Where to go to the mountains in Slovakia? 10 tips for the most beautiful mountains and national parks

Are you going to the mountains and would you like to visit our neighbours? Check out our 10 tips for the mountains in Slovakia. You will enjoy hiking and skiing here.

Map of places to go to the mountains in Slovakia

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of where to go to the mountains in Slovakia. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places mentioned in the guide to the Slovak mountains. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

10 tips for the mountains in Slovakia

Slovakia is a paradise for those who love mountains. It is a gem of hiking that not everyone knows about. And you will be now.

Hiking trails in Slovakia are among the most beautiful. Full of beautiful views and nature, where those looking for easy hiking trails and those looking for more challenging day treks and ridge hikes can choose.

In winter, you can ski or cross-country ski (or go hiking) and enjoy a white winter fairy tale with distant views.

Where to go to the mountains in Slovakia: the Tatras

The Tatra Mountains are the highest mountain range of the Carpathian arch stretching from Moravia, through Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania to Serbia, and the only alpine mountain range in the Carpathians. They are the first choice for most people when thinking about where to go to the mountains in Slovakia.

The Tatras are part of the Tatra National Park. The oldest and largest national park in Slovakia. It is divided into the more touristic Eastern Tatras and the much quieter Western Tatras.

The Tatras offer everything. From easy trails suitable for strollers or with children (for example Zelené pleso) through moderately demanding hikes (Koprovský or Rysy peaks) to guided hikes (the highest mountain in Slovakia – Gerlachovský štít).

We can recommend the following routes in the Eastern Tatras:

• Štrbské pleso – Popradské pleso – Velke Hincovo pleso – Koprovský štít (moderately demanding route)
• Štrbské pleso – Popradské pleso – Rysy peak (moderately demanding route)
• Tři studničky – Kriváň Peak – Štrbské pleso (moderately demanding route)
• Štrbské pleso – waterfall Skok (easy route)

The main tourist and ski resorts in the eastern part of the Tatras are Štrbské pleso, Smokovec, Tatranská Lomnica and Ždiar.

You can read all about the High Tatras, including descriptions of individual routes, in my guide to the High Tatras.

And then we have the Western Tatras. Approximately 400 metres lower than its eastern sister. What they weren’t gifted in height, they chase with their beautiful ridge routes. The heart of the Western Tatras and also the most visited are the Roháče Mountains.

What treks can we recommend in the Western Tatras?

• signpost Horáreň pod Bielou skalou – peak Biela skala – Sivý vrch (moderately demanding route)
• signpost Hrdovo – Velké Bystré pleso – Bystrá peak (moderately demanding route)
• signpost Pod Spálenou – Ťatliakova chata – signpost Smutná dolina – Roháčská plesa – Roháčský waterfall (easy route)
• Zverovka hut – burnt out Ťatliak’s hut – Zábrať saddle – Rákoň – Volovec (medium demanding route)

The main ski resorts in the western part of the Tatras are Brezovica, Zuberec, Oravice, Spálená dolina, Podbanské, Žiar.

Tatra Highway

The High Tatras are high mountains. Keep in mind that you can’t get everywhere all year round. Many routes are closed from November to mid-June.

The Tatra Highway is open all year round and although it does not lead over the peaks, you can enjoy the beautiful views to the fullest. Even with children you can do it in 4-5 days with overnight stays in mountain huts.

Or choose a part of it – for example, from Popradské pleso through Batizovské pleso to Sliezský dom.

TIP: In winter (even in spring there are still snow or icy areas), don’t forget to pack Nesmeky . You can also use them in our mountains.

Where to stay in the Tatras?

Pension Partizan has a good price-quality ratio and a great place for exploring the High Tatras. For families with children and anyone who wants more privacy in an apartment, it is ideal Pension Julie in Tatranská Lomnica. Do you want to enjoy the magnificent views right in the peaks? Z cottages under Solisko you can melt into the surroundings from morning till night. They have cosy rooms and great breakfast.

