What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 7-day winter hiking adventure in the High Tatras (5 days of hiking) Accommodation (6 nights in 4* hotels) All breakfasts and dinners All transfers during the tour Round-trip airport transfers Entry fees to thermal pools, cafe and Tree Top Walk, chair lift ticket Necessary equipment (crampons) What’s not included: Transportation to and from Slovakia Lunches Personal expenses Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

While this adventure of hiking the High Tatras does not require any special skills or previous hiking experience, you still need to be reasonably fit to hike 10-16 km (6-10 miles) every day for five days in a row, with 400-600 m (1,310-1,970 ft) of elevation gain. Keep in mind that hiking through snow is a bit more tiring than regular hiking.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag) Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Study, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support Hiking jacket (short, thinner, breathable, and waterproof) Hiking trousers (waterproof if possible) Four-layer clothing system (e.g. base layer, long sleeve shirt, fleece, downjacket/warm sweater) Snow/mud gaiters (essential!) Leisure clothing for the evenings Swimsuit for thermal baths Gloves, hat, scarf Sunglasses or ski goggles Personal medication and bandages Hiking poles — optional Ear plugs — optional Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Camera — optional (but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

What’s the accommodation like?

This winter hiking tour in the High Tatras comes with fantastic lodging! Instead of cramming in mountain huts, every night you will stay in cozy 4* hotels with beautiful wellness and spa facilities. You will perhaps move from one village to another and take in different landscapes of the High Tatras, allowing you to explore new places daily. The hotels will be situated in the villages of Stary Smokovec, Tatranska Lomnica, Stara Lesna or Strbske Pleso. If you sign up as a solo traveler, you will stay in a twin-shared room with another person of the same gender.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes, prices, and age requirements: For this group hiking adventure in the High Tatras, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. The maximum group size is 8 people. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The cost does not decrease as the group grows. If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Hiking in the High Tatras can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

To get to your winter hiking adventure in the High Tatras, most people fly into Krakow International Airport (KRK) in Poland. Make sure to arrive by 4 pm on Day 1 of the tour, so your guides can pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. You will be dropped off at the airport in Krakow on the last day at around 11:30 am, so make sure to book your flights accordingly (take into account the time for check-in). If you decide to come to the beautiful Krakow a few days prior to your trip, keep in mind that you will have to come to the airport to meet up with your guides and your team. You can easily reach the airport from the main train station Krakow Glowny—the ride takes 17 minutes and costs a couple of euros.

Safety measures in Slovakia

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Winter hiking the High Tatras in Slovakia

Treetop walk in the High Tatras, Slovakia

HIGH TATRAS | SLOVAKIA

Hiking the High Tatras: Winter Wonderland in Slovakia

5.00 ()

Season

January through March

Duration

7 days (5 days of hiking)

Difficulty

Accommodation

4* hotels with spa and wellness facilities

Guides

Martin Talač, Slovakation

Questions, additional dates, private groups

Book a call

From $1,680 () / 7 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

Ever been to Slovakia’s High Tatras? You should. They’re a thing of magic, especially in the wintertime. With the first snowfall, everything slows down and the rugged mountains transform into a wintry wonderland. So if you’ve been feeling stressed and overwhelmed lately, these quiet mountains are exactly what the doctor ordered. Not only will you enjoy the awe-inspiring scenery, with its piercing peaks, glossy alpine lakes, and mystical caves, but the luxury of 4-star hotels as well, nestled in the pristine nature. Get ready for some pampering and a generous dose of Slovak culture, wonderful dishes, and unforgettable hospitality.

Adventure highlights

7 days of culinary delights

Relish Slovak dishes, often locally sourced, homely, and filling
The mighty Carpathian range

Within the range, only High Tatras have alpine features and habitats
4-star hotels with wellness

Name a more perfect ending to the day than relaxing geothermal pools and massages. We’ll wait.

Itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable, week-long winter hiking adventure in Slovakia’s High Tatras! You’ll spend 5 days hiking and going through magical winter landscapes. A great network of trails and Tree Top Walk will allow you to explore and marvel at the alpine gems of the High Tatras, including emerald lakes, dense conifer forests, the most visited cave in Slovakia, and other picturesque landscapes. A massive bonus of the trip is that you will get to stay at cozy, luxurious 4* hotels offering fantastic wellness facilities. This adventure hits the sweet spot between excitement and comfort, so come along on this journey if that’s what you’re looking for!

