High Tatras
Mountains Mountain range along Slovakia–Poland border with alpine peaks
Alpine range on the Slovakia-Poland border with glacial peaks, alpine lakes and mountain huts. Hikers and skiers use marked trails, via ferrata routes and winter resorts.
The High Tatras are an alpine mountain range on the border between northern Slovakia and southern Poland, forming the highest part of the Tatra Mountains and the Tatra section of the Carpathians. The range contains several peaks above 2,600 metres and is a major centre for mountain recreation in Central Europe.
The area is prized for its sharp peaks, glacial cirques, and mountain lakes, including well-known sites such as Štrbské Pleso and numerous marked trails and mountain huts. The High Tatras support year-round activities from summer hiking to winter skiing and mountaineering.
The highest summit is Gerlachovský štít at 2,655 metres, with other important peaks including Lomnický štít at 2,634 metres. The mountains are protected by national parks on both the Slovak and Polish sides and contain established mountain rescue and visitor facilities.
The range lies along the Slovakia-Poland border in northern Slovakia’s Prešov Region and nearby Polish Lesser Poland, with Poprad and other towns serving as common bases for access.
- National parks: Two national parks protect the area: Tatra National Park in Slovakia (TANAP) and Tatra National Park in Poland (TPN), each with established trail networks and mountain infrastructure.
What to See #
- Gerlachovský štít (2,655 m): Gerlachovský štít is the range's highest summit at 2,655 metres and is the tallest peak in the Carpathian Mountains when measured in elevation.
- Lomnický štít (2,634 m): Lomnický štít reaches 2,634 metres and is a prominent peak with a long-standing cable car service from the Tatranská Lomnica valley on the Slovak side.
- Štrbské Pleso: Štrbské Pleso is a high-mountain lake and resort village that serves as one of the main access points and tourist centres in the High Tatras.
How to Get to High Tatras #
From Bratislava or Poprad, take Slovakia’s regular trains to Poprad-Tatry station. From Poprad, regional buses and the Tatra Electric Railway (TEŽ) connect to villages such as Štrbské Pleso and Tatranská Lomnica. For car access, the E50/Mlynica and local roads lead into valley trailheads.
Tips for Visiting High Tatras #
- Use the Tatranská Lomnica or Štrbské Pleso cable cars to access high alpine terrain quickly.
- Pack layers: mountain weather changes fast; even summer nights can be cool above 2,000 m.
- Reserve mountain huts (chata) in advance during July-August weekends; they fill with Slovak and Polish hikers.
Best Time to Visit High Tatras #
The High Tatras are best in summer for hiking and in winter for snow sports; shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds but unpredictable weather.
Weather & Climate near High Tatras #
High Tatras's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (953 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (139 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
