Long weekend in the High Tatras: A 4 day itinerary

Planning a long weekend in the Tatras? The Tatras have a way of offering views you never tire of, while time seems to slow down. They are an ideal destination even for a shorter break, with plenty of beautiful experiences and unforgettable scenery to enjoy. Ahead of us is a long weekend filled with mountain hikes, fresh energy and stunning places to discover. So let’s take a look at how to make the most of 4 days in the Tatras.

How to get around the Tatras comfortably without a car

Many people travel to the Tatras by car, but getting around without one is easy too. If you have decided to travel to the Tatras by another means of transport and do not have a car available, you can use the Tatra Electric Railway (TEŽ) to move around the area. It runs from Štrbské pleso to Tatranská Lomnica, with connections starting in Poprad, allowing you to get where you need to go quickly and comfortably at regular intervals. That means you do not have to worry about losing too much time on transfers.

Day 1: Skok Waterfall

On the day you arrive in the High Tatras, it makes sense to start with something easier while still enjoying beautiful views. A visit to Štrbské pleso is an ideal choice, as impressive scenery is never far away and you can make good use of your first day. You can reach Štrbské pleso by car, or take the aforementioned TEŽ to the village of Štrba and continue from there on the cog railway to Štrbské pleso. If you arrive by car, remember that parking charges apply.

Štrbské pleso is a popular starting point for routes leading into several valleys as well as up to high mountain peaks. If you have less time and the summer weather is warm, a hike to Skok Waterfall is a great option. The waterfall lies at an altitude of 1,789 metres above sea level. This relatively easy hike rewards you with views of the 25-metre-high waterfall and a refreshing cool-down nearby.

The route begins at Štrbské pleso (1,350 m above sea level) and follows the yellow-marked hiking trail towards the peaceful and quiet Mlynická dolina valley. Skok Waterfall is at its most powerful during the spring months, but even in summer its water flow remains impressive. Its main water source is Pleso nad Skokom, and it is also the fourth-largest waterfall in the Tatras. There is plenty of space around the waterfall to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature. The return route to Štrbské pleso follows the same yellow-marked trail.

• The route is not difficult and leads through pleasant woodland.
• The ascent takes just under 2 hours.
• The route has an elevation gain of 439 metres.

Once you return to Štrbské pleso, there are plenty of restaurants where you can recharge your batteries. Alternatively, you can enjoy a meal with a view at Chata pod Soliskom, which is accessible by cable car, making it possible to have dinner while looking out across the entire valley. The cable car will take you from Štrbské Pleso up to Solisko.

You can also enjoy views of Štrbské pleso and the surrounding peaks from the Tatras Tower, an observation tower reaching a height of 53 metres and offering step-free access. Štrbské pleso therefore offers plenty of options for everyone.

Day 2: From Hrebienok to Zbojnícka chata and the mountain lakes

On the second day, you will head into one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tatras – Veľká Studená dolina. The name of the valley is derived from Studený potok, a stream formed by the confluence of Malý Studený potok and Veľký Studený potok. It is also the valley with the highest number of mountain lakes in the entire Tatras, with as many as 26. Zbojnícka chata is located at an altitude of 1,960 metres and offers beautiful views of the surrounding ridges and lakes. It is also a great place to stop for refreshments and restore your energy.

The route starts in Starý Smokovec, from where the yellow-marked hiking trail leads to Hrebienok in around 45 minutes. If you would rather save time and spend longer relaxing at the mountain hut, you can also take the funicular from Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok.

After taking the funicular or hiking up, continue from Hrebienok along the red-marked trail to Starolesnianska Poľana (1,285 m above sea level), which takes around 20 minutes. From there, the path splits and you join the blue-marked trail leading all the way to Zbojnícka chata. The ascent takes around 2.5 hours and follows a classic Tatra mountain trail, with a further 675 metres of elevation gain. Right at the beginning, you can admire the beautiful Veverkov vodopád on your right-hand side.

The trail also passes alongside the previously mentioned Studený potok and crosses it via a small bridge, where the steeper section of the hike begins. The mountain hut is not far from here, and on the way you will first see the high-altitude Vareškové pleso and later Dlhé pleso. Once you reach the hut, the picturesque Sesterské pleso lies directly behind it. A little further along the yellow-marked trail you will find Starolesnianske pleso, while the blue-marked trail leads towards Nižné, Prostredné and Vyšné pleso. The return journey follows the same route. If you bought a return ticket for the funicular to Hrebienok, your legs will appreciate the easier finish to the day.

Day 3: Východná Vysoká via Sliezsky dom

The third day of our trip is dedicated to one of the most beautiful peaks in the Tatras. Východná Vysoká (2,429 m above sea level) is known for its magnificent panoramic views, among the most impressive in the Tatras. A more demanding ascent over rocky terrain and sections with chains awaits you, but the reward is spectacular scenery. This hike is a true high-mountain treat, so it is best to set off early in the morning.

The most popular starting point is Tatranská Polianka (1,005 m above sea level), which can be reached by car and also has a TEŽ station. From here, the green-marked hiking trail climbs towards Sliezsky dom. You can also follow the tarmac road, although the hiking route beside Velický potok is generally more enjoyable. At Sliezsky dom, you can top up your water and food supplies so you have enough for the rest of the climb to the summit.

• The hike to Sliezsky dom takes around 2.5 hours.
• The route has an elevation gain of 676 metres.

The trail continues past Velické pleso and Velický vodopád beneath Večný dážď. At this point, views begin to open up below you across Velická dolina, along with a beautiful outlook over the lake. Climbing past the waterfall takes you to a lovely viewpoint before the route continues through the first rocky section known as Kvetnica. Here you also pass another mountain lake, Kvetnicové pleso.

The climb continues past Dlhé pleso, beyond which begins the final, more technical ascent with chains to Poľský hrebeň (2,199 m above sea level). From there, the trail leads directly to the summit of Východná Vysoká, again with several sections protected by fixed chains. The summit, however, rewards you with an unforgettable view that makes the effort well worthwhile.

• The full ascent is 8.1 km long, with 1,420 metres of elevation gain, and takes around 5 hours.
• The return follows the same trail, and extra care is needed on the way down.
• The descent takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Day 4: Skalnaté pleso and a relaxing wellness finish

The fourth and final day can be a little more relaxed. For beautiful views, head up to Skalnaté pleso (1,786 m above sea level), which can also be reached by cable car from Tatranská Lomnica. First, a six-seater chairlift takes you to the Štart mid-station, from where a modern 15-person gondola continues to Skalnaté pleso. You can read more in our summer guide to cable cars in the High Tatras.

You can enjoy a pleasant circuit around the lake along the green-marked hiking trail, with views across the water and towards the surrounding peaks, including Lomnický štít. The Skalnaté Pleso meteorological and astronomical observatory is also located a short distance from the lake. For refreshments, you can stop at the Skalnaté Pleso restaurant or Skalnatá chata, which is just a short walk away. Your final day can therefore be easy-going while still packed with beautiful views.

After several days spent on Tatra hiking trails, the journey home is the perfect opportunity to dedicate the afternoon to relaxation and give your body some well-earned rest. After a few demanding days, you can unwind in the wellness centres at Tatralandia or Bešeňová, which offer whirlpools, saunas and thermal pools. The peaceful atmosphere and pleasantly warm water will help loosen tired muscles and provide the perfect finishing touch to a long weekend in Slovakia’s highest mountains.

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This article was created in cooperation with MTHIKER.sk.

This translation was prepared for you by Gopass AI Translator.