Hiking, fauna, flora

Hiking, fauna, flora, High Tatras

The picturesque surroundings of the High Tatras offer a myriad of activities you can do individually or in the company of family and friends. Go on a challenging alpine hike or a relaxing walk or discover the fascinating world of animals and plants.

If you choose hiking, you can walk through the Tatra Mountains on trails marked with signs (red, blue, green, yellow). They are divided into several groups according to the difficulty of each section.

Markings of hiking trails

Red - ridge trails

Blue - long-distance routes

Green - access routes

Yellow - links between routes of other colours

Fauna and flora of the High Tatras

Besides the pleasant climate in the Tatras, you can also find many magnificent plants and animals.

There are around 1,400 species of plants, among others, for example, the primrose, the Tatra fritillary, the alpine bearberry, the spicebush, the High Tatras spicebush, the eyebright, the glossy carnation and the Tatra poppy. Most of the area is covered with coniferous forests, with dwarf pine in the high altitudes; in the highest altitudes, no forests are left.

The Tatra Mountains are home to a number of animal species, among the rarest of which are the Tatra chamois, the mountain roe deer, the red deer, the Tatra marmot, the Tatra vole and the Tatra snow vole. The large carnivores are the lynx, the common wolf, the brown bear and the wild cat. Birds include the golden eagle, common kestrel, peregrine falcon, sparrow hawk, Eurasian and wood owls. Among river animals, the river otter can be found here, and the river trout can also be found in the Tatra streams.

All plants and animals in the TANAP area are strictly protected all year round.

If you are going hiking in the Tatra Mountains, these important things should not be missing from your equipment

  • sturdy hiking boots above the ankles with Vibram soles
  • thermal underwear that wicks away sweat
  • outerwear made of waterproof and windproof material
  • a raincoat, hat and gloves in case the weather deteriorates
  • hiking poles
  • in case of sunny weather, don't forget to bring sunglasses, a scarf or a hat for your head and sun cream
  • plenty of fluids and food
  • a mini first aid kit (sterile dressing, disinfectant)

Visitor's duties in mountain areas as per the Mountain Rescue Service:

  • must follow the instructions of the mountain rescue service
  • obey the warning, information and other devices relating to the safety of persons in the mountain area
  • behave in such a way that they do not endanger their own life, health and property or the life, health and property of other persons
  • report immediately to the mountain service any health problems or the disappearance of another person in the mountain area
  • before starting a walk, hike or climb, sign the walk and climb book
  • reimburse the Mountain Rescue Service for the costs associated with the rescue or search operation to which it is liable.