Text: Renata Andrlová
Slavkovský štít
The High Tatras are the smallest high mountains in the world. They impress with their wild beauty and sharp peaks towering towards the sky. They are among my favourite places, where I have been going for over 20 years. I have walked almost all the hiking trails several times, but they are different every time.
For me, the Tatras are most beautiful in autumn, when the trees and grasses are colored in autumnal tones. The sky is significantly bluer, and the morning mists add a mysterious atmosphere to the forests.
This time, we set out for Slavkovský štít (2,452 m above sea level). The climb is quite demanding and lengthy, but the views of the entire Tatras on one side and the towns and villages on the other are all the more beautiful. You need to set aside a whole day for this hike.
We start at the parking lot in Starý Smokovec and follow the blue trail to the crossroads below Slavkovský štít, where we cross the Tatranská magistrála trail. If you want to shorten the route a bit, you can take the ground cable car from Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok, from where you can also walk to the crossroads.
However, we continue along the blue trail. We slowly emerge from the fog and forest and reach the first viewpoint called Slavkovská vyhliadka, from where the beautiful surrounding peaks begin to appear, including the majestic Lomnický štít. We enjoy the view and continue, of course with a long climb, towards the summit, which is still hidden from us.
Part of the trail leads through dwarf pine, which gradually disappears and turns into granite stone blocks across the Štrbavý ridge and Nos. Many people confuse this with the summit, but unfortunately, it is beyond it. The path to the summit is long, but all the more beautiful when you stand at the summit cross, look around, and see Gerlachovský štít and many other peaks up to Lomnický štít. The Tatras are at your fingertips. Below you can see Velká Studená dolina with Zbojnícka chata.
After a quick snack and some photos at the summit, we descend the same way to the parking lot in Starý Smokovec. On the way to our accommodation, we stop for some delicious halušky and pirohy and discuss our impressions of the beautiful autumn hike.
