(8T) Across the Tatras from East to West

Stage 1 – 5.3 km, 475 m ascent, 0 m descent, approx. 2.5 h

By train via Vienna and Bratislava to Starý Smokovec, where we arrive at 5 pm. Northwards, we walk through the town to the funicular railway, which we take as an ascent aid to Hrebienok, thus halving our distance and above-mentioned approach time (it runs until 7 pm in summer). But even if we walk the whole route, admire the Obrovský waterfall at the terrain step below the hut, we still arrive in time for dinner at Zamkovského chata, where we spend the first night.

Zamkovského chata

Stage 2 – 6.4 km, 648 m ascent, 163 m descent, about 3.5 h

After a brief glimpse into the narrower of the two "cold" valleys and a look at the Seewand, that terrain step before the Tery Hut upstream (2 hours to get there), we return, descend a bit to the fork where we turn right into the "Velká Studená dolina" valley. On unremarkable paths we reach at the end over rocky trails the Zbojnícka chata, where we check in and can have lunch, then do a light trip without luggage through the lake landscape, over to Strelecká veža (2130 m) and back (about 3 h).

Zbojnícka chata

Alternative but demanding route for this day stage: via Tery Hut, ascent of Sedielko (3272 m) and T5 climbing over Priečne sedlo pass. It is described here (without summit ascent) on the DAV tour portal or here (private), rated only as "medium" - well?! This would be: 9.7 km, 1113 m ascent, 621 m descent, about 5.5 h

Stage 3 – 15.8 km, 840 m ascent, 1289 m descent, about 8.5 h

A long stage with moderate ascent meters awaits us, including sections where we will be challenged mountaineering-wise, such as at Sedlo Prielom, but consistently supported by chain protections. In the evening we reach Poprad Lake and the hotel, where we spend the night in the dormitory. Those who want can pay extra to use the sauna (should be booked by phone already at noon).

Horský hotel Popradské pleso

Stage 4 – 10.3 km, 980 m ascent, 1090 m descent, about 7.5 h

On this day, we cross the border into Poland, climbing Poland's highest mountain, Rysy (2501 m). Beforehand, there is an opportunity to have lunch and fortify yourself in the hut of the same name below the summit on the Slovak side, because afterwards it is steep and chain-protected northwest down into the valley, then normally on to the hut where we spend the night. This stage is described in reverse direction here on the DAV tour portal. Many people are on the Polish side here, so the descent can take some time.

Stare Schronisko PTTK Morskie Oko

Stage 5 – 11.1 km, 1022 m ascent, 924 m descent, about 6.5 h

We stay on the Polish side, starting northwards then turning westwards into the Five Lakes area, reaching the first of these lakes. After the second lake, we take the yellow hiking trail up to Kopa nad Krzyżnem (2135 m) and then northwards along the same way into the valley, crossing a ridge spur westwards to reach the hut.

Alternatively, the Eagle Trail can be taken, which makes the stage somewhat shorter but also more demanding. This alternative is described in parts here.

Schronisko Murowaniec

Stage 6 – 15.6 km, 991 m ascent, 1379 m descent, about 8 h

On this day it is advisable to start very early. We have a lot to do for this stage. This tour described in reverse direction here in the DAV tour portal.

Schronisko PTTK na Hali Ornak

Stage 7 / Var. 1 – 15.9 km, 1702 m ascent, 1435 m descent, about 11 h --- or

shorter - Var. 2 - 13.7 km, 1183 m ascent, 927 m descent, about 7 h

This is either the longest stage (variant 1) of the entire tour or a moderate one (variant 2). An early start is generally recommended!

For variant 1: The peaks in the Western Tatras are a bit lower, but there are many we "do" this day, more than 12. On the saddle west of the ‘Hali Ornak’ hut, we turn left southwards and follow the ridge path peak after peak. The highlight is the highest mountain here in the Polish Western Tatras: Starorobociański Wierch (2176 m). By the way, part of this tour is described in reverse direction here in the DAV tour portal.

For variant 2: The first part is the same as variant 1. On the saddle west of ‘Hali Ornak’ hut, we do not turn left (south) onto the ridge, but go straight, descend again and follow the valley, passing Chochołowska hut. Here a break can be taken before ascending again to the summit of Rakoń (1879 m), switching back to the Slovak side. From here it goes downhill again; soon on this steep path we see our goal for the night.

Former Ťatliakova chata

Stage 8 / Var. 1 – 11.5 km, 599 m ascent, 1086 m descent, about 5 h --- or

shorter: Var. 2 – 4.7 km, 3 m ascent, 353 m descent, less than 1 h

For variant 1: A last small ascent brings us through the high valley 'Smutná dolina' up to the saddle 'Smutné sedlo'. Here the ridge path tempts us, on which we could still climb peaks to the west and east. But since we want to catch the bus at noon (12 am) at the end of the following valley 'Žiarska dolina', we simply cross the ridge and descend on the blue-marked trail. We meet the end of a road with the bus stop 'Žiar, Žiarska dolina' here.

For variant 2: An hour-long, unproblematic descent into the valley. In Zuberec, it is necessary to catch the bus to Podbiel in the morning (shortly after 10 am) in order to reach Bratislava by train by half past 3, and then travel home via Vienna and Passau.