High Tatras - one of the main natural attractions of Slovakia . These picturesque mountains are part of the Tatra Mountains, which are the highest part of the Carpathians . Annually about five million tourists from all over the world come to spend vacations in local ski resorts, work out mountaineering , and just take a walk . In addition to the highest peak in Gerlachovsky Stita (2655 m) in Slovakia, there are many waterfalls in the High Tatras, the most famous of which are the waterfalls of the Studenovaya Stream, whose cascades enno beautiful spring during snow melt; glacial lakes, the deepest of which is Velke Gintsovo Pleso (53 m), and rich flora and fauna .
In the High Tatras there is a national park with more than 300 peaks and mountain lakes. 26 peaks rise to a height of 2500 m above sea level. From the resorts of the High Tatras the most famous are Strbske Pleso (the highest mountain resort in Slovakia), Tatranska Lomnica (the best choice of trails), Smokovec and Podbanske (small and inexpensive resorts). High Tatras are perfect for a quiet family vacation with children. All the resorts, except for Podbansk, are connected by railways.
History and Culture
The High Tatras region has a rich history. The first mentions in official documents date back to the 16th century and are related to attempts by researchers to study mountain peaks and local flora and fauna. In 1615, the documented ascent to Kezmarski Stit (2556 m), one of the 15 highest peaks of the mountain system, was recorded.
The conquerors of the Tatras encountered a lot of difficulties that were encountered by those who decided to start developing the tourism industry here . However, in spite of nature was the beginning of a business that transformed the region in the late 19th and early 20th centuries into a favorite place for recreation among aristocrats and the richest people in Hungary, Austria, Germany . In the summer they came here for the sake of beautiful views and clean mountain air, and in winter - for sports s pleasures . Traces of the golden age of the High Tatras survived to our time as two Grand hotels in the resorts of Stary Smokovec and Tatranska Lomnica .
How to get there
There are several ways to get there to the resorts of the High Tatras. To begin with, you will need to fly from Moscow to Poprad-Tatry Airport, which is considered the highest mountain in Europe. The airport is 5 km from the town of Poprad, located just at the foot of the mountains. To get to the village by public transport from the airport can not, so you have to take a taxi or rent a car. Further, depending on where you plan to rest, you can choose between traveling by bus, train or rented car.
By train
Poprad railway station is the key one in this direction and is connected with such large cities of Slovakia as Bratislava, Zilina and Kosice. From Bratislava, the trip by express train will take about five hours, from Zhilina and Košice - 2 hours. Further from the station in Poprad, you can reach thanks to the Tatranskaya electrified railway to the resort of Stary Smokovec (about 40 minutes) and Strbske Pleso (about one hour). To get on a train to Tatranska Lomnica, you will have to make a transfer in Smokovec.
Tickets for travel within the region can be purchased at railway ticket offices and activated already inside the train. The approximate cost of a one-way trip from Poprad to Strbske Pleso is about one and a half EUR.
By bus
The transport connections of Poprad with large cities of Slovakia are not less developed. You can reach the city from Bratislava, Kosice and Levoca. Also there are buses between the resorts of Stary Smokovec and Tatranska Lomnica. The bus station in Smokovec is located on the outskirts of the village.
Climate
| Average monthly temperature, ° C | ||||||||||||
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | sen | Oct | but I | Dec | |
| in the afternoon | +0 | +1@@ | +6 | +10 | +16 | +18 | +21 | +20 | +17 | +12 | +4 | +0 |
| at night | -7 | -7 | -2 | +1@@ | +5 | +8 | +10 | +9 | +6 | +2 | -2 | -6 |
The climate of the High Tatras can be attributed to the Alpine climate. The snow lies here from November to May. In early summer, June and July, heavy rains are raining. The warmest months are July and August. However, at this time of year, the resorts are overflowing with tourists enjoying the nature completely awakened after hibernation.
Book popular hotels in High Tatras at the best prices
| Grand Hotel Bellevue from 4 963 rubles Vysoké Tatry Horný Smokovec 21 | Grandhotel Starý Smokovec from 6 134 rubles Vysoké Tatry Stary Smokovec | Apartman Gerlach from 4 825 rub. Vysoké Tatry Dolny Smokovec 806 |
| Hotel Palace from 2 482 rubles Vysoké Tatry Nový Smokovec 30 | Miramonti - Apartmány a Penzion from 3 033 rubles Vysoké Tatry Horný Smokovec 7 | Atrium Hotel from 3 584 rubles Vysoké Tatry Novy Smokovec 42 |
| Penzion Karpatia from 2 275 rubles Vysoké Tatry Tatranska Lesna 10 | Penzión Skitour from 1 241 rubles Vysoké Tatry Tatranská 186 | Vila Katarína 151 from 2 068 rubles Vysoké Tatry Tatranska Lomnica 151 |
Shopping and shopping
A variety of souvenirs, national clothes and other pleasant trifles can be purchased at any of the mountain resorts. Especially many sellers in the parking area. Traders usually lay out their goods before the arrival of tourist buses.
Entertainment, excursions and attractions of the High Tatras
The local set of popular excursions is almost the same as in the neighboring Low Tatras, but the cost of excursions may vary slightly. Belian cave (half day) ~ 18 EUR, Demyanovskaya Peshera and Besenova swimming pool (all day) ~ 34 EUR, "ghost castle" Bojnice (whole day) ~ 42 EUR, medieval town Spiš (whole day) ~ 37 EUR, thermal pool "Besenova" (half day) ~ 20 EUR, water park "Tatralandia" (half day) ~ 20 EUR.
Photo of the High Tatras (9)