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The High Tatras are a relatively small but very impressive range of mountains located in Slovakia and the southern part of Poland. The High Tatras are considered “the smallest alpine mountains” despite the richness of their hiking opportunities. They have a well-developed system of mountain huts called ‘chaty’ which offer fine conditions for hut-to-hut hiking and traveling by which you can get incredible views of the mountains, try the forwarded trails, and have a nice warm meal and sound sleep on the finishing of the day.
The High Tatras hiking may not match the Alps or the Himalayas in terms of popularity, but they provide breathtaking views of mountains, a variety of organisms, and relatively short distances. The Slovak Tatras, which are a part of the UNESCO biosphere reserve, have clear lakes, sharp crests, and fauna like chamois, marmots, and bears.
This type of tourism implies that people travel from one hut to another through the mountain range without the formalities of carrying their equipment for camping. Every hut offers not only lodging but also delicious food, so you can leave most of your gear at home. Interestingly, the huts allow for meeting other hikers and sharing interactions, as well as receiving a warm welcome typical of Slovakia in the middle of a serene environment.
Essential Stops
Zamkovského Chata
Zamkovského Chata or Zamkovský Hut at an altitude of 1,475 meters is an ideal place to begin your hut-to-hut trek. This welcoming Alpine shelter was constructed in the 1940s by Don Štefan Zamkovský, a Slovak Mountain Guide. Located at one of the valleys and with a view of the high mountains, the shelter is a great starting point and can be reached after a moderate hike from the town of Tatranska Lomnica or Hrebienok – cable car station.
Zamkovského Chata can be accessed after a hike through a shady forest and past beautiful waterfalls, which prepare a visitor for the magnificent scenery of the Tatras.
Sliezsky Dom
From Zamkovského Chata, you can head to Sliezsky Dom, which is one of the highest mountain hotels in Slovakia standing at an altitude of 1,670 meters. The trail from Zamkovského to Sliezsky Dom is considered moderate and intriguing, allowing hikers to view valleys, ridges, waterfalls, and more. During the hike, you come across several flowers and animals, and you will be able to observe chamois or marmots, for instance.
Sliezsky Dom is situated at the base of Gerlachovský Stít which is the highest mountain in the Tatras with a height of 2,655m. It is more of a small hotel than a traditional alpine shelter which offers private bedrooms, warm water to shower, and a sauna. This is one of the best spots to unwind and take a break after which one can prepare for tougher paths ahead.
Apart from the main trail from Sliezsky Dom, there is also a tour leading to Velické pleso which is a glacial water that does not only offer crystal-clear water but also cliffs and waterfalls. This lake is one of the most beautiful within the High Tatras and is worth the additional exertion.
Popradské Pleso
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Popradské Pleso
Carrying on your hike, the next serious stopover is Popradské Pleso, a mountain shelter situated close to the alpine lake with the same name. Situated at a height of 1494 meters above sea level, Popradské Pleso is home to hikers and climbers as well as serving as the starting point to the Rysy Peak, which is the highest point in Poland. The trail leading to Popradské Pleso is not very strenuous and the views of valleys and peaks along the way are stunning.
At the Popradské Pleso, there is a large, quite new hut with many beds, of different quality and prices, and also a restaurant offering traditional Slovak food.
Chata pod Rysmi
Any High Tatras hut-to-hut trekking can’t be perfect without Chata pod Rysmi on the list of visited huts. This mountain shelter is at an altitude of 2250 meters and is said to be the most difficult to reach in the Tatras. The trail from Popradské Pleso to Chata pod Rysmi is quite steep and is more serious, demanding the use of chains especially in accessing some rocky and steep part of the trail. Yet, the hike is well compensated with stunning outlooks over the mountain’s ridges and valleys.
Chata pod Rysmi is a rather simple and typical mountain shelter where you can have overnight stays and basic meals. The environment here is very contrasting to other mountain ranges of Tatras – wild, rough, and closely associated with mountain ecosystems. Continuing from Chata pod Rysmi, you can climb Rysy, which is a rather strenuous but fascinating path with good views of both Slovakia and Poland. It is true that on a clear day, you can see the Polish Tatra Mountains and the distant lowlands.
Thus, a hut-to-hut experience in the Slovakian High Tatras presents a snapshot of the alpine aesthetic, rigorous exercise, and hospitality. The most suitable period to start a hut-to-hut trek in the High Tatras is from June through mid-September. The weather is more moderate at this time of the year, and all the huts are available throughout the year. Nevertheless, the weather in the mountains may be unpredictable and it may suddenly begin to rain or even snow as you ascend higher altitudes.
