While hiking in Slovakia’s High Tatras, I found my happy place.
So much so, in fact, that Alicia had to email me to double check that I was still planning to move to Norway, because she thought I might have decided to stay in the Slovakian Tatra Mountains forever. That girl knows me so well.
The reason?
These mountains:
totally worth a trip to Slovakia, right?
The funny thing is, we didn’t really travel to the Tatra Mountains because we had heard how beautiful they are or for the great hiking routes, but because we kept hearing about a little mountain hostel in Zdiar called The Ginger Monkey.
We first heard about it from an Italian backpacker at our hostel in Vilnius. When we told him we were going to Slovakia, he said that we absolutely had to spend a few nights at a place called, what was it again, The Red Squirrel?
Then our favorite 3 Bros in Cieszyn told us to go there, and when we told our Couchsurfing host in Spisska Nova Ves we were heading to Zdiar she responded with a smile: “Ah, to stay at The Ginger Monkey!”
From Spisska Nova Ves we caught the train to Poprad, where we got a bus to Zdiar. When the bus driver saw our backpacks he laughed and said “to The Ginger Monkey!”
Apparently everyone knows The Ginger Monkey.
Before I continue raving about this place I should probably note that this is not a sponsored post, and we paid for our stay at The Ginger Monkey.
Hiking in the High Tatras in Slovakia
Dan and I were so excited to spend some time in the mountains that we booked four nights in Zdiar – the longest we had spent anywhere since traveling from Myanmar in January. What followed were four blissful days of mountain hikes, taking the hostel’s adorable/insane dog Wally for walks, and bowls and bowls of goulash.
High Tatras Slovakia
While I’m pretty sure I would have fallen for Slovakia’s High Tatras under any condition, we were also incredibly lucky with the weather while there. It was that perfect start of springtime weather where there’s still snow on the ground but you can hike in a t-shirt. Did I already say something about bliss?
We did several hikes around Zdiar, but my absolute favorite, which from now on I will be encouraging everyone I meet to go to Slovakia and do (because, yes, sadly I’m obnoxious like that), was the hike up to Zelenom plese, or the Green Lake. I mean, I think all hiking in Slovakia is magical, but this was my favorite.
It took about three hours to reach the lake and was at times very slow going in the melting snow, but wow was it worth it!
As a reward for your efforts, there’s even a restaurant (Chata pri Zelenom plese) next to the lake offering up hot bowls of soup, dangerously delicious pie, and prime views of the mountains.
My jaw dropped to the table when we noticed five people skiing down from one of the highest peaks. And I thought climbing the steep ladders at Slovak Paradise was an adventure!
Just beware that the inn’s dog will definitely climb up on your picnic table to give you kisses, because he is ENORMOUS. Ahhh what a sweetie!
You can also spend the night at Chata pri Zelenom plese, which I would have loved to do. If we had known about it, we probably would have spent a night at the Ginger Monkey in Zdiar, hiked up to the Green Lake (with smaller bags) and spent one or two nights there, and then returned to The Ginger Monkey for another night.
Check current rates and availability at The Ginger Monkey here
Though it was also so, so nice to stay in one place for four nights. The Ginger Monkey was so cozy, and there was a great atmosphere among the guests traveling through Slovakia. Plus, there were three other English guys there, so Dan finally had someone else to talk about the Premier League with, much to both our relief.
So, when are you going to Zdiar?
Visiting Senja, Norway: The Local Island Favorite
Rachel says
Immediately!
Oh my goodness, this place looks incredible! I was already won over by the photos of the mountains, then I saw the dog! ❤︎
I don’t think I’d ever be able to leave!
Definitely bookmarking The Ginger Monkey 🙂
Silvia says
It was pretty heartbreaking to leave!
Patricia says
I think you chose your hiking trips in Slovakia very well. The trail to Zelene Pleso or Green Lake is probably my favorite, I’ve already done it twice.