Printing travel guides:

• High Tatras: map and 50 tips for the most beautiful routes
• Western Tatras: guidebook

Where to go in the mountains in Slovakia: CHKO HORNÁ ORAVA

The Horná Orava Protected Landscape Area is located in the north of Slovakia. It is a place that includes, among other things, the Orava Beskydy Mountains on the border with Poland and part of the Orava Magura Mountains. It is the rainiest and coldest region of Slovakia.

And what does this place get you? Dense forests, but especially peat bogs, which are the most numerous in Slovakia. The Oravská Magura mountains in the south of the protected area are characterised by birch and hazel trees, so in autumn it is a beautiful colourful spectacle.

Excursions and hiking in the Upper Orava Protected Landscape Area

• ascent to the highest mountain of the Horná Orava Protected Landscape Area (and Orava Beskydy) – Babia hora (1722 m) on the border with Poland with a great view of the northern side of the Tatra Mountains – on the yellow trail from the Slaná voda hut (medium demanding route)
• ascent to the second highest peak of the Orava Beskydy – Pilsko. Accessible from Oravská Veselá on the green trail or from the Hliny saddle on the blue trail (smaller climb)
• circular route from the village of Klin along the NS Premeny Forest to the statue of Jesus Rio de Klin and the Kopanica peak with a magnificent view of the Orava Dam and the Tatras (easy route)
• Novot’ lookout tower from the village of Novot’ with a beautiful view of the surroundings (easy route)
• circular ridge route of Orava Magura from the village of Oravský Podzámok over the peaks Javorová – Príslop – Kubínská hoľa – Minčol – Oravský Podzámok

If you plan to get wet in the water, try the Orava Dam. The waves will make you feel like you’re at sea. And with the panorama of the Tatra Mountains in the background.

The main ski resorts of the Horná Orava Protected Landscape Area are Oravská Lesná and Kubínská hoľa.

Where to stay in the Orava Protected Landscape Area?

A great starting position for hiking to the top of Babia hora and for exploring the Orava Protected Landscape Area is Pension Babia hora in Orava Polhora.

Printed travel guide Orava: map and guide (in Slovak)

Where to go to the mountains in Slovakia: the CHOČSKÉ VRCHY

The Choč Hills are a small but imposing limestone mountain range, whose highest and most popular peak is Velká Choč (1611 m).

Earlier, the inclusion of the Choč Hills among the national parks was considered, but eventually this idea was abandoned due to the size of the hills. But just the fact that it’s being considered shows that you’ll enjoy these mountains. Local karst formations, deep breakthrough valleys, thermal springs and lakes.

Trips and hiking in the Chocské vrchy area

• ascent to Velký Choč from several villages in the area (we recommend Valaská Dubová) with a beautiful view of the surroundings
• Prosiecka and Kvačianska valley or canyons sandwiched between limestone mountains. Both can be walked at once within one day’s route. Along the way you will pass by a beautiful reconstructed wooden mill, where you can easily go with smaller children (it’s just quite crowded in summer).
• Lúčanský waterfall is the largest travertine waterfall in Slovakia with its 13 m. You can find it in the village of Lucky.
• ascent to the highest castle in Slovakia, the ruins of Liptovský hrad, which is freely accessible. The route leads from the village of Kalameny.
• Kalameny thermal swimming pool, where you can warm up in peace thanks to the temperature of 33 degrees Celsius all year round. It is accessible free of charge.

Mineral springs and thermals are typical for the Choč Hills. You can go for example to the spa Lúčky or Bešeňová.

Printed travel guide: Chocské vrchy and surroundings: map 1:50 000 (in Slovak)

Where to go to the mountains in Slovakia: the Low Tatras

When you say mountains in Slovakia, most people think of the High Tatras. But have you tried the Low ones? If you love hiking, you will find something to do in the Low Tatras.

And what will the Low Tatras National Park offer you besides ridge trails with great views? Green carpets, karst formations and ice caves.

