It is not all about bears in Slovakia. In the High Tatras region there are numerous endemic plants, regionally endemic insects and a couple
of endemic sub-species of mammal. The start of this trip is the end of the Tatra Bear Week. After the Spis Castle, Levoca and Pieniny
sections we head into the most easterly part of the Tatra National Park.
Belianske is a limestone massif which is one of the most protected areas of the park. Contained within it are wonderful valleys,
meadows and cliffs as well as great views from the passes. This is a great stronghold for the Tatra Chamois and is also particularly rich
in montane butterflies - this is also home to at least one wolf pack and a number of bears but these are more elusive than in other areas of the park.
Day 1:
We commence the tour in Krakow. On arrival we head south towards the High Tatras. The journey is about 3 hours, once we leave the outskirts of Krakow we pass through farmland and small villages and if the weather is clear we will get great views of the mountains ahead. We cross the Slovak border and make our way around the eastern flank of the High Tatras. Our destination is the medieval square of Spisska Sobota, a quieter part of the much bigger Poprad
Day 2:
After a relatively leisurely start to the day we head to a nearby field that frequently has a high density of raptors hunting. We have seen at least five species on a few occasions. Hopefully we will see the Lesser-spotted Eagle sat patiently on the ground waiting for an unlucky hamster to show itself. We then head to Spis Castle,
one of the biggest castle complexes in Europe. This imposing structure is perched on a lump of travertine rock which also makes it a great place to spot wildlife from, especially birds. This is a stronghold of the endangered European Souslik, a type of ground squirrel. This is turn attracts raptors, the very lucky might see an Imperial Eagle or even a Saker Falcon. After the castle we head for a short walk at Drevenik, a strange landscape with a great diversity of plants and butterflies.
For lunch we go to a traditional Salas for some fantastic local food. The Pirohy and Halusky are not to be turned down! With full stomachs we then head to Levoca, the largest and arguably prettiest Spis town. Along with Spis Castle this forms a UNESCO World Heritage site. Included is a visit to the Catholic church with its wooden altar, carved by Master Pavol, the top craftsman of his time. We head back to Spisska Sobota after this long day. Depending on how hungry we are, we have an early dinner and head out to a lake about an hour before nightfall.
Here there is a large beaver colony. We wait in silence as darkness falls and hopefully catch some glimpses of the world's second largest rodent by torchlight. (B)
Day 3:
We head north to Pieniny National Park. We stop in Cerveny Klastor and walk along the Dunajec River through its large limestone canyon. The limestone rocks are home to a different set of plants and on sunny days the butterflies, including the beautiful Apollo, are out in full force.
We arrive at a Chata where there is usually quite a lively musical offering and eat some traditional food; the goulash is delicious. In the afternoon we head to some rocky outcrops which contain a number of caves. One of these is home to eight bat species and we enter this to see if we can spot them. We return to our hotel for dinner. (B)
Day 4:
In the morning, some clients maybe heading to Krakow so we bid farewell to them. We cross the border and walk in the Polish area of Pieniny. There are chances to see Wallcreepers, Ravens and maybe even Eagle Owl here as well as butterflies and plenty of flowers. After this we cross back into Slovakia and then head south to the village of Zdiar. We stop en route in some meadows to look for some of the rare butterfly species found in the area.
On arrival in Zdiar we have some free time to explore the village, one of the longest in the country. In the late afternoon we set out for a walk of about one and a half hours. Hopefully we will see Woodpeckers and maybe even owls as they get ready for the evening hunting. We return to the pension for some traditional home-cooked food. (B)
Day 5:
We rise very early and transfer to Javorina to begin our walk through the limestone Belianske Tatras. As we ascend through the spruce forest we have chances to see Woodpeckers and other forest specialities such as the Crested Tit, Crossbill and Nutcracker.
We may also see Ring Ouzel, Hawfinch and Goshawk. The forest opens up at about 1400 metres. Here there are lovely meadows filled with mountain flora and many species of montane butterfly. We scan the slopes for the endemic subspecies of Chamois and keep an eye out for the Golden Eagle for which this area is a particular stronghold.
We reach Kopske Sedlo (1750 metres) and depending on time we head up to Siroke Sedlo at 1825 metres. This little walked path is a great spot for getting close up sightings of Chamois and at the top there is a colony of the Tatra Marmot.
We descend back to Kopske and then make our way to Zelene Pleso. This means Green Lake in Slovak and from the terrace you can admire the lovely tarn with its spectacular backdrop of high peaks. For the most active there are a couple of peaks that can be climbed from here. (B, PL, D)
Day 6:
Setting off early again we first head up to Kopske Sedlo and then down the southern side of the mountains. En route there are great views and the chance to see bears on the slopes to the left. As we leave the dwarf pine we once again enter the dense spruce forest. We pass Chata Plesnivec and maybe stop for a refreshing drink or a bowl of cabbage soup. From here it is a constant descent, firstly through spruce and then the Silver Fir becomes more dominant. This is a great area for birds as it is open and has lots of low shrubbery. This is also one of the best paths to see the famous and stunning Carpathian Blue Slug.
We arrive at Tatranska Kotlina mid-morning. Our vehicle picks us up and we head to the Lomnica Botanical Gardens. Here you can put names to all of the flowers that you have seen in the mountains and hopefully there will be a good showing of butterflies, dragonflies and maybe even a Hobby or two. We walk from the gardens down a new trail through a boggy area of peat and huge alder trees. Here Wood Warbler, Siskin and if we are lucky Rosefinch can be seen. We should also look out for the Carpathian Newt in this area. After this delightful walk we return to Spisska Sobota. The afternoon is free to relax. You can go to Aquacity, an award-winning spa and thermal bath resort, ascend the second highest peak in the High Tatras by cable car or just relax in the town with it street café culture. (B)
Day 7:
We start early again and head to another wetlands, this time to open peat bogs. Warblers abound and Marsh Harriers, Buzzards and Lesser-spotted Eagles hunt. The area is also great for butterflies and dragonflies, hopefully again drawing in a Hobby or two. After the short morning walk we go to a local sheep farm and sample some fresh sheep cheese. You can buy this or some of the smoked cheese to take back home. As the day heats up the butterflies come out and we return to the bogs to see if we can spot some more.
We leave and head back to Spisska Sobota for lunch. In the late afternoon we go to the Kozie Chrbty or Goat's Back, a ridge that holds some of the only oak forest in the area. This is a stronghold for Woodpeckers, Flycatchers and Warblers. The ridge is also a favoured haunt of paragliders who take advantage of the thermals along with buzzards, eagles and hawks. We return to Spisska Sobota after dark for our final night and farewell dinner. (B)
Day 8:
Transfer to Krakow. (B)
Key:
B = Breakfast (P)L = (Packed)Lunch D = Dinner
Price:
€ 795 per person.
Minimum: 2 people. Includes all accommodation, local transport, entrance fees, expert wildlife guide and meals as shown. Price does not include international flights, drinks, meals not highlighted and gratuities.
2012 Dates:
30 MAY - 06 JUNE
17 - 24 JUNE
24 JUNE - 01 JULY
29 JULY - 05 AUGUST
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