Nine days in the High Tatras: hiking from mountain lake to mountain lake

This is where your trip starts. You head south through the Czech Republic towards Slovakia, splitting the long journey over two days.

Olomouc is a lovely university town with the UNESCO-listed Holy Trinity Column and a lively main square. Ideal for strolling through the old town and having a good meal in the evening after the first half of the drive. Its location also makes the drive into the Tatras noticeably shorter the next day.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The best-known glacial lake in the High Tatras sits at 1,346 metres, framed by dwarf pines and rugged peaks. A flat circular path of around two kilometres takes you gently around the lake as a easy introduction. From the shore you get your first big view of the mountain range you'll be exploring over the coming days.

Your holiday flat serving as base camp for six nights, conveniently located between Starý Smokovec and Tatranská Lomnica. From here you can reach all the valley stations and hiking starting points within minutes, either by car or on the Tatra railway (TEŽ). Having your own kitchen makes the long stay comfortable, without having to change accommodation every day.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

From the Popradské Pleso car park, you hike on a well-maintained path for around 90 minutes up to this quiet lake, tucked deep in a mountain basin at 1,500 metres. On the shore stands the rustic Chata pri Popradskom plese mountain hut, where you can stop for refreshments. Anyone with energy to spare can continue up to the Symbolic Cemetery of Mountaineers, a moving spot with wide views across the valley.

This elegant spa resort is the starting point for the cable cars up into the high mountains. Before or after the ride, it's worth strolling through the well-kept town centre with its historic spa hotels. This is also where the cable car up to Skalnaté Pleso departs.

This small high-mountain lake at 1,751 metres lies at the cable car's intermediate station, directly beneath the steep rock faces of Lomnický štít. It's home to a mountain hut and an observatory, and the view over the Tatra foothills is stunning. From here, the cable car continues on up to the summit.

At 2,634 metres, Lomnický štít is one of the highest and most striking peaks in the Tatras, reachable via the spectacular summit cable car from Skalnaté Pleso. At the top, a viewing platform awaits with panoramic views across the entire mountain range as far as Poland. Time at the summit is strictly limited, and your ticket ties you to a fixed time slot.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The funicular takes you from Starý Smokovec up to Hrebienok at 1,285 metres, the gateway to the Kohlbach valley. From here, well-marked paths lead to the waterfalls and on into the higher valleys. A panoramic restaurant invites you to stop before heading back down.

Just a short forest path from Hrebienok, the Kalte Bach (Cold Stream) cascades down over several steps and smooth, weathered rock slabs. These cascades are a Tatras classic and combine nicely into a circular route. Those who continue walking reach the Zamkovského hut in the high valley in around two hours.

The Belianska Cave near Tatranská Kotlina is the only one of the Tatra caves open to visitors, with richly decorated stalactites and underground watercourses. The guided tour lasts about an hour at a cool six to seven degrees, so sturdy footwear and a jacket are a good idea. Access begins with a short but steep climb up to the cave entrance.

The mountain village of Ždiar at the foot of the Belianske Tatry is known for its colourfully painted Goral wooden houses and its still-vibrant folk culture. Lovely hikes into the gentler eastern Tatras start from here. A small open-air museum offers a glimpse into the region's traditional way of life.

The Red Monastery on the banks of the Dunajec is a former 14th-century Carthusian monastery, now a museum with the famous herb garden of Brother Cyprián. All around, the Pieniny gorge opens up with its steep, forested rock faces. A lovely contrast to the high mountains, and a good spot for a more relaxed day.

A flat riverside path runs along the Dunajec gorge through the Pieniny, which you can explore on foot or by hired bike. Traditional raft trips with the Goral raftsmen are a classic feature here. The gorge marks the border with Poland - the opposite bank is Polish territory.

To round things off, one last visit to the iconic lake, this time for a longer loop up to the Popradské viewpoint or a final breakfast with a mountain view. From here you bid farewell to the High Tatras and set off on the first stage of your journey home. Early morning is the quietest time on the shore.

Brno makes a good stopover on the way back, splitting up the long drive to Dresden. The Czech Republic's second-largest city has a lively old town, Špilberk Castle and plenty of good places to eat. In the evening you can wind down the trip in a relaxed way.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

You head back to Dresden via Prague, where your Tatras week comes to an end. If you like, you can take a lunch break in Prague along the way. By the afternoon you'll be back at your starting point.

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)