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Walking in the Slovakian Tatras

Available Departures: Sep, Oct

8 days from

US$2,020

without flights
Walk & Trek
Guided Group
MODERATE MODERATE

Discover alpine lakes, dramatic peaks, and traditional mountain culture on a guided walking holiday through Slovakia’s stunning Tatra Mountains.

Trip Code: STW
Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as regular walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Walking in the Slovakian Tatras

Highlights
  • Scenic ridge walks with sweeping views of the High Tatras and Western Tatras

  • Visit iconic alpine lakes including Zelené Pleso and Popradské Pleso

  • Ride the historic Tatra Electric Railway through mountain valleys and forests

  • Stay in traditional towns and classic mountain resorts such as Poprad and Starý Smokovec

  • Experience authentic Slovak mountain culture, cuisine, and historic alpine huts


At a Glance
  • Group Size 5 to 14
  • 6 days moderate walking
  • Max. Altitude: 1,645m
  • Join In Poprad Town

Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 2 Lunches
  • 2 Dinners
  • 3 nights Lodge
  • 4 nights Hotel
Overview

Explore one of Europe’s most beautiful and underrated mountain ranges on this guided walking holiday through Slovakia’s High Tatras and Western Tatras. From your base in charming medieval towns and historic mountain resorts, you’ll discover a remarkable variety of landscapes—glacial lakes, forested valleys, flower-filled meadows, and dramatic granite peaks.

Each day brings a new perspective on the Tatras, from panoramic ridge walks in the Spišská Magura to unforgettable hikes into alpine valleys beneath towering peaks like Gerlachovský štít. Along the way, you’ll stay in welcoming accommodation, enjoy traditional Slovak cuisine, and experience the region’s rich mountain heritage, including historic huts and scenic rail journeys.

Is this holiday for you?

This holiday is ideal if you enjoy walking in the mountains and are comfortable spending 4–7 hours on foot each day over varied terrain. Trails include forest paths, alpine meadows, rocky mountain tracks, and steady ascents, all at a relaxed guided pace with time to enjoy the scenery.

You need a good level of fitness and experience walking in mountainous terrain is important due to the nature of the trails. If you’re looking for a trip that combines rewarding hiking with culture, comfort, and spectacular scenery, this holiday is a perfect fit.

Why KE?

Named as one of the best countries to visit in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025, the High Tatras offer some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Europe, yet remain refreshingly uncrowded compared to better-known alpine destinations. Our carefully designed itinerary showcases the very best of the region, from iconic alpine lakes and panoramic ridgelines to hidden valleys and traditional mountain huts.

With expert guiding, well-paced hiking days, and comfortable accommodation throughout, this trip balances adventure with ease. Add in scenic rail journeys, welcoming Slovak hospitality, and unforgettable mountain landscapes, and you have a truly special walking holiday that combines exploration, culture, and natural beauty in equal measure.

Itinerary

Arrival at the airport followed by a transfer into Poprad town. Our base for the first two nights is the historic district of Spisská Sobota, located on the edge of Poprad town at the foot of the High Tatras. Spisská Sobota is one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in Slovakia, centred around a charming, cobbled square lined with colourful burgher houses, historic church and traditional architecture.

After checking into your accommodation there will be time to relax and settle in after the journey. Depending on arrival times, you are free to relax for the afternoon or explore the town.

In the evening, we meet for a welcome dinner and trip briefing. The guide will outline the week's hiking programme and introduce the landscapes, culture and natural history of the region.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

D

After breakfast, the group sets out on their first full day of hiking with a scenic panoramic walk in the Spisská Magura, just east of the High Tatras. This region offers a striking contrast to the rugged Belianske Tatras nearby, with gently rolling ridges, forest trails, and open pastures that provide some of the finest viewpoints in the area.

Starting from the village of Zdiar, the trail ascends gradually through mixed woodland before opening onto ridge paths and traditional grazing meadows. As elevation is gained, expansive views unfold across the High Tatras, including Lomnický Peak and Gerlachovský Peak, Slovakia's highest mountain. The route follows a picturesque ridgeline through pastoral landscapes still used by shepherds, with clear-weather views stretching across both the Slovak and Polish sides of the Tatras.

