#slovakia

Baraniec (Baranec)

The third-highest peak in the Western Tatras. A challenging scenic loop above the Żarska Valley, offering a 360-degree panorama and... a scooter ride back down.

Difficulty: difficult (very steep gradient!)

Bystra (Bystrá)

A hike to the highest peak in the entire Western Tatras (2,248 m above sea level). A physically demanding route leading through the picturesque Ornak Ridge and the border peak of Błyszcz.

Difficulty: very demanding (physically)

Banówka (Baníkov)

A climb to the summit of the Western Tatras (on the main ridge). An incredibly scenic but technically demanding peak, requiring a head for heights and the ability to climb with your hands.

Difficulty: difficult (high exposure, climbing, chains!)

Gerlach (Gerlachovský štít)

Gerlach is the highest peak of the Tatras and the entire Carpathians. It is the "Holy Grail" for Tatra enthusiasts. Because there is no marked tourist trail leading to it, the mountain has retained its raw high-mountain character.

Difficulty: climbing route (UIAA I/II) - very difficult

Jagnięcy Szczyt (Jahňací štít)

A trip to the eastern edge of the High Tatras. The trail leads through the scenic Kežmarok Valley, past the emerald Zelené Pleso, all the way to a viewpoint summit opposite the Bielskie Tatras.

Difficulty: difficult (very long + chain section)

Koprowy Wierch (Kôprovský štít)

A quiet alternative to Rysy. A striking summit with a view of the largest lake in the Slovak Tatras - Wielki Hińczowy Staw.

Difficulty: difficult (fitness + exposure)

Krywań (Kriváň) - The national mountain of Slovakia

Krywań is a symbolic mountain. Its characteristic curved summit is recognisable from hundreds of kilometres away. For Slovaks, climbing Krywań is a patriotic duty - every August mass "National Ascents" (Národný výstup) take place here.

Difficulty: difficult (fitness-wise!)

Lomnica (Lomnický štít)

Lomnica is the proud "Queen of the Tatras". Its silhouette is so sharp that for centuries it was believed to be the highest peak in the Tatras (only precise measurements dethroned it in favour of Gerlach).

Difficulty: very easy (cable car) / climbing route (on foot with a guide)

Mała Wysoka (Východná Vysoká)

Mała Wysoka is a summit with a misleading name. It is not "small" at all - it is the fourth highest summit in the Tatras accessible by a marked tourist trail!

Difficulty: difficult (exposure + fitness)

Rysy (from the Slovak side)

The ascent to Rysy from the Slovak side is the most popular and easiest route to the highest peak of the Tatras. Unlike the dark and precipitous north wall (the Polish side), the Slovak trail follows a sunny southern slope.

Difficulty: difficult (fitness-wise)

Siwy Wierch (Sivý vrch)

The Dolomite Tatras! A hike to a limestone summit full of rock cities (Radové skaly). An exciting trail secured with chains at the very edge of the Western Tatras.

Difficulty: medium / difficult (chains, exposure)

Skrajne Solisko (Predné Solisko)

One of the most accessible 2,000-metre peaks in the Tatras. A cable car can take you almost to the summit, and a short but rewarding climb offers views of Štrbské Pleso.

Difficulty: medium (steep summit approach)

Sławkowski Szczyt (Slavkovský štít)

Sławkowski Szczyt (2452 m a.s.l.) is a massive, broad massif dominating Stary Smokovec. It is one of the highest peaks in the Tatras that can be reached by a marked tourist trail without chains or rungs.

Difficulty: difficult (fitness-wise), easy (technically)

Wielka Świstówka (Veľká Svišťovka)

A spectacular traverse between two of the most famous valleys. The trail links Zeleny Staw with Skalnaté Pleso, offering an exciting chain-assisted section and a bird’s-eye view of the Kežmarok Valley.

Difficulty: medium / difficult (chain section)

Poland vs Slovakia: Where to go in the Tatras? A big clash between neighbours

Crowds on Giewont or empty slopes (and high prices) in Slovakia? Kwaśnica or Vyprážaný syr? We’re finding out which side of the Tatras to choose so you won’t regret your holiday.