Crossing the High Tatras from Zakopane to Starý Smokovec

A three-stage traverse of the High Tatras, starting from the heights of Zakopane in Poland and ending in Starý Smokovec in Slovakia.

The route begins with a first day spent mainly in woodland, leading to the Schronisko mountain hut. The second stage, which is much more demanding, forms the heart of the trek: after a long walk through the valley and the forest, a particularly steep climb takes you up to the heights of the Tatras and across the Slovak border before reaching the Sliezski Dom hotel. The final day, which is considerably shorter, takes you back down to Starý Smokovec.

A hike full of contrasts, with the second day suited to hikers in very good physical condition.

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   From Zakopane to the Schronisko mountain refuge

   6.86 mi 1,709 ft 1,660 ft

   This first stage allows you to gradually leave the Zakopane area behind and enter the wooded areas of the Tatra National Park. A relatively balanced day’s walk before the much more demanding mountain stage the following day.

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2. 2
   

   From the Schronisko refuge to Sliezski Dom

   13.21 mi 3,967 ft 1,946 ft

   This is the key stage of the crossing and by far the most demanding. After a start to the route requiring a detour via the road, the trail enters a wooded valley and follows a river before tackling the long climb to the heights of the Tatras. The end of the stage presents the bulk of the difficulty, with an elevation gain of around 1,000 metres over just 3 km. Covering 21 km with 1,200 m of ascent, this day’s walk requires a very good level of fitness.

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3. E
   

   From Sliezski Dom to Starý Smokovec

   4.38 mi 102 ft 2,274 ft

   After the challenging stage the previous day, this third and final day is much shorter. It takes you down from the heights of the Tatras, gradually reaching the valley and Starý Smokovec. The route is just 7 km long, with only 30 m of ascent and 700 m of descent.

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