Make sure to arrive at Krakow Airport by 4 pm for meeting your team and your guide. A 2.5-hour ride takes you to the High Tatras, and to your first lodging for the night in Starý Smokovec. Get to know your fellow adventures over dinner and enjoy a relaxing evening to prepare for exciting days ahead!

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 4* Grand Hotel Smokovec or similar
Begin your journey with a hike to Zamkovskeho chata hut. Trek along beautiful waterfalls and through snow-carpeted forests, immersing yourself in the winter wonderland of the Tatra Mountains. If snow conditions are ideal, you can try to ride down the mountain on a sledge!

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 4* Grand Hotel Smokovec or similar
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Hiking: 5 hours
Ascent and descent: 500 m / 1,640 ft
Today you’ll visit the renowned Lake Strbske Pleso, a glacial lake surrounded by dense conifer woodlands and mountain peaks. Then hike to Lake Popradske Pleso, another beautiful glacial lake with fantastic hiking opportunities. In the afternoon, have a cup of coffee with one of Slovakia’s best views at a local café.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 4* Grand Hotel Smokovec or similar
Distance: 11 km / 7 miles
Hiking: 4 hours
Ascent and descent: 300 m / 985 ft
Take it easy in the morning and enjoy a chair lift ride to the Tree Top Walk, providing surreal views of the Tatra Mountains. Afterwards, explore a captivating local cave before returning to the hotel of some afternoon relaxation. Rarely will you find a unique hotel like this—right on Strbske Pleso Lake, you will be fully immersed in the wintry landscapes of the High Tatras and its forests.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 4* Grand Hotel Patria
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Hiking: 3 hours
Ascent and descent: 200 m / 660 ft
Today you have the longest hike of the tour, but it’s incredibly rewarding. By trekking along a path considered by many to be the most beautiful one in Slovakia, reach Lake Zelene Pleso. As its name implies, the lake has a picturesque emerald green to it, and is surrounded by beautiful peaks. Enjoy the cozy mountain hut on the lake’s shore, creating unforgettable memories in this breathtaking alpine setting.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 4* Grand Hotel Patria
Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
Hiking: 6 hours
Ascent and descent: 700 m / 2,300 ft
Walk to Hotel Sliezsky Dom, a hotel nestled in Tatras wilderness, surrounded by snowy mountain vistas. Use the afternoon to indulge in some well-deserved relaxation. Recharge at local thermal pools, where you can soothe your muscles after days of walking.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 4* Grand Hotel Patria
Distance: 12 km / 7.5
Hiking: 4 hours
Ascent and descent: 650 m / 2,130 ft
Bid farewell to the Slovak Tatra mountains, your fellow adventurers, and your guide. You’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home. If you’d like to stay longer in the area and further explore, just let your guides know—they’ll give you excellent recommendations!

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guides

5.00

Martin Talač

Martin realized his true passion for showing travelers the beauties of Slovakia when he was in university, and ever since then he keeps on working towards and maintaining his goal. He founded the Slovakation blog, where he has been sharing his best tips on the country and hiking there. The blog was later transformed into Slovakation Travel Company, a company offering exciting and hassle-free adventures all around the country.

5.00

Slovakation

Founded by Martin Talač, Slovakation has been offering travelers an array of fantastic experiences through the incredible nature of Slovakia since 2015. With Slovakation you can count on hassle-free adventures, whether as a private or a group tour, on self-guided or sightseeing tours. With local guides by your side, there’s no need to worry about missing off the beaten path gems and getting a cultural experience!

5.00 (5 reviews)

Polina Kovunova (source: Google Reviews)

A wonderful hike with a great guide – the roads are well thought of (so you do not need to worry about nothing) you get a lot of care and help. We were on a road with Martin – he did all the possible things to assure we’re all fine, if the road is pleasant for the whole group, he was sharing lots and lots of facts and interesting things about the region and the mountains. Would definitely recommend these guys if you’re on a lookout for a great and active trip!