Hiking and trips in the Low Tatras

• Demänovská Dolina – Chopok – Ďumbier (moderately demanding route)
• Demänovská Dolina – Demänovská Cave of Freedom (easy route)
• Village Telgárt – Kralova hora (medium demanding route)

With your children , you can visit a scaled-down version of the town of Donovalkovo or the fairy-tale village of Habakuky. The main ski resorts of the Low Tatras are Donovaly, Demänovská Dolina (Jasná, Chopok), Mýto pod Ďumbierom, Závažná Poruba, Telgárt. You can read all about the Low Tatras, including descriptions of individual routes, in my guide to the Low Tatras.

Printed travel guide: the Low Tatras: guide and maps

Where to go to the mountains in Slovakia: the Little Fatra

The Little Fatra Mountains is a place full of beautiful views, rock formations, gorges and gorges, where you can enjoy both easy routes suitable for children and high mountain hikes. It can be found in the northwest of Slovakia near Žilina. In addition, you will also find the most beautiful peak in Slovakia – Velky Rozsutec (1610 m).

Trips and hiking in the surroundings of Malá Fatra

• Jánošík’s Holes (Jánošík’s Holes) or a system of gorges created by the flowing Hlboky Brook. They consist of three parts: the Lower Holes, the New Holes and the Upper Holes. Along the way, you will be treated to a beautiful spectacle of waterfalls and the opportunity to view the gorges from ladders and footbridges.
• Ascent to the top of Velký Kriváň or the top of Chleb (on the other side) by cable car from the Vrátná hut and then from the Snilovský saddle along the red marked hiking trail (easy route)
• Ascent to Velký Rozsutec from the village of Štefanová (moderately demanding route)

The main ski resorts of Malá Fatra are Vrátna, Martin, Rájecká Lesná, Valčianská dolina.

• Our guide to Mala Fatra: Mala Fatra: hiking, trips, accommodation, transport
• Printed travel guide: the Little Fatra: guide and maps

Where to go to the mountains in Slovakia: the VELKÁ FATRA

Velká Fatra is a mountain range and largely a national park dominated by deep forests, caves, rock overhangs and a ridge route full of pastures and beautiful views. Apart from the most popular tourist spots, you often don’t see a single living thing here.

Trips and hiking in the surroundings of Veľká Fatra

• Ascent to the highest peak of Veľká Fatra Ostredok (1596 m) from Vyšná Revúca along the green trail through the Suchá dolina to the top of Krížna and then to the peaks of Frčkov and Ostredok.
• Ascent to the top of Čierny kameň along the Čierny kameň nature trail from the village of Liptovská Revúce.
• Ascent to the top of Zvolen from the Donovaly centre and continuation along the western ridge in the direction of Motyčianská hola or the northern ridge in the direction of Končitá

The main ski resorts of Veľká Fatra are Ružomberok, Jasenská dolina, Turecká – Krížna.

Printed travel guide: Velka Fatra: hiking routes and maps (in Slovak)

Where to go to the mountains in Slovakia: the STRÁŽOVské vrchy mountains

The Strážov Hills are just a short distance from the Czech border. You can recognize them by their dense beech forests, sharp limestone cliffs and dominantly protruding single peaks without longer ridge routes. What’s more, they’ll offer you great views of the peaks of the eastern Moravia .

Trips and hiking in the surroundings of the Strážov Hills

• Ascent to the limestone peak Vápeč from the village Horná Poruba
• Ascent to the highest peak Strážov (1213 m), which can be reached by the red trail from the villages Čičmany or Zliechov
• The village of Čičmany with painted wooden houses

Thermal and mineral springs are typical for the Strážov Hills region. For this reason, you will also find the famous spa Trenčianske Teplice.

The main but small ski resort in the Strážov Hills is Čičmany.

Printed travel guide: Strážovské vrchy and Mala Fatra: map 1:40 000 (in Slovak)

Where to go to the mountains in Slovakia: the MURÁN PLANINA

Muránská planina with the highest peak Fábova hoľa (1439 m) is not one of the highest mountains in Slovakia, but it is certainly one of the least visited. The national park is located south of the Low Tatras.