The hike then descends through forest and meadow back towards the valley, completing a rewarding circular route showcasing the region's varied scenery. We meet with our transfer and return to our hotel in Poprad.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L

Ascent

620 M

Descent

620 M

Time

6 hrs trekking

Distance

15 KM

Today's walk leads to one of the most spectacular alpine lakes in the High Tatras: Zelené Pleso, otherwise known as Green Lake. We transfer to the beginning of the trail in the Kezmarská Valley and gradually climb through dense forest before entering open alpine terrain with increasingly dramatic views.

As the group ascends, the surrounding landscape becomes more rugged, with towering granite walls rising above the valley and several cascading waterfalls visible along the route. The trail continues through rocky terrain and alpine meadows before finally reaching Green Lake, located at the foot of the impressive Kezmarský Peak.

The emerald-coloured water and dramatic mountain backdrop make this one of the most iconic locations in the High Tatras. The historic mountain hut beside the lake provides a perfect place to rest and enjoy refreshments (cash only).

After descending back to the vehicles, we transfer back to our hotel in Poprad.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

650 M

Descent

650 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs trekking

Distance

15 KM

After breakfast, we transfer to the station to board the scenic Tatra Electric Railway for a short but beautiful journey through the High Tatras to Strbské Pleso. The train winds through forests and mountain villages, with occasional views of the dramatic granite peaks.

On arrival, we begin walking along a well-maintained trail into the Mengusovská Valley. The route starts on wide forest paths before gradually ascending through dense conifer woodland, with sections of roots, rocks, and occasional boulders typical of Tatra terrain. A steady, gentle climb brings us to Popradské Pleso, one of the most picturesque lakes in the national park. Surrounded by steep granite peaks and reflected in clear waters, it offers one of the Tatras' classic alpine views. Nearby is the Symbolic Cemetery, a moving memorial to climbers who lost their lives in these mountains.

We stop for lunch at a traditional mountain hut beside the lake, where you can enjoy classic Slovak dishes while taking in the scenery. After lunch, we descend gradually through forest to Popradské Pleso railway station. From here, we take the mountain train back to Poprad.

The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax or explore. You might visit the Bachledka Treetop Walk for elevated forest views, or unwind at AquaCity Poprad, a thermal spa complex with pools, saunas, and relaxation areas.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

380 M

Descent

380 M

Time

4 - 5 hrs trekking

Distance

10 KM

Today we transfer west into the heart of the High Tatras to the historic mountain resort of Starý Smokovec, where we will stay for the next three nights. After dropping off luggage at the accommodation, we set out on foot for our first hike. As one of the oldest settlements in the region, Starý Smokovec serves as a gateway to several classic alpine valleys, including the beautiful Malá Studená Valley, which we explore today.

The trail begins with a steady ascent through dense spruce forest along a traditional mountain path. The terrain underfoot is interspersed with exposed tree roots and rocky sections typical of the High Tatras. As we climb, occasional openings in the canopy reveal glimpses of dramatic granite peaks rising above the forest.

After about an hour, we reach Rainerova Chata, the oldest surviving mountain hut in the Tatras. This charming stone shelter offers a natural rest stop and a glimpse into the early days of alpine tourism. From here, the path continues deeper into the valley, gradually ascending alongside a cascading mountain stream, with waterfalls spilling down steep rock faces as the landscape becomes more dramatic.

Our destination is Zamkovského Hut, a traditional alpine refuge set beneath imposing rock cliffs. Here, there is time to relax and enjoy refreshments while taking in the spectacular surroundings, before returning to Starý Smokovec along the same scenic route.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B

Ascent

575 M

Descent

575 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

12 KM

After breakfast in Starý Smokovec, we hike up to Hrebienok, a well-known mountain hub and the starting point for today's walk. From here, we join the Tatranská Magistrála, following a scenic route that combines forest trails with open mountainside paths. As we gain height, the views become increasingly dramatic, with rugged peaks and alpine landscapes unfolding all around. The terrain is varied and typically mountainous, with rocky sections and exposed roots underfoot.

