When I say I was born in a picturesque small village in the north of Slovakia. People always wonder. Slovakia is a pretty well-known country in central Europe, but not many people are aware of its beauty and the breathtaking views this European jewel hides. Slovakia is not only my hometown, it's a place where my heart feels at peace, waking up to fresh mountain air and birds singing in the distance. It's my home, a home that I'm proud of and very excited to share with you in this blog post!
National Park High Tatras ( often called "the smallest alpine mountains in Europe") is situated in the north of Slovakia. When I say the High Tatras I mean majestic peaks touching to the sky, dark turquoise mountain lakes of glacier origin, waterfalls, unique plants, rare animals like chamois (mountain goat), exceptionally clean air and an environment great for healing respiratory conditions.
There are three main parts of High Tatras:
The Western Tatras
The (central) High Tatras
The Belianske Tatras
The National Park is filled with spectacular hiking paths ranging from gentle to highly demanding. Navigating through the paths, you will feel the utmost respect for narrow rocky ridges falling steeply down to glacier-cut valleys. After hours of scenic hiking, there is no better feeling than a beautiful breathtaking view from the very top of the peak.
Where to stay when visiting?
The area of High Tatras is well known for its beautiful traditional chalet-style hotels. The hosts are very welcoming and kind, so you can rest assured knowing everything will be taken care of during your stay. One of my favourite areas to stay in is located in the Western Tatras called Štrbské Pleso. It's a ski, tourist and health resort named after a lake located in the area. Štrbské Pleso has something from both worlds from five-star hotel experience to cosy, traditional apartments located in the old town.
Another area that is very close to my heart is Tatranska Lomnica. Its location in the Belianske Tatras makes it a very popular tourist destination filled with chalet-style hotels, pubs and restaurants serving hearty Slovak dishes. During wintertime, the area offers amazing skiing opportunities with slopes suitable for skiers of all abilities, as well as cross-country trails.
Last but not least is Starý Smokovec, located in the central part of the High Tatras is one of the main Tatra towns. Its excellent location and cable car access make it a suitable starting point for hiking trips. You will find plenty of different restaurants, coffee shops and pastry shops in the area. I definitely recommend visiting Koliba Kamzik for a traditional hearty slovak food experience. Another place not to miss is Cukráreň u Elišky offering the most delicious cakes and coffee. Starý Smokovec is filled with beautiful chalet-style hotels and apartment houses which makes it a popular area to stay when visiting the National Park.
In Slovakia you won't be seeing breathtaking views only from the very top of a peak
Traditional Slovak cuisine is closely connected with its historically agrarian society, where food is fuel. That's why most of our traditional meals lean heavily towards potatoes and wheat, cabbage and onion, apples and plums, dairy, and poultry and pork. Typical Slovak dishes are simple, filling, comforting, and homey.
One of our most traditional dishes in Slovakia are Bryndzove Halušky. Dumplings are made from a batter consisting of flour and grated potatoes. Halušky can be mixed with various ingredients, such as bryndza (a special cheese made mostly from sheep milk), bacon, and bacon fat. In some parts of Slovakia, caramelized butter and cabbage, onions, or combinations of these items are used instead of bryndza. Another favourite of mine are Pirohy. Filled dumplings are made by wrapping unleaveneddough around a savoury or sweetfilling and cooking in boiling water. Sweet pirohy are usually filled with fresh fruit like cherry, strawberry, plum or raspberry. On the other side, the savoury pirohy are often served with a topping of sour cream, fried onions, or both.
My favourite peaks to hike in High Tatras
The National Park High Tatras offers breathtaking scenery and has several peaks that are well known by international hikers and skiers. Every year thousands of tourists from all around the world come to Slovakia to breathe in the freshest mountain air.
One of the highest peaks of the High Tatras and of Slovakia is Gerlachovsky Stit (2.655 m / 8.710 ft). Because of its height and stunning scenery, it is one of the most visited and challenging peaks. If you would like to hike Gerlachovsky Stit you will need to hire a professional mountain guide to lead you, otherwise, it's hardly possible and forbidden to hike there on your own.
Possibly the most visited peak, because of its accessibility by cable car is Lomnicky Stit (2.634 m / 8.642 ft). The cable car station is in Tatranska Lomnica and is truly one of a kind experience. The round trip will take you approximately two hours and is filled with scenic mountaintop views. You will also find the highest situated Astronomical and Meteorological Observatory on the top. If you fancy a romantic getaway with a panoramic sunrise you can now book a night in the highest situated hotel in central Europe, Night at Lomnicky Peak.
The most popular peak amongst Slovaks is Krivan (2.494 m / 8.182 ft) located in the Western Tatras. It is said that every Slovak should climb to the top at least once in their lifetime. Krivan became the symbol of the freedom of Slovaks back in 1955 and every year traditional national walks take place here to pay respect to the Slovak National Uprising and local heroes.
When I was younger I used to hike and climb every weekend! These days when I visit back home I like to have company when I hike, the company of my beautiful husky pup Bella. Bella is 3 years old and she loves mountains, she is a big baby and loves good company and cuddles on her adventures. My parents take loving care of her and my dad takes her on every hiking and ski touring adventure with him. During my last visit to Slovakia, I and Bella went on a hike to Popradské pleso, a mountain lake of glacial origin. Popradské pleso is situated right on the Tatranská magistrála hiking path, at an altitude of 1,494 metres. The track to the mountain lake would take you approximately 2 hours, I recommend starting your hike early in the morning as it's one of the most visited spots in the High Tatras. After you reach Popradské pleso you can continue your hike to Rysy and Kôprovský štít. Near to the mountain lake, there is Symbolic Cemetery, built in memory of the victims of the High Tatras.
Have you visited the National Park High Tatras or are you planning on visiting, if so please let me know what was your experience or what places are you looking forward to visiting and hiking in the comment section below?
Comentarios