The High Tatras are the main natural attraction in Slovakia. This picturesque region is part of the Tatras, which are the highest part of the Carpathians. Every year, five million tourists from all over the world come here to relax in local ski resorts, go mountain climbing, and just take a walk.

In addition to the highest peak in Slovakia, Gerlachovský Shtit (2655 m), you will find a large number of waterfalls in the High Tatras, the most famous of which are the Studeny Stream waterfalls; glacial lakes, the deepest – Velke Gintsovo Pleso (53 m); rich flora and fauna.

In the High Tatras, there is a national park with more than 300 mountain lakes and peaks. 26 peaks are over 2500 m above sea level. The most famous local resorts are Tatranska Lomnica (the best choice of slopes), Strbske Pleso (the highest mountain resort in the country), Smokovec and Podbanske. The High Tatras are a great place for a relaxing family holiday with children.

History and Culture

The High Tatras region has a rich history. In official documents, the first mentions date back to the 16th century, they are associated with the attempts of researchers to study the mountain peaks and the local flora and fauna. In 1615, a documented ascent of Kežmarski štit (2556 m), one of the 15 highest peaks of the mountain system.

The explorers of the Tatras had many difficulties, which were later faced by those who started developing the tourism industry. However, despite all the difficulties, a start was made, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and then the region turned into a favourite vacation spot among aristocrats and the richest people in Hungary, Austria, and Germany. Traces of the golden age of the High Tatras have survived to this day in the form of two Grand Hotels in the resorts of Stary Smokovec and Tatranska Lomnica.