We hike into the heart of the High Tatras to the granite pyramid rising to 2428 meters on the main ridge of the range, among the largest peaks' circle. Our route is a well-maintained mountain trail, touching the mountain hotel of the Silesian House and the two valley lakes, and also the long-protected Wildflower Garden. This peak-climbing tour ventures among peaks leading to one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the High Tatras.
Hlavná trasa a technické náročnosti
It is one of the Carpathians' most technical hiking trails, ascending from the glacier-carved valley basin to the ice- and storm-scarred ridge, but in exchange for the difficulties, it introduces us to a rare, wild, untamed rock world in the most spectacular and dramatic locations of the range. In the northeastern corner of the High Tatras, the dramatic granite-walled Green Lake on a fabulous hike through mountain meadows, pine groves and sea lochs.
Our short excursion is like a postcard from the world of the High Tatras, as along this route we enjoy the picturesque rocky world of the mountains from the comfort of a distant observer, the waterfalls roaring at their base, the romantically atmospheric mountain huts, and the remnants of the once impenetrable spruce forest.
A special type of trekking in the High Tatras is the mountain pass trekking: the most exciting routes in the mountains lead through crevasses in the rocky ridges, along paths secured with chains. The easy hike to the Green Lake is very popular. The landscape is varied, impressive at the Green Lake due to the mountain backdrop, and with detours to the other lakes it is also exciting and appealing for children. The hut at the Green Lake is accordingly overcrowded on weekends and public holidays. The Tatra-Magistrale crosses the mountain range along the entire south side in a west-east direction, continuously marked in red.
Popis najznámejších miest a výhľadov
Welcome to Vysoké Tatry, where the majestic mountains beckon you to explore their beauty through exhilarating hikes! Located in Slovakia, Vysoké Tatry offers a plethora of hiking trails that cater to all levels of expertise. Vysoké Tatry boasts some of the most picturesque hiking routes in Europe. One such area is the High Tatra Mountains National Park which spans across both Slovakia and Poland. Another popular destination for hikers is Strbske Pleso, a scenic alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks. One of the most iconic hiking trails in Vysoké Tatry is the hike to Rysy Peak.
If you prefer easier hikes with equally stunning scenery, consider exploring Velicka Valley. Whether you are new to hiking or an experienced mountaineer, Vysoké Tatry has something for everyone.
As you traverse the diverse terrain of Vysoké Tatry's hiking trails, rest assured that there are plenty of opportunities to refuel and recharge along your journey. If multi-day treks are your preference, several accommodations ranging from rustic lodges to luxurious hotels await your arrival at strategic points along popular hiking routes.
Orlia stezka (Orla Perć) a osobné skúsenosti
Orla Perć (Eagle’s Path) is known as the most dangerous hiking trail in the High Tatras of southern Poland. The route is a Grade 2 scramble. Due to the amount of accidents and deaths there was a petition to change it to a via ferrata in 2006 but it remained open as a hiking trail due its history. The route has a lot of metal ladders and chains to help you up and down vertical sections. Personally, I can't believe it is an open trail like that, especially with the amount of people that visit there.
The day I originally planned to go for it was forecasted to be a windy one and I had another day remaining after, so I decided to swap in an easier hike and leave Orla Perć for my final day. All or nothing, no second chances. If there was gonna be rain I was not gonna go, and even with strong winds, I didn't want to end up dying over this. The logistical issue with this trail was the daylight and the length of the trail. It is not really a single day hike, my favourite. The main technical ridge itself is 4.5km and the suggested completion takes 6-8 hours.
Completion times are typical completion times I swipe my hand at, but when it comes to doing something maybe a bit crazy I wouldn't want to be overconfident. Then the closest I could get with my car is still quite far away. The car park was about 11km and 1,000m below from the ridgeline. In total it was going to be like a 30km technical hike. Typically people would go hike half of the route, or stay overnight.
Bezpečnost a skúsenosti návštevníkov
I found a report online of some English guys who hiked up there in a day and back down again in 17 hours. This was from a different starting point but the distance and total elevation were very similar. The National Park was full of them and they're all way more active at night and that's a lot of hours remaining after the Sun goes down. I better be fast then. Even though I set my alarm early I somehow woke before that, so I decided to get going, no time to lose.
The route left the main road and went through a forest for a while. Nothing but up and more up. 1,100m until the start of the main ridge. It was warm, just my t-shirt was enough. I passed one dude on the way but was all alone. Lovely early morning. After getting out of the forest the mountains started towering over from both sides. Still a long way to go. Upon reaching 2,000m above sea level and almost at the start of the ridge the temperature had dropped a bit and the wind had picked up.
Praktické tipy a ubytovanie
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On mapa-turystyczna.pl I marked my trip. In fact it was a little longer, because I wanted to save money and I found accommodation 5 km from Zakopane. The best starting points for Orla Perć are Murowaniec Hut or Hut in Dolina Pięciu Stawów (Five Ponds Valley). The problem is, both huts are very popular and you have to book in advance to have accommodation there. Additionally, in Murowaniec it’s not allowed to sleep on the floor. In the hut in Dolina Pięciu Stawów it is allowed but in summer weekends it can be difficult to find accommodation even on the floor… And when you book in advance you never know if weather will be good.
Vysoké Tatry - cel a atmosféra
Welcome to the Tatras, where nature’s beauty meets exhilarating hiking trails. Tatras is not just a destination; it’s a hiking paradise waiting to be explored. The scenery varies from gentle slopes to challenging peaks, offering both easy and multi-day treks with opportunities to stay in rustic lodges or luxurious hotels along popular routes.
