Vysoké Tatry

The relatively small Vysoké Tatry (High Tatras) is the only alpine mountain range in Eastern Europe. The area is only about 260 km² (100 sq miles) and includes some 100 glacial lakes, streams and rivers. Most lower slopes are covered by coniferous forest, while the higher parts are barren worlds of rock and ice.

There are countless hiking trails and almost all parts of the region can be reached through them. One of the most interesting walks is the Tatranská magistrála trail, which is marked in red. It runs for about 65 km (40) along the Vysoké Tatry's southern crest.

The best months for high-altitude hiking are August and September. Between November and April the higher trails are closed to hikers, as skiers take over the mountains during these months. In July and August, when the weather is the warmest, the whole region is packed with tourists.

Stary Smokovec is the Vysoké Tatry's major hub. It has good road and rail with the rest of Slovakia.