This is plateau, which is separated from the surroundings by massive limestone rocks. It will take you through deep forests, breathtaking views, caves and karst formations. The Murano Plain is an ideal place for easy walks through beautiful nature.

Excursions and hiking in the surroundings of the Muránské planina

• Veľká Lúka is a mountain meadow located near the village of Muránska Huta. In addition to the beautiful nature, you can also see semi-wild free grazing horses.
• From Veľká Lúka, continue along the red Rudná magistrála, which will lead you to a viewpoint from where you will have the Muránské Plateau in the palm of your hand together with the opposite Murán Castle.
• From Veľká Lúka or from the village of Muráň there is a nature trail leading to the ruins of Muráň Castle. Here you can refresh yourself and above all enjoy the beautiful views.
• A little bit behind the village of Murán (direction Červena skala) there is a meadow full of wild gophers on the left side. Don’t forget to pack them something good to eat ?.
• From the Zbojská mountain saddle it is only a short walk to the wooden lookout tower Zbojská.
• Another beautiful area is the Hronec valley and the Malý Stožec and Velký Stožec NPRs, which are accessible from the north from Závadka nad Hronom and can be managed even with a pram.

Pohronská Polhora is the main ski resort of the Muránské planina.

Where to go to the mountains in Slovakia: ČERGOV

Cergov, this is a mountain range where you can take in the clean air, enjoy the untouched nature and enjoy the views without other people. You can find it in the north of Slovakia, just beyond the Tatra Mountains, so for us Czechs it’s not exactly high on the list when we consider where to go to the mountains in Slovakia. But the extra two hours on the road will be worth it.

Excursions and hiking in the surroundings of the Čergov Mountains

• Ascent to the highest peak Minčol via Priehyby saddle – Dvoriská peak – Ždiare saddle
• Circular route Kyjov village – Kyjovské bradielko – Minčol peak – Sokolia skala – Kyjov
• Ascent to Lysá hora and to the religious place Altar of the Stone
• Ridge route from Čergov saddle – Veľká Javorina – Priehyby saddle
• The ruins of Kamenický hrad after the yellow trail from Kamenica

The only ski resort is Drienica – Lysá.

Where to go in the mountains in Slovakia: the POLONINY NATIONAL PARK

A place where you can see the Milky Way with your own eyes. In the very east of Slovakia lies the Poloniny National Park, which is part of the UNESCO-listed Eastern Carpathians Biosphere Reserve.

Its hallmark is the Poloniny, or wild mountain meadows on the ridges surrounding the largest beech and fir forests in Europe. And wooden churches built without a single nail (churches).

All you have to do is wander in the deep, quiet forests, where you may encounter more wolves and bears than people. And bison, because the Polonina National Park is the last area where you will come across wild bison.

Trips and hiking in the surroundings of the Poloniny National Park

• Ascent to the top of Riaba skala via mountain meadows in the saddle Ďurkovec from the village Ruiny
• Ascent to the highest peak and the easternmost point of Kremenec, where the borders of Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine meet. Route from the village Nová Sedlica along the red trail
• The pilgrimage site Tři studničky on the yellow trail from the village of Ruiny

Printed travel guide Poloniny, Bukovské vrchy, Vihorlat, Zemplínská Šírava: map 1:40 000 (in Slovak)

These were our 10 tips for the mountains in Slovakia. What are yours? Share your tips in the comments below. Have a good trip!

More information about Slovakia

HIGH TATRAS: See the complete guide to the High Tatras (transport, accommodation, easy and day hikes, excursions).

LOW TATRAS: Find out what to do in the Low Tatras in the Low Tatras guide (transport, accommodation, easy and day hikes, excursions).

MALÁ FATRA: We share tips for the most beautiful places in Malá Fatra in a separate article.

SLOVAKIA: We have also prepared a detailed article with tips on where to go on holiday in Slovakia.