Rural holidays in the Slovakian Tatras

File:Dolina Cicha a 11.jpg
Tichá dolina in the Slovak Tatras (Wikipedia)

The Tatras of Slovakia are home to some of the most stunning landscapes in Europe, with a thriving bear and wolf population, and unspoilt medieval villages. The range forms the natural boundary between Slovakia and Poland, and together they form the first European cross-border national park to be founded.  Although lower than Alps the high peaks are Alpine in character, and winter sports are becoming increasing popular. The highest peak is Gerlachovský štítat 2,655 m, also the highest point in Slovakia. Note, The Tatras, also known as the High Tatras, should in theory be distinguished from another Slovakian range, the Low Tatras, situated to the south of the Tatras, although in practice they often used together. The Tatras is still one of the last corners of Europe where a British traveller is a rarity, though with cheap flights this is likely to soon change, attracted by great winter sports and superb landscapes, nature and heritage in the summer. Levoca enjoys a reputation as the most attractive of the region’s towns.

See also wildlife of the Tatras

Country holidays and accommodation and in the Tatras

Bear tracking tripin the the High Tatras in Slovakia. Expert guides and rangers lead the bear project. Participants search not only for bears, but also wolves and wildcats, etc.

Tatra Mountains family holidayIn the heart of Tatra Mountains you’ll venture  out on a different adventure each day:  hiking in the mountains, cycling along valley trails, river rafting, horse riding through the meadows, trying your hand at traditional crafts and a visit to a spectacular ice cave.

Articles about rural tourism in the Tatras

Wikitravel on the Tatras

High Tatras do not just offer opportunities for hiking but also for different kind of sport activities. Snow conditions during the winter are perfect for skiing or snowboarding. Funiculars are accessible to many alpine localities, such as Solisko (1840m) or Skalnata chata (1751m) where tourists can take another funicular and go to Lomnicky štít (2632m) and see whole Tatras below. In High Tatras it is possible to ski in nine localities and each one consist of two to nine slopes. Cycling is other activitie that is very interesting for people who love adrenalin. Cyclists can choose either between asphalt or field roads. Different kind of roads with various level of difficulty are suitable for less or more demanding people.

Looking for bears in Slovakia’s High TatrasTracking brown bears with the aid of expert tracks in the High Tatras. (The Guardian)

Skiing in the Tatras Wonderful, empty slopes and low prices (The Guardian) Summers in rugged Spis are a relaxed hazy affair, and the land is replete with hikers and mushroom pickers. But when winters arrives the landscape freezes and becomes stunningly beautiful.

Bird watching in the Tatras (The Guardian)

The Tatras national park, a wild area of Slovakia on the Polish border, is the place to find owls. Ural, Tengmalm’s and pygmy owls and the Eurasian eagle-owl all nest in the area. These high, forested mountains are well-known in their deciduous sections for at least five types of woodpecker, including the syrian and grey-headed. Where corncrakes have all but disappeared from our landscape, here their grating call can often be heard in the meadows. Higher up, in the conifer forests, you can find capercaillie, hazel and black grouse; in the skies soar imperial eagles and sakers.

See also Sarus Bird toursAfter arrival in Kosice, we drive to the Tatras National Park, on the Polish border, Here, we will begin searching for our target species. Our local guide will hopefully have good nesting sites for three owl species, Ural, Tengmalm’s and Pygmy, and we can look for Eagle Owl. Several Woodpeckers are also resident, including Black and Three-toed, and we may find Grey-headed, as well as Green and Great Spotted.

Books about the Tatras

Walking in the High Tatras (Amazon)

For the keen walker this excellent guide offers an area which is both less well-know and a challenge. As well as the High Tatras, this second edition covers the neighbouring White Tatras in Slovakia and the Western Tatras in Poland. Colin Saunders has wide experience of walking in many parts of Britain and is a member of the Outdoor Writer’s Guild, while Renata Narozna was born and bred there. Together they provide a detailed insight into the possibilities for walking at every level.’ (The Keswick Reminder / August 2006) ‘The book is an example of what a good guidebook should be, crammed with useful information. In addition to the routes, it describes the history, flora and fauna, weather, planning, safety, accommodation, etc. Though, it is all in one mountain area, the book correctly describes separately the Polish and Slovak Tatras.

TANAP- Slovak Tatra National Park

Official site of the town of High Tatras

Tatra Mountains – Wikipedia

Keywords

Wildlife holidays in the Tatras, Adventure tourism in the Tatras, Hiking in the Tatras, Trekking in the Tatras, Outdoor pursuits in the Tatras, winter sports in the Tatras, adventure sports in the Tatras, Climbing in the Tatras, Cottages in the Tatras, Rural houses in Tatras, Rural retreats in Tatras, Rural hotels in Tatras, Rural apartments in the Tatras, Rural hostels in the Tatras, Cabins or bungalows in the Tatras, Camp sites, camping in the Tatras,  where to stay in the Tatras,

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