The trail leads on to Sliezsky Dom, one of the best-known mountain hotels in the High Tatras. Dramatically located beneath Slovakia's highest peak, the towering massif of Gerlachovský stít, it is the perfect place to rest and enjoy lunch while taking in the striking surroundings.

From Sliezsky Dom, the route descends steadily towards Tatranská Polianka, gradually leaving behind the high alpine terrain for forested trails. At the end of the walk, the return journey is made by mountain train, providing a relaxed and scenic finish to the day.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B

Ascent

690 M

Descent

690 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

11 KM

After breakfast, we set transfer west to explore the quieter more rugged landscapes of the Western Tatras. Our walk begins at Adamcula, following a scenic route into the Rohácska Valley. The trail starts gently, leading through open meadows and forest before entering denser woodland. The path continues along the Rohácsky stream, crossing wooden bridges and passing the impressive Rohácsky Waterfall. From here, the route climbs more steadily through forest and dwarf pine, with the terrain becoming increasingly alpine.

Higher up, the landscape opens to reveal dramatic views of the Roháce Mountains. A series of gradual switchbacks leads to the beautiful Rohácske Plesá, a chain of glacial lakes uniquely positioned on a series of terraces, creating a beautiful sequence of mountain pools set against a dramatic high-alpine backdrop. The highest lake, at around 1,562 metres, offers particularly striking views and a peaceful atmosphere-an ideal place to rest and take in the scenery.

After enjoying some time at the lakes, we return along the same route, descending back through the valley to the starting point. We transfer back to our accommodation in Stary Smokovec and our final evening in Slovakia and celebratory meal.

Accommodation

Lodge

Meals

B L D

Ascent

525 M

Descent

525 M

Time

5 hrs walking

Distance

8 KM

Your holiday ends after breakfast. A group transfer to the airport is provided.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • Accommodation– 4 nights hotel in Propad, 3 nights guesthouse in Stary Smokovec

  • All breakfasts, lunches on day 2 and 7, evening meals on first and last evenings

  • Experienced, qualified professional English-speaking guide and local host

  • Group transfer from Kosice or Poprad airport

  • All local transfers, railway journeys detailed in the itinerary

  • Flights

  • Meals not detailed in the 'Meal Plan'

  • Travel Insurance

  • Miscellaneous expenses: drinks, souvenirs, tips

  • Optional activities eg: ThermalSpa in Poprad

The group will meet at the hotel in Poprad.

A single timed group transfer is included from either Poprad or Kosice airport. Anyone may join the group transfers by prior arrangement. Travelling as a group or on public transport saves energy. If this is not practical, we can provide private transfers at an additional cost.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.

Slovakia’s cuisine is hearty and flavoursome, drawing influence from neighbouring Central European nations and utilising seasonal produce and regional staples. Expect plenty of meat, cheese and potatoes, in various wonderful forms! While in Slovakia, you must try the national dish of bryndzove halusky, a classic meal of potato dumplings and cheese, topped with crispy bacon… Comfort food on a plate! You can also expect to have plenty of goulash - evidence of the Hungarian influence - or fill up with rustic soups such as kapustnica, rich with meat and vegetables. For a delicious, sweet treat, trdelnik (chimney cake) is a sweet dough rolled around a large stick and topped with sugar, cinnamon or chopped nuts, and baked over an open fire for a crispy finish.

Outside of larger cities, vegetarians and vegans may find options more limited as the cuisine traditionally uses a lot of meat and dairy. It is possible to have meat-free options on most classic Slovak dishes, however a strict vegan diet will be more difficult.

During this holiday the group will spend 4 nights in a comfortable hotel in Propad Town and 3 nights in a hotel in Stary Smokovec. Accommodation is based on twin sharing rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Single rooms available for a supplementary cost. If you are planning on extending your holiday additional nights at the group hotels are available on request.

The holiday will be accompanied a locally based, professional, English-speaking tour leader and an experienced English-speaking qualified guide.

