Tatra Mountains
North and northwest of Košice, along Slovakia’s border with Poland, are the Low and High Tatra Mountains. Hiking, trekking, and skiing in these mountains are popular outdoor pastimes for people in Slovakia. We won’t get into any of the extended or technical hiking areas, but we’ll find some places to go for walks and scenic drives and sit for snacks. Because of the distances between attractions, we'll be driving every day, making loops to include a variety of activities and sites.
Day 16 - Spiš & Žehra
Today you'll start noticing the temperature getting a bit cooler, possibly blessedly so! We’ll make a few stops on our drive into the mountains.
Spiš Castle The site on which this structure is built has a very long history, with evidence of inhabitation from the late Stone Age. The castle itself, though mostly in ruins, has been partially reconstructed. Entry is included. There is a bit of a climb from where we’ll park to the castle.
Spišsky Salaš It will be early for lunch, but we want to be able to sit in their outdoor space. Rustic atmosphere, terrific Slovak food, especially halušky.
Church of the Holy Spirit One of the prettiest little churches I have ever seen is in the tiny village of Žehra, only a few minutes southeast of Spiš Castle. A visit costs $3.
Štrbské Pleso There is a very easy path that takes about 45 minutes going around the lake, and other hikes – some very challenging – that leave from here.
After our walk around the lake, we'll finish our drive and check in to our accommodations. There will be time for something to eat and some walking or lounging on a patio before our day is finished.