The Slovakian Tatry by International Mountain Leader Lucy Wallace
What makes the Slovakian Tatry such a great destination?
The Vysoke Tatry or “High Tatra” mountains form the central part of a chain of mountains that straddle the border between Slovakia and Poland and are part of the wider Carpathian range. The Vysoke Tatry are made from primarily volcanic rocks such as granite, and remind me of a huge pumped-up Skye Cuillin, with dramatic mountain cirques and gorgeous azure lakes. The 15 highest peaks are all above 2500m and are on the Slovakian side, which is also (slightly) less busy than the Polish side. That said, it can get pretty rammed during the school holidays.
The area is a National Park, which ensures that a great network of paths and mountain huts exist, ideally suited for hut to hut adventures. The huts are relatively inexpensive and have their own unique Slovakian mountain culture and cuisine.
How easy is it to get to?
In the summer months there are a handful of direct flights from London to Poprad which is very close to the Slovakian Tatry. Alternatively, I fly to Krakow in Poland and then transfer to the Tatra. Zakopane is a bustling town on the Polish side! It is perfect for stocking up on kit and supplies and has good links with Krakow so is an ideal jumping off point to head in to the mountains. A cheap and reliable bus service serves both sides of the border.
Can you tell us about a memorable moment on a recent trip?
Exploring a remote cirque with a colleague not long before nightfall, we encountered a brave group of chamois. Tatra chamois are thought to be a distinct species, and these seemed to have no fear of us, wandering within a few metres while we stood quietly. It was truly magical!
What are your top tips for anyone travelling to the area?
I work with young people on their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and they have to cook all their own food (it’s the rules!) but otherwise I’d say try the local food and drink. Slovakian mountain cuisine is very hearty and filling with lots of dumplings and delicious soups that help you rehydrate and recover from a hard day on the hill. The garlic soup is fierce! Kofola is a regional caffeinated cola type soda. It is sold on draught by the half litre in all the huts and not only tastes amazing but will power you up the hill.
What else is there to do other than mountain trekking?
The area has some superb skiing and snow shoeing in the winter months. A visit to the High Tatry can also be built in to a cultural trip with a stay in the beautiful and iconic Polish city of Krakow.
Are there any dangers or annoyances?
Mountain culture in Slovakia seems to involve quite an amount of alcohol, so it is normal to encounter some lively folk on the trail. I’ve seen people having beer with their breakfast before heading out rock climbing! It is normal to take a shot or three of Jaegermeister at lunch and by the evening there is quite a party atmosphere in the huts. Mostly this is great fun but can get a bit annoying if you want a good night’s sleep. And drinking and altitude and adventure sports is never a good idea!
What one piece of kit could you not manage without in this area?
A plastic poncho is not a bad investment (in addition to your regulation Gore-tex jacket and trousers obviously). Sounds terrible but it’s often very hot in summer and heavy rainstorms in the afternoons can quickly soak you through. Shorts and a poncho is the way to go!
Adventure Expeditions offer DofE Gold expeditions for schools in a variety of exciting European destinations. More info here: https://adventure-expeditions.net/
Thank you Lucy!
