Ask Europeans east of the Alps about
Slovakia and they will wax poetic
about the country’s mountains.
While the jagged granite peaks
of the High Tatras are the
best known, most of our mountains
are gently rounded, covered in thick
forests and made of limestone, which
also explains why we have thousands
of caves, as well as scenic gorges
and canyons. The mountains have, through
the centuries, acted as insulating,
protective barriers to modernization
and centralization and so helped
preserve colorful regional traditions
and identities. Truly, without
the mountains, this would be a very
different country. Each mountain
range has a national park by the same
name.
 Rising
suddenly out of a plain, the saw-toothed,
snow-capped High Tatras are an awe-inspiring
sight. The only truly
alpine mountains in Eastern Europe
– soaring to heights of 8,711
feet (Gerlachovsky stit, the tallest)
-- the majestic High Tatras are also
one of the world’s smallest
range of high mountains, occupying
only 100 square miles. While
there is a comfortable cablecar
to the second highest peak (Lomnicky
Stit at 8,635 feet ), the area is
a magnet for mountain-climbers,
hikers and skiers. Beautiful
conifer forests blanketing the lower
slopes were partially destroyed by
gale-force winds in a storm in November
2004, and a massive, internationally-funded
restoration effort is now underway.
But the imposing mountains –
and all of the recreational facilities,
hotels and spa resorts – remain
untouched, as do the nearly 100 mirror-smooth
glacial lakes in the area. Your visit
here will help revive the area.
More info: www.vysoke-tatry.sk/en.html
 South
of the High Tatras are the less monumental
but much more accessible Low Tatras,
whose three highest peaks
reach an elevation of 6,562 feet.
This range is far more extensive (about
313 sq. miles and
wilder, less-explored
than the High Tatras. For those seeking
an active vacation
with no frills and the possibility
of seeing Slovakia’s last remaining
chamois, bears, wolves and
lynx – the Low Tatras
are ideal. The region also has five
underground caves, including an ice
cave (Demanovska).
More info: www.nizketatry.sk/en.html
 If
your taste runs to idyllic landscapes,
the Mala Fatra are where you should
go. Part of the mighty Carpathian
range, the Mala Fatra offer dizzying
peaks, a stunning valley (Vratna
Dolina) with forested mountains rising
all around, evocative castle
ruins, folk architecture, waterfalls,
canyons and gorges, alpine flora,
bird life, a wide range of hiking
trails (marked in different
color to indicate difficulty level)
and affordable winter ski resorts.
More info: www.spectacularslovakia.sk
The foothills of Eastern Europe’s
greatest mountain range, the Carpathians,
begin within Bratislava’s
city limits, making it possible
to escape the urban environment in
no time. Vineyards climb up the south-facing
slopes of the Small Carpathians, which
offer their own Wine Trail.
You’ll find a good selection
of fine wines and restaurants serving
traditional Slovak and other European
cuisine along this wine trail. (Note:
the Carpathian mountains, which include
the Tatras, arc through Eastern Europe,
from Slovakia through the Ukraine
and end in Romania.)
More info: www.spectacularslovakia.sk/ss2001/small_carpathians_ascii.html
The Pieniny are not mountains but
rather a unique rocky landscape
on the Polish border along the Dunajec
River and its gorge. Leisurely river
rafting with guides dressed
in traditional costumes and a 14th
c. monastery are the main attractions.
More info: www.region.sk/pieniny.html
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