HIGH TATRAS – SLOVENIA

Going to Tatras mountains was an extension of our visit to Budapest. Our trip to Tatras Mountains was a surprise for me. But my husband knew about these mountains. He is better at Geography than me. The Tatra Mountains, commonly known as the Tatras, are the highest range in the Carpathian Mountains, forming a natural border between Slovakia and Poland. They span approximately 57 kilometers in length and 19 kilometers in width, with about 77.7% of the range located in Slovakia and 22.3% in Poland.

In 1683, an anonymous author published a book of adventures and excursions in the Tatras. It became very popular in Europe and contributed to the growth of tourism in the Tatras.

We were in Budapest and from there we had planned to go to Tatras by train. We boarded a train in the evening hours. In our compartment there was another person who was also going to Tatras and was knowledgeable about this area. We became good friends and travelled together during the whole trip .

We reached Kocise a city in Slovakia. From here we were to change to a train going to Tatras. The wait at station was long, so he suggested that we should change currency here. This was very helpful. From here we boarded a train going to Tatras . And under his guidance, we got off at a station  Vyoske Tatry.

 In Slovakia, the most important tourist base is the city – Vyoske Tatry.

We had not made any booking for our stay. As our friend suggested we first went to the tourist office near the station to get information along with him. Our friend suggested that he had an address of a hotel recommended by a friend. He and my husband walked to the hotel. After seeing this accommodation there was no question of going anywhere else.  The name of the hotel is Dr. Szontagh villa, it belonged to a doctor and one of the most famous place to stay. So we took all our baggage and settled down.This idea new resort (Nový Smokovec) was developed as part of project of climatic therapy.

We got a very nice 2-room suite for our stay. The hotel was full of excited tourists and in the morning in the cafeteria everyone was discussing about different destinations to go to. Our friend who spoke the local language was our guide. For breakfast there was a unique system for payments at the restaurant.

We were given coupons that we can use for payment. After eating our regular breakfast we always saved the apple to take along with us.

At the end of the stay whatever coupons were saved we returned to hotel and they gave back the money.

The landscape is alpine and they occupy nearly 800 square kilometers  and they are almost 60 km long. It is the highest range of the Central Carpathians. The mountains rise steeply from a high plateau and extend for approximately 40 miles (64 km) along the Slovakian-Polish frontier, varying in width from 9 to 15 miles (14 to 24 km).

On the first day we visited a lake and walked all around it.

Most probably it was Strbske Pleso: This is a beautiful glacial lake surrounded by mountains. The lake has a villa standing next to it. We walked all-around the lake and when we reached the villa we saw a big thermometer hanging there outside near the steps - it showed that temperature was around 6 degrees.

Next day we decided to go to Zakopane. The Polish town of Zakopane is located nearby and is a popular destination for those exploring the region. The town is known for its wooden architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and access to the Polish side of the Tatras.

My husband bought a nice woolen jacket.Enjoyed the lunch .

There are two interesting things about this trip that I would like to share. Our friend and guide whom we met on the train told us his story. He was a Jew and had stayed in Nazi camps. He lifted his sleeve and showed us a number tattooed on his left lower arm. Just when he and his other friend were trying to escape Hitler was poisoned and they were now free. When we asked him what brought him back to this area he said he was looking for his friends. After this trip he was going  back to Koshise, to meet the Priest there and look for his old friends. What a sad story.

From here we were going to Vienna and already had booked a hotel. Trying to confirm our booking was difficult because of the accent. So finally we asked the lady at the hotel desk to confirm our booking.