Here are 13 interesting facts about the Tatra Mountains.
1. Highest Peak
The highest peak in the Tatra mountains is the Gerlachovský štít (Gerlach Peak), which reaches 2,655 meters (8,711 feet) above sea level. There is no marked trail to the top. If you are not part of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA) and are an experienced hiker, you need a guide to hike to the peak. The Gerlach Peak is in Slovakia. The highest point on the Polish side is Rysy with 2,499 m (8200 ft). It is a shared peak with Slovakia. The top 15+ highest peaks are all on the Slovakian side of the Tatra Mountains. The highest peak located exclusively in Poland Kozi Wierch, reaching 2,291 m (7516 ft).
2. National Parks
The Tatra Mountains are protected by the Tatra National Park (Slovakia & Poland). It is the first European cross-border national park. The park(s) is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
3. Flora & Fauna
The Tatra Mountains are home to a diverse flora and fauna. Some of the plants and animals found in the Tatra Mountains cannot be found anywhere else for example the Tatra chamois. The biggest animal in the Tatra Mountains is the European brown bear.
4. Landscape
The Tatra Mountains occupy an area of 785 square kilometers of which about 610 square kilometers (77.7%) are within Slovakia and about 175 square kilometers (22.3%) are within Poland. The landscape is similar to the Alps with impressive rock formations and beautiful lakes. The Tatra Mountains include some glaciers despite having relatively low elevation. The Tatra Mountains arose in tertiary (65-1,8 million years ago) during the alpine orogeny, whereas the main rock body arose much earlier, in Mesozoic (250-100 million years ago).
5. Alpine Lakes
There are more than 100 alpine lakes in the High Tatras. Morskie Oko (Eye of the Sea) is the largest alpine lake in the Tatra Mountains. Wielki Staw Polski is the deepest and longest lake in the Tatra Mountains. The Wall Street Journal recognizes the Morskie Oko as one of the greatest lakes in the world.
6. Borders
After the collapse of the Austrian Empire in 1918, the Tatra Mountains were divided and border checks were needed. It was difficult to have checkpoints in the mountains and for hikers it was difficult to navigate the borders. The problem was fully resolved in 2007, with Slovakia and Poland joining the Schengen Area.
7. Climate
The extreme temperatures range from −40 °C (−40 °F) to 33 °C (91 °F) throughout the year. The average wind speed on the summits is 6 m/s. The peaks of the Tatra Mountains are sometimes covered with snow or ice throughout the year. Avalanches are a frequent occurrence in the Tatra Mountains. The sudden change of weather is a great danger.
8. Hiking
The Tatra Mountains are a very popular hiking destination. There are many trails with various difficult levels. The Tatranska Magistrala is potentially the longest hiking trail. The trail runs for 73km through the Tatra Mountains.
9. Winter Sport
The Tatra Mountains are a popular winter sports destination. Zakopane in Poland and Štrbské Pleso in Slovakia are well-known ski resorts. The Tatra National Park (aka TANAP) in Slovakia is threatened to lose its national park status (IUCN category II) due to large investment in winter sports in the park.
10. Shepherd Huts
Throughout the Tatra Mountains, you can find traditional wooden shepherd huts, known as “bacówka” in Polish and “koliba” in Slovak These huts were used by shepherds and provide shelter to hikers.
11. Waterfalls
The largest (not the highest) waterfall in the Tatra Mountains is Wielka Siklawa (approx. 70m (230 ft)) in the Polish Tatra Mountain. The highest waterfall in the Tatra Mountains is Ciezka Siklawa ( approx. 100m (328 ft)).
12. Tatra Museum
The Tatra Museum in Zakopane (Poland) teaches its visitors more about the history and culture of the Polish Tatra Mountain region. The Tatra National Park Museum in Poprad (Slovakia) also teaches more about the region.
13. Tatra Ice Dome
The Tatra Ice Dome at Hrebienok is the biggest and coolest winter attraction in the Tatras. The ice sculptures are inspired by the Gothic style and buildings around the world.
Q&A
Are their tours to the Tatra Mountains? Yes, there are many tours from Krakow to Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains and alternative tours for self-explorers.
What are the Tatra Mountains famous for? The Tatra Mountains are famous for being part of a cross-border national park, being a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and for their beauty.
Are the Tatra Mountains in Poland or Slovakia? The Tatra mountains are located in both countries, with the biggest peaks being on the Slovakian side
What are some fun facts about the Tatra Mountains? A fun fact about the Tara Mountains is that Morskie Oko is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
How old is the Tatra Mountains? The Tatra Mountains arose in tertiary (65-1,8 million years ago) during the alpine orogeny, whereas the main rock body arose much earlier, in Mesozoic (250-100 million years ago).