A 4-night, easy-to-moderate escape into the heart of Slovakia’s High Tatras!

If you’ve always wanted to experience the magic of the High Tatras but don’t have a full week to spare, this short break is the perfect introduction. Based in the charming village of Starý Smokovec, you’ll spend five days surrounded by pine forests, mountain peaks, waterfalls, and some of the most iconic trails in the region.

This self-guided trip gives you all the flexibility of independent travel, with none of the stress of planning. We take care of your accommodation, route suggestions, local transport, and essential mountain guidance — so you can simply lace up your boots and enjoy the views.

Each day you’ll explore one of the High Tatras’ classic routes, from peaceful lakes to alpine huts and dramatic valleys. You’re free to keep things relaxed or extend your walks for something more challenging; the beauty of a self-guided holiday is that the pace is entirely yours to choose.

Your stay includes a Tatry Card, which provides unlimited access to the local mountain trains — making it easy to reach the trailheads and explore the wider area without hassle. With comfortable accommodation, breakfast each morning, and full support throughout, this getaway is designed to feel effortless, scenic, and wonderfully refreshing.

Whether you're new to the Tatras or returning to see more, this “Taste of the Tatras” short break delivers the perfect blend of mountain adventure, flexibility, and comfort.

Arrive in the charming mountain village of Starý Smokovec, your base for the next few days. Settle into your accommodation and take a gentle stroll to get a feel for the area, or hop on the local mountain train and explore nearby Poprad, known for its historic centre and cosy cafés and restaurants.

Your first full hiking day begins in the quiet village of Tatranská Lesná. Follow a beautiful forest trail that winds past waterfalls, wooden bridges, and moss-covered rock formations before reaching a traditional mountain hut — the perfect place for a warm drink and a rest. From here, you can either continue higher into the valley for even bigger alpine views, or enjoy a steady descent back to Starý Smokovec.

Standard / Easy–Moderate option:

• Distance: 11.9 km

• Duration: 5-6 hours

• Ascent: 550 m

• Descent: 460 m

Extended route (higher into the valley):

• Distance: 18.2 km

• Duration: 8 hours

• Ascent: 1,085 m

• Descent: 999 m

Begin the day with a scenic ride on the mountain train from Starý Smokovec to the beautiful lakeside village of Štrbské Pleso. From here, follow a well-marked trail through quiet forest paths that gradually open into a stunning high-mountain valley. Your destination is one of the most iconic alpine lakes in the Tatras — a peaceful spot surrounded by rugged peaks and mirrored reflections.

Enjoy time by the water, visit the lakeside mountain lodge for lunch, or extend your walk up a steeper path for dramatic views over the entire valley. After your hike, return to Štrbské Pleso and take the mountain train back to Starý Smokovec.

Standard / Easy–Moderate option:

• Distance: 9.4 km

• Duration: 4-5 hours

• Ascent: 274 m

• Descent: ~333 m

Extended route (higher into the valley):

• Distance: 15.8 km

• Duration: 7-8 hours

• Ascent: 795 m

• Descent: 1,014 m

Today’s walk takes you into one of the most picturesque corners of the High Tatras. The trail leads through a peaceful valley framed by steep granite walls, gradually opening towards a stunning mountain lake known for its deep green colour and crystal-clear water. It’s a beautiful spot to pause, take in the alpine scenery, and soak up the quiet atmosphere of the surrounding peaks.

After spending time by the lake and having lunch at the mountain hut, you can either return the same way or extend your day with a visit to nearby Tatranská Lomnica, where an optional cable car ride offers panoramic views across the mountains and valleys below. Return to Starý Smokovec for your final evening in the Tatras.

Standard / Moderate option:

• Distance: 21 km (you can cut 6km by taking a bus/taxi to the start of the hike instead of walking)

• Duration: 7 hours

• Ascent: 650 m

• Descent: 650 m

Extended route (higher into the valley):

• Distance: 19.9 km

• Duration: 8-9 hours

• Ascent: 1,197 m

• Descent: 290 m

Goodbye Slovakia