View from the Hitatra hiking trail. (Image: Getty)
Whether you're looking for accessible skiing or a stunning hike, you might want to explore the High Tatras Mountains of Slovakia.
Perhaps you have already heard of Bratislava, the capital of Slovak. However, Northeast Slovakia hides unexplored gems that many British people have yet to discover.
The world's smallest alpine range, High Tatra was named the best destination in Europe in 2019 by travel guidebook company Lonely Planet for hiking, wildlife and scenery.
Ryanair and With Air offer flights under £20 for one-way tickets to Poprad, a town just 15 minutes from the mountains.
The area is a strictly protected nature reserve, and together with its Polish counterparts, it forms a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve.
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A UK visitor said on TripAdvisor:
“A hidden gem. We've been here twice with friends, and every time it offers something new and breathtaking.
“We skied, hiked, hiked, and relaxed and relaxed everywhere with hiking/skiing.
“We're back.”
If you're a first-time visitor, it's worth exploring here:
For a picturesque skiing experience, you can't miss the Tatlanka Lomnica ski resort, featuring high-altitude slopes, including Slovakia's steepest slopes.
On sunny days, you can ride the cable car from Romniki Peak for stunning panoramic views.
Cable Wayta Tranka Lomnica at ski resort. (Image: Getty)
Another must-see is štrbské Pleso, where the 1970 World Ski Championship built two ski jumps along the cross-country trails of the frozen lake.
Hotel FI with dynamic inclined foam is an interesting example of late Czechoslovak modernism.
The most experienced skiers can further travel to Jasna Resort. It is one of the Alpine Ski World Cup venues, offering 50km slopes and modern lift infrastructure.
Ski jumping and Mountain Lake Shart Kepreso. (Image: Getty)
However, the area is not exclusively for winter enthusiasts.
Whether you're going for a family-friendly walk to an untouched waterfall like Vodopád Skok or a full-day hike, there are over 600km of hiking trails to explore.
Many people connect to chat – Chalets offer food and accommodation for hikers, with some including a luxurious spa.
Often located in the valley or near a glacier lake, it serves as the perfect resting spot for trekkers.
TéryHut is the best mountain shed with all year round operation. (Image: Getty)
Delivering food to these remote locations is not easy.
Helicopters and cable cars deal with supply of the Alps and other European mountains, but Slovakia still relies on traditional Tatra Sherpas.
These porters carry up to 100 kg of luggage on their backs and trek to a height of 2,000 meters, delivering essentials to remote mountain sheds.
When you try the food, you're for a treat. Traditional dishes such as sheep cheese, rich soups and potato dumplings served with hearty stew will keep you warm and prepare you for your next trek.
The high-tatras mountain porter carries a load of up to 100 kg on the back. (Image: Getty)
When you try the food, you're for a treat. Traditional dishes such as sheep cheese, rich soups and potato dumplings served with hearty stew will keep you warm and prepare you for your next trek.
The pint costs around 3 pounds, but you can also try Kofola, an alternative to Coca-Cola from the communist era.
Relax at the spa to finish your day. There are some great options, including the luxurious Kempinski Hotel in Stolbusquepleso and the historic Grand Hotel Starsmokobek.
For more budget-friendly options, try Aquacity Poprad.
