Nízke Tatry (Low Tatras) are mountains in Slovakia, located south of Vysoké Tatry (High Tatras), divided from it by the river Váh. Most of the area (728 km²) is protected by the Low Tatras National Park.

Low Tatras are the second most visited mountains in Slovakia. In recent years there is much tourism development – new hotels, camping, chair lifts and ski lifts and also, new tourist resorts. Especially in the eastern part, between valleys Čertovica and Kráľova Hoľa, there are old almost-untouched forests, where many animals have their habitat, including bears. Such forests are great for hiking and walking tours.

Peaks

The peaks of Low Tatras are lower than in High Tatras. Only three of them are higher than 2000 meters above the sea level. The first two mentioned in the following list are also the most visited places of the mountains.

List of the highest peaks:

  • Ďumbier – 2042 m
  • Chopok – 2024 m
  • Dereše – 2002 m
  • Skalka – 1980 m
  • Chabenec – 1955 m
  • Kráľova hoľa – 1946 m
  • Kotliská – 1940 m
  • Krúpova hoľa – 1927 m
  • Zákľuky – 1915 m

Caves

Bystrianska jaskyňa (Bystrianska Cave) – The largest cave located in Bystriansky Kras in the southern part of the Low Tatras National Park, near the village Bystrá. It was discovered on the 29th of June 1923.

Jaskyňa mŕtvych netopierov (Cave of Dead Bats) – The only mountain cave in Slovakia which is open to public.

Demänovská jaskyňa slobody (Demänovská Cave of Liberty) is the most visited cave in Slovakia. More than 175 000 visitors come to see this unusual cave every year. It was discovered in 1921; and it’s available for public since 1924. Since 1993 the cave has been used for healing many diseases.

Demänovská ľadová jaskyňa (Demänovská Ice Cave) – One of the oldest caves in Europe, discovered in 1299.

Važecká jaskyňa (Važecká Cave) – Dripstone cave in Liptovská kotlina, near the village Važec.

Ski Resorts

Jasná

Jasná is a tourist center for winter sports and summer recreation located in the end Demänovská dolina. There is one of the largest ski resorts in central Europe. It is situated on both sides of Chopok and has 7 funiculars, and many ski lifts. Total trail length is approximately 30 km.

Mýto pod Ďumbierom

Mýto pod Ďumbierom is a village located under Ďumbier peak. Ski resort is situated on the south side of Low Tatras in altitude from 598 to 898 m. The resort is suitable for all categories of skiers.

Čertovica

Čertovica is a saddle in the main ridge of Low Tatras separating them on Ďumbierske and Kráľovohoľské Tatras. It is a frequent road crossing on the main ridge of Horehronie (Brezno) to Liptov. When traveling in the valley, there is a parking and seating and it is a good starting point for walking tours. The surrounding slopes are excellent for skiing.

Donovaly

Donovaly is a mountain resort village (850 m) west of the Low Tatras, distributed in a wide valley on the main road from Banská Bystrica to Ružomberok. There are more than 11 km regularly treated ski slopes, 17 ski slopes of more than 7 km with the possibility of artificial snow.

Watter-tourism

Low Tatras have a lot to offer in the sumer time, too.

Thermal Park Bešeňová

The complex consists of 8 outdoor swimming pools with geothermal water from 28 ° C to 40 ° C, outdoor toboggan, 3 indoor pools from antikor with clear heat water from 27 ° C to 36 ° C, stainless toboggan in pool hall, atrium with 2 outdoor whirlpool (Jacuzzi with water of 30 to 40 ° C temperature), Wellness Center – Wellness world (complex of saunas and inhalation), cooling pool, whirlpool, Kneipp’s bath, tepidarium, hydromassage showers and more.

Čierny Váh

Čierny Váh (Black Váh) is one of the sources for the river Váh. As it is longer than the Biely Váh (White Váh), it is included the total length of Váh. Water Works on this river consist of two reservoirs, the upper reservoir was built on the karst plateau Vyšné Sokoly at an altitude of 1160 m and the lower reservoir is the Údolná reservoir at an altitude of 733 m. Here is the largest hydro power plant of this kind in Slovakia. As for recreational purposes, it is ideal for fishing and boat riding.

Krpáčovo

There is an artificial water reservoir in the Krpáčovo area, which is used as a swimming lake in summer. In the winter, it is also known as good destinations for skiers. Krpáčovo consists also in one of the longest and most beautiful valleys in micro region Chopok-south. Vajskovská dolina is not marked with the civilization and thus is very romantic. Tourists can go walk around and spot the extraordinary scenery and wild slope Skalky.

Liptovský Ján

On the southern outskirts of the village Liptovský Ján the travertine uphill area has thermal and mineral springs. In 1963 they found new spring in the depths of 95 m with a temperature of 29.4 ° C. Its water and water from other nearby wells is filling the pools, which are recreational facilities in summer. Thermal water from here has proven its medicinal effects; it heals skin diseases, diseases of motor apparatus, metabolism, feminine, nervous and even heart disease and blood vessels.

Liptovská Mara – Aquapark Tatralandia

The largest aquapark in Slovakia and one of the largest in Central Europe. It is located 2 km northwest from the center of Liptovský Mikuláš, on the north side of dam Liptovská Mara. The source of thermal water is a well where water flows to the surface from the depth of over 2500 m with a temperature 60,7 ° C. Part of an extensive complex are 11 swimming pools (6 of them the year round, 4 covered) with water temperature to 38 ° C, several water slides (9 year-round, 28 seasonal), steam bath, sauna, wellness center, housing facilities (Holiday Village Tatralandia, 155 bungalows and apartments), catering facilities (restaurant Zbojnícka koliba, the cafeterias and restaurants in Druid, U Kelta, U Piráta , U stroskotanca and more), sport arena and other sports facilities.

Tále

Tále’s natural swimming pool is located in the Low Tatras in the tourist resort Bystrá Dolina – Tále. The entrance to the lake is free and swimming is at your own risk. Next to the swimming place there is a mountain park Tarzania and 18-hole golf course Gray Bear.