Some trails in the Slovak Tatra Mountains will be closed from November

Last weekend was the last weekend this year when tourists could visit the trails located in the higher parts of the mountains, the peaks of… Tatra Mountains Wysokie and the popular Chata pod Rysami shelter. From November 1, most will be closed until May next year.

The closure of the road leading to the Tatra Symbolic Cemetery on the western slopes of Osterwa will be delayed. Seasonal closures of the trail and the cemetery itself will begin on December 15. Thanks to this, tourists will be able to commemorate people who died in the mountains during the November holidays. According to the administration of the Slovak Tatra National Park (TANAP), the exclusion of some tourist trails is intended to support nature that needs a break from the influx of tourists, as well as to protect rare species of fauna. The list of tourist trails subject to seasonal closure can be found in the regulations published on the TANAP website. In winter, 11 trails and roads are to be open, some of which lead to huts and tourist shelters. The exception is the road to Chata pod Rysami, which will be closed until spring, like most trails leading to passes and peaks.

Slovakia has been closing its high mountain trails for the winter season since the turn of 1980 and 1981. At that time, it was recognized that tourist traffic was a threat to the natural environment. High mountain passes and Tatra peaks remained closed for eight months. The TANAP authorities appeal to check which parts of the Tatra Mountains are closed to tourists. They also remind us that ski mountaineering will be available only to members of relevant organizations, after prior notification of trip plans to TANAP guards.