Alex Bowden (source: Google Reviews)

Had a great hiking adventure in the Tatras mountains. Great group of people, amazing views and our guide Patrik was brilliant! Thunderstorms threatened to disrupt everything but Patrik always had a great plan B when needed, so we still did lots of hiking in incredible locations.

Deep Bachu (source: Google Reviews)

Absolutely fantastic trip – highly recommended! Tom and Roman are excellent guides which truly know and appreciate beautiful Slovakia. Can’t recommend enough!

Anna Fisher (source: Google Reviews)

Amazing experience hiking in the snow in the high tatras! Patrik was great and adjusted our trip to cater for the weather. We had stunning views and the food in the mountain huts was great!

David Plumb (source: Google Reviews)

Absolutely brilliant trip thanks to our guide Martin who was full of information about the mountains and local area, also local places to eat which were fantastic. He was our guide to start and I feel as if we left friends. Great thanks so much.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 7-day winter hiking adventure in the High Tatras (5 days of hiking)
  - Accommodation (6 nights in 4* hotels)
  - All breakfasts and dinners
  - All transfers during the tour
  - Round-trip airport transfers
  - Entry fees to thermal pools, cafe and Tree Top Walk, chair lift ticket
  - Necessary equipment (crampons)
What’s not included:
- - Transportation to and from Slovakia
  - Lunches
  - Personal expenses
  - Guide gratuities — optional
While this adventure of hiking the High Tatras does not require any special skills or previous hiking experience, you still need to be reasonably fit to hike 10-16 km (6-10 miles) every day for five days in a row, with 400-600 m (1,310-1,970 ft) of elevation gain. Keep in mind that hiking through snow is a bit more tiring than regular hiking.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Study, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support
  - Hiking jacket (short, thinner, breathable, and waterproof)
  - Hiking trousers (waterproof if possible)
  - Four-layer clothing system (e.g. base layer, long sleeve shirt, fleece, downjacket/warm sweater)
  - Snow/mud gaiters (essential!)
  - Leisure clothing for the evenings
  - Swimsuit for thermal baths
  - Gloves, hat, scarf
  - Sunglasses or ski goggles
  - Personal medication and bandages
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Ear plugs — optional
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
This winter hiking tour in the High Tatras comes with fantastic lodging! Instead of cramming in mountain huts, every night you will stay in cozy 4* hotels with beautiful wellness and spa facilities. You will perhaps move from one village to another and take in different landscapes of the High Tatras, allowing you to explore new places daily. The hotels will be situated in the villages of Stary Smokovec, Tatranska Lomnica, Stara Lesna or Strbske Pleso. If you sign up as a solo traveler, you will stay in a twin-shared room with another person of the same gender.
Group sizes, prices, and age requirements:
- - For this group hiking adventure in the High Tatras, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1. The maximum group size is 8 people.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.
  - The cost does not decrease as the group grows.
  - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
Hiking in the High Tatras can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
To get to your winter hiking adventure in the High Tatras, most people fly into Krakow International Airport (KRK) in Poland. Make sure to arrive by 4 pm on Day 1 of the tour, so your guides can pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation.

You will be dropped off at the airport in Krakow on the last day at around 11:30 am, so make sure to book your flights accordingly (take into account the time for check-in).

If you decide to come to the beautiful Krakow a few days prior to your trip, keep in mind that you will have to come to the airport to meet up with your guides and your team. You can easily reach the airport from the main train station Krakow Glowny—the ride takes 17 minutes and costs a couple of euros.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 2 months (60 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies. If the Client cancels the booking…
- - Anytime prior to 61 (sixty-one) calendar days prior to the start of the tour, Client is entitled to a full refund.
  - 60-31 (sixty to thirty-one) calendar days prior to the start of the tour, Client is entitled to a 50% refund.
  - Less than 30 (thirty) calendar days prior to the start of the tour, Client is not entitled to any refund.
Your guides reserve the right to cancel the trip due to force majeure, i.e. natural disasters, wars, and other similar conflicts. If your guides withdraw from the contract, they agree to pay to the Client the full price of the tour within 15 days from the date of withdrawal from the contract, or to offer to the Client for the same price an alternative tour.