Soon you will complete most of the list of top places to visit in Slovakia that I made for Travelling Buzz: http://travellingbuzz.com/top-places-to-visit-in-slovakia/ 🙂
Silvia says
Oh, I’ll have to check out your full list – I would love to find more places in Slovakia to explore!
jennifer says
First of all, I want to go here. I have ever since my first backpacking trip, where I had to cross this off because you know, first backpacking trip = zipping through countries like a maniac, and there was no time. Second of all, any place where you can borrow a dog gets moved so high up on the list of places I need to see NOW RIGHT NOW. Wally is so adorable!
Silvia says
Right? I have a secret dream of opening a hostel, and I definitely want it to be full of pets like The Ginger Monkey!
Polly says
I’m sold, although I’ll pass on the mountain skiing, I think.
Silvia says
Haha I’d say that’s a wise decision.
Yosemite says
omg omg omg right now that looks amazing and i don’t even like the cold. that FUR BABY! i mean, also the mountains.
Silvia says
I’m so sad he didn’t fit in my backpack…
Alexandria says
I will definitely add that to my list of places to go! The mountains are breathtaking and I was scrolling down and then pops up is that little fur ball. How he doesn’t get lost in all the snow I don;t know! It look’s like you had a great time! I’ve never been skiing but I’m up to try anything new!
Silvia says
He was the craziest little fur ball that ever was – definitely a charmer!
Camille says
Haha Silvia, you tease us with mentions of the famous Ginger Monkey and not a single photo?! Oh well, I guess I’ll have to go see it for myself. And those mountains. 🙂
Silvia says
Imagine my horror when I realized I had left The Ginger Monkey without taking any photos! Huge oops on my part, though you’re right, now you’ll just have to see it for yourself!
Justine says
I blitzed through Slovakia when I was there 10 years ago. That was back in the day when I was a newbie traveler who tried to fit as much as possible in a few week’s time, a mistake I would never make now! I’ve always known that I missed out on so much there, but this is making me realize just how much I didn’t see. I’ve been dying to go back to the region for a while now…I can’t wait until I finally make it back there!
Silvia says
It’s funny how it seems like all of us blitzed through countries on our first backpacking trips. Now I’m just too lazy and slow – ahh aging!
Marie @ Marie Away says
Those mountains could definitely convince me to settle down. 🙂
Silvia says
Right?!
Ashley says
Such beautiful views! I’ve read so many posts raving about Bratislava, so it’s nice to read about a different region of Slovakia – which I will be adding to my travel wish list immediately!
Silvia says
There’s so much in Slovakia outside of Bratislava (though actually, I barely explored Bratislava so I should get on that).
Milos says
There are some places to see in Bratislava but Tatras are the “real” Slovakia – mountainous landscape, villages, lush forests. I would encourage anyone to spend a couple of days hiking in this region – often you don’t even need to book accommodation, there are mountain huts (chatas) that you can sleep in. Even if it’s just for one day, take a cable car to the top of Lomnicky peak and if you are lucky with the weather (which is notoriously unpredictable in the mountains) you can have a view that you will never forget. As other people said, don’t just blitz through countries, savor the place. You don’t want train or bus to be your best memory 🙂
Katie Featherstone says
Wow, I can imagine staying in Slovakia for a long time with those mountains! Amazing photos- you’ve really convinced me to visit too. 🙂
Silvia says
It was so hard to tear myself away from the mountains, sigh.
Victoria@ The British Berliner says
Love it! Love it! Love it! This is exactly why I like Eastern Europe. Just look at those views. I wish I had gone to those mountains when I lived in Bratislava but I was out there 20 years ago and even today, transport is less than organised. However, I might make more of an effort to visit. I think it’s certainly time to do so LOL!
Silvia says
You need to visit these mountains – I swear they won’t disappoint!
Julie says
I am totally one of those people who went to Slovakia and stuck to Bratislava (and hiking in the nearby much smaller hills). Now I fear I must go back. Immediately. See, if you had written this post like 18 months ago, it would have been perfect timing and I could have just done it right the first time! Cheers 🙂
Silvia says
Book that ticket now!
Eric Anderson says
Well, I’m going to take your suggestion and visit Green Lake next month! How easy was it to get there via public transport/hitch hiking?
