its distinctive shape and panoramic summit make it one of the most iconic hikes.
Štrbské Pleso – A serene glacial lake surrounded by easy-to-moderate trails; perfect for beginners and families.
The High Tatras Ridge Trails – Challenging routes like the Tatranská Magistrála that traverse rugged terrain with views of valleys, cliffs, and peaks.
Alpine Lakes (Tarns) – Dozens of high-mountain lakes such as Veľké Hincovo pleso, offering stunning photo opportunities and peaceful rest stops.
Slovak Paradise
Suchá Belá Gorge – The most famous route, featuring ladders, metal steps, and waterfalls in a narrow canyon.
Piecky Gorge – A quieter alternative to Suchá Belá with tall vertical ladders and scenic cascades.
Kyseľ Ferrata – A thrilling via ferrata route through a gorge once closed for decades; permits and gear required.
Dobšinská Ice Cave – An impressive UNESCO-listed ice cave near the park that adds a unique stop before or after hikes.
Tomášovský Výhľad – A spectacular viewpoint perched above the Hornád River, offering one of the best panoramas in Slovak Paradise.
Getting There
Fly into Poprad Airport via Wizz Air
Poprad-Tatry Airport (Letisko Poprad-Tatry) to city center via bus. Have some cash (small notes and coins). Airport transfers are possible and taxi are meant to be 10 to 15 euros.
https://tourismattractions.net/slovakia/poprad-airport-transfers
City Center to Campsite in Slovak Paradise
Poprad-Tatry to Vydrník Train station using Slovak Rail.
Transfer from campsite to campsite
Vydrník Train station to Poprad-Tatry using Slovak Rail.
Poprad-Tatry to Vysoké Tatry Old forest Train Station via Vysoké Tatry Starý Smokovec Train
Day 1 - Suchá Belá Gorge – View of Tomsdorf loop from Betlanovce
Key Highlights
Suchá Belá Gorge
Dotina Cave
Amenities
N/A
Food
Helpful Links
https://www.npsr.sk/en/hiking/75/sucha-bela
Day 2 - Piecky Gorge – Loop from Autocamping Podlesok
Key Highlights
Piecky Gorge
13-metre high ladder
Veľký waterfall
Kaskádový waterfall
Terasový waterfall
Amenities
N/A
Food
Helpful Links
https://www.npsr.sk/en/hiking/87/piecky
Day 3 -Veľký Sokol – Loop from Autocamping Podlesok
Key Highlights
Veľký Sokol
Malé and Veľké kaskády
Amenities
N/A
Food
Helpful Links
https://www.npsr.sk/en/hiking/193/velky-sokol
Day 4 - Hornád Gorge, Kláštorská Gorge and Tomášovský Výhľad from Autocamping Podlesok
Key Highlights
Hornád Gorge
Kláštorská Gorge
Tomášovský Výhľad
Amenities
Toilets near Chata Kláštorisko
Food
Helpful Links
https://www.npsr.sk/en/hiking/280/prielom-hornadu
https://www.npsr.sk/en/hiking/35/tomasovsky-vyhlad
https://www.npsr.sk/en/hiking/70/klastorska-roklina
https://www.slovakation.com/top-5-best-hikes-slovak-paradise/
Transport in the region - https://regiontatry.sk/en/tourist-information/transport-in-the-region/