When Lonely Planet voted the High Tatras as the No.1 European destination to visit in 2019, it was definitely something to shout about.

This is most definitely a stamp of approval and badge of honour, but also the encouragement you need to put Slovakia’s mountainous region on your bucket list and get active in pristine nature.

Lonely Planet described the region as a “mythical” and “rugged” landscape, with the real possibility of spotting rare species eradicated from most other parts of Europe, before going on to say…

“Away from the wildlife watching, there’s plenty to keep travellers busy. With hikes to the summit of Slovakia’s highest peak, 2655m-high Gerlach (also known as Gerlachovský Štít), boating on the glacial lake of Štrbské Pleso, and traditional hospitality in high-altitude chaty (mountain huts) on offer, you may never want to come back down to earth.”

Read more at lonelyplanet.com