Silvia says
There’s a bus there from Zdiar (we stayed at a hostel there), which we also got to by bus. The bus schedule for the return to Zdiar was too faded to read though so we hitchhiked instead, and the first person who drove by stopped and picked us up! Super easy. Have fun!!
stampila ieftina says
Great pictures. I am planning to visit Slovakia in Aug.
Silvia says
You’re going to love it!
Noor says
I’m planning to visit Zdiar in August. This would be my 6th time in Slovakia. I love the country – it’s a fairytale!
Was your hike to Zelene Pleso a difficult one? I’m getting all sorts of information on the route. Not sure which is correct.
Silvia says
I didn’t think it was too difficult – the hardest part was walking through the snow, but in August that shouldn’t be a problem!
Luda says
Love your beautiful pics and nice comments about my birth country Slovakia. It is especially nice to see because I have been living in California for over 20 years. I was born in a picturesque town of Trencin that has a beautiful castle (recommend visiting as well) and I have to agree that there are so many charming places to visit in Slovakia, not necessarily the capital of Bratislava (even though Old Town Bratislava is nice as well).
Emma Sutton says
Can I ask what time of year was this? Looks like written in may but I understand the high tatras hikes are closed untill mid-June?
Thanks hope life in Norway is great 👍😁
Silvia says
Yeah, I think it was May. This particular hike was open in May, though perhaps things have changed since then? It was very snowy, but doable.
EK says
I’m doing the same….I’m guessing that all hikes are open although not ‘officially’? Is that the case?
Silvia says
Seemed to be the case when I was there!
Martin says
Hi EK,
I live in the Slovakia and I have to tell you, that
most of High Tatras hikes are closed until mid-June and if you try to do it “unofficialy”, you are risking quite a big fine. However, some hikes are open in the winter as well, for example hike to Green lake (Zelene pleso) or Poprad lake (Popradske pleso).
Julian says
Hi!
Im going to the high tatras in the 1st week of May.
How do i select which hiking route to go for? and which guide website u used?
Freya says
I’m off to the Tatras next week and this little place looks absolutely beautiful. The Ginger Monkey is going straight onto my itinerary too 😀
Rebekah says
Saturday. I’m not even kidding lol I was ‘umming and ‘arring over a last-minute deal to Slovakia and your post convinced me to hit ‘book’ haha. And I’ll be spending at least half of my time in the High Tatras – I’ve booked at the Ginger Monkey as well. I’m seriously so excited. Thank you so much for your post 🙂
Sam Woolfe says
Thanks for this post! I was trying to find out where I should base myself for hiking in Slovakia and it seems like Zdiar would be the best option. The Ginger Monkey also sounds awesome 🙂
stephanie taylor says
Hi
This post is great as we are booking our summer trip to Slovakia in a few weeks and heading to Bratislava for a few days and then onto High Tatras and Slovak Paradise. I am gutted the Ginger Monkey is booked up though as it sounds brill.
Please may I ask whether you needed a guide for the hikes or did you navigate these yourselves?
Thanks
Silvia says
I didn’t use a guide for the hikes. Have fun!
Juozas says
Good afternoon,
My name Juozas, I got a task from my boss to organise a team building event for next year for a 10 person’s approx.
First thing to do i need to find a guide who speak in russian and really love his job.
I’m interested in three days trip in a Slovakia Tatras mountains, should be something unforgettable and extreme.
Another thing is I need recommendations to find a living place and driver who will be able to stay with us all time. Also recommendations where we can have a best local food an beer
We planning to land 10th of Jun2020 21:40 at KSC airport and leave 14th of Jun2020 at 09:55 from same airport
So my plans looks like this:
Thursday: The highest, most spectacular Tatra mountain walks, the more intricate the hike the better, bathing in streams and waterfalls along the way.
Friday: Rocks, sub-caves, boating or any other active.
Saturday – Architecture, introduction to the city of your choice, its history. Slovakia is famous for its beer, it would be fun to see the work of the brewery inside.
I really hope you can help me
Regards, Juozas Bernotavicius