The Tatra Mountains dominate the northern part of Slovakia. They form part of the massive Karpaty Mountain span, 1200 km long and form its highest mountain range. The Tatras form a natural frontier between Slovakia and Poland. The Tatra Mountains, a relatively small area spreading 786 sq. km, 550 sq. km in Slovakia, are abundant in natural monuments, rich and individual fauna and flora species. The Tatra Mountains are 78 km long and 17 km wide and are divided into the West Tatra and East Tatra Mountains.The East Tatra Mountains are further divided into the Vysoke and Belianske Tatry Mountains.Regardless of your actual location,you will surely succumb to its magic and be overwhelmed with the desire to familiarize yourself with the Tatra Mountains.Since the beginning of

time, man has been drawn to the sky. In the Tatra Mountains you can really enjoy the excitement that the elevation gives you. In the company of experienced guides, less experienced tourists can also conquer the high peaks of Slovakia, eleven of which exceed a height of 2,600 m. It is a unique experience to ascend the highest peak of the High Tatras, the Gerlachovsky stít (peak) (2,655 m above sea level). In the sunshine, you can enjoy a breathtaking view not only of Popradska kotlina (basin), with its small towns and villages, but also an immense part of the Slovak country in the distance.

The Tatras are ideal for family holidays. Due to their exquisite natural scenery, the Tatras offer many possibilities to enjoy moments of relaxation, entertainment and physical exertion in the fresh air. In summer, the Tatra Mountains offer not only ideal terrains for mountaineering, a dense network of tourist and cycling tracks of all levels of difficulty, but also terrains for skating, paragliding, bungee jumping, horseback riding, tennis, fishing and many other sport activities. In winter, the nine ski-resorts offer excellent downhill courses and tracks with regularly maintained ski slopes spanning 5 to 50 km, for all age groups and degrees of difficulty. Our modern, rushed lifestyle drives many people to continuously strive for personal records and set themselves higher and

more bolder objectives. The area of the Tatras also offer optimal conditions for the devotees of extreme sports and alpine tourism. The visitors must, for security sake, observe the Visiting Order of the Tatra Mountains. We must not forget another important phenomenon: the alpine air. In the 19th century Mikulas Szontagh discovered its extraordinary curative effects, and established climatic sanatoriums in Novy Smokovec, which welcomed its first balneal guests in 1876. These sanatoriums became very popular with guests from all over Europe. Many therapeutic facilities specializing in the treatment of the upper airways, bituminosis and pneumonic surgery are situated in the Tatras. The foothills of the Vysoke Tatry, are dotted with villages and settlements maintaining the folk tradition. The villages have kept their original architecture, folklore and customs. Castles and manor-houses with splendid collections of old furniture and objects of art, royal towns with preserved town centres, museums and open-air museums are situated in the close surroundings. Many restaurants offer refreshments, from the most luxurious, to original shepherd huts, well-known for their grilled specialities and Gipsy music; self-services, small bistros and friendly coffee-houses. Come and enjoy the Tatra Mountains! The magic atmosphere of the smallest alpine mountains in Europe will refresh you and invigorate you with the optimism and energy you need to overcome the demanding days ahead.