This holiday does not involve any significant ascent to altitude and we would not expect any altitude issues with this trip.

The currency in Slovakia is the Euro. Approximately 250 - 300 Euros will cover your personal spending including non-included meals, local drinks and tips for the leader. Cash can be withdrawn from ATM’s using a credit card or a debit card and there are cashpoint facilities at the airports and in Propad town.

Tipping is the accepted way of saying ‘thank you’ to your local staff.  Tipping is entirely voluntary and should be dependent on good service.   We recommend that you give any tips from the group as a whole rather than individually.   As a rough guide, a contribution of €15 - €25 should provide a suitable pot for tips.

There is no weight limit as such for this holiday other than imposed by your international carrier. However, we ask you to restrict your luggage to one main bag and a small day pack. Remember that your journey will be more pleasant the lighter you pack.

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners are included in the holiday price. Where there is a wide variety of dining options we have not included the evening meals (5 nights) in the trip price preferring to leave the choice of where to eat and the budget for these meals to you. In addition 4 lunches at the mountain huts have not been included so you are free to choose food and budget. We recommend that you allow from £7 to £15 for these lunches and £15 to £25 for evening meals in local restaurants.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

For other nationalities, please refer to your own Government website for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents including vaccinations and health certificates (see Health & Vaccinations below), and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check the FCDO for the latest advice for each country visited before travel.

Vaccinations:

You should be up to date with the routine vaccinations recommended in the UK for overseas travel.

You must also contact your doctor or travel clinic to check if there are specific vaccinations or other preventive measures that you need for the area you are visiting, in good time before you are due to depart.

On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dental check-up.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents including vaccinations and health certificates.

Please check the FCDO and Travel Health Pro. For all of your intended destinations for up-to-date advice.

Severe Allergies:

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips.

The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.

It makes a lot of sense to spend some time before coming on a walking holiday getting some additional exercise. Although this is not a sustained trekking trip, you will be walking for 5 or more hours on each day and the fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. We would suggest that you adopt a weekly exercise regime leading up to your holiday. Running, cycling and swimming are good for developing better stamina. Before departure, we suggest that you try to fit in several long walks in hilly country.

Slovakia has a temperate, continental climate with four distinct seasons, typical of Europe. There is snow cover in the Tatra Mountains over the winter months from November to April. Summers are warm, with average daytime temperatures reaching around 22 degrees centigrade in Bratislava, while in the mountainous northern part of the country the average temperature will be cooler by a few degrees. July is the hottest month, while August is the rainy season, with afternoon thunderstorms occurring more frequently over the summer. Precipitation can be expected at any time of year so you should be prepared for all eventualities. This holiday is available to book between May and October, with the optimum time for cycling between May-June and September-October.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Equipment List

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your luggage to a minimum.

You must bring the following items:

  • Walking boots

  • Trainers (for around town)

  • Socks

  • Trekking trousers

  • Lightweight waterproof overtrousers

  • Underwear

  • Thermal baselayer shirts (2 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve)

  • T-shirts and/or casual shirts

  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper

  • Lightweight waterproof jacket

  • Sun hat or cap

  • Warm hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Lightweight thermal gloves

  • Small daypack

  • Headtorch (for the night in the mountain hut)

  • Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)

  • Water bottle 1 litre (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)

  • Water purification tablets

  • Washbag and toiletries

  • Basic First Aid Kit including plasters, blister treatment, headache tablets etc.

The following items are optional:

  • Travel clothes

  • Trekking poles

  • Shorts

  • Camera

  • Spare laces

  • Insect repellant

  • Swimming kit and towel

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2026

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Walking in the Slovakian Tatras
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: STW /01/26/
  • This trip begins on Wed 2 Sep and ends on Wed 9 Sep
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$360
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Walking in the Slovakian Tatras
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: STW /01/27/
  • This trip begins on Sat 3 Oct and ends on Sat 10 Oct
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$360
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Walking in the Slovakian Tatras
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: STW /02/26/
  • This trip begins on Sat 3 Oct and ends on Sat 10 Oct
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$350
  • Single Supplement Price: US$360
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information


BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)

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