This Waymatters in the High Tatras
ENTRY FORM
We are excited to invite you to the 2025 WAYMATTERS IN THE HIGH TATRAS tour.
We’ll explore the stunning High Tatras in Slovakia, from scenic trails to charming towns, with breathtaking mountain views and rich local culture.
It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation in one of Europe’s most beautiful regions.
We hope you will join us for this unforgettable journey!
DAY 1 - Sunday 7 September
WELCOME TO THE HIGH TATRAS
Our trip in 2025 will take us to the High Tatras, a beautiful region in Slovakia. Our headquarters will be located in the Grand Hotel Kempinski, which is situated by the tranquil glacial lake Štrbské Pleso.
The High Tatras, with their lofty peaks, are always nearby, providing a breathtaking and dramatic background. Stunning natural features include snow-capped mountains, verdant woodlands, and lakes with a glistening surface.
As you navigate the winding roads, you'll pass through charming mountain villages with traditional Slovak architecture. These quaint settlements offer a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.
This tour is the ideal combination of adventure and relaxation, giving participants the chance to get in touch with nature while also learning about one of Europe's most beautiful mountain ranges. Enjoy the journey!
Grand Hotel Kempisnki
Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras is an oasis of luxury on the shore of the glacial mountain lake Strbske pleso, overlooking the majestic panorama of the High Tatras peaks.
A unique combination of historic buildings that are embraced by the Tatras and considered national monuments guarantees spoiling relaxation and the perfect headquarter for the tour.
Enter a magical mountain fairytale where wishes and dreams come true.
DAY 2 - Monday 8 September
Stage 1, PRESOV REGION
(about 240 km, 4 hours and 15 min drive)
On the first day, we will tour the Presov region, which is known for its cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and long history.
Lush trees and distant views of the High Tatras greet you as you travel the twisting roads.
The air is crisp and fresh, especially in the mountain areas, and the traffic is typically light, allowing you to soak in the tranquillity of the surroundings. You'll pass by fields of wildflowers, making the drive a sensory delight.
Tatratea
Mid morning, we will visit the Tatratea factory.
What comes to mind when you hear the word Tatratea? A warm beverage? A party with friends? Or the High Tatras – Slovakia’s most dramatic mountains? Well, all images are relevant to Tatratea, the Slovak alcoholic drink with many faces and flavours.
You will experience a tasting tour that will always remind you of alpine vacations in Slovakia and explore a story behind an exquisite liquor produced at the foot of its namesake – the Tatra mountains. Tatratea is a tea-based liqueur with sweet flavour profile.
The Tatratea brand is relatively new, but the tradition of fortified tea drinking at the High Tatras chalets is not. It started centuries ago in the homes of hardy mountain folk, who used herbal tea laced with alcohol to cure all sorts of maladies.
Levoca
Levoca is one of the most overlooked gems of Central Europe. Not many international tourists venture to this little town but that’s actually where you can find a real medieval masterpiece.
With its beautifully preserved medieval old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Levoca transports visitors back in time. The town's central square is a charming showcase of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, dominated by the towering St. James Church. This church is renowned for its stunning wooden altar, the tallest wooden Gothic altar in the world, a masterpiece carved by the talented craftsman Master Paul of Levoča in the 16th century. The town's winding cobblestone streets, lined with colorful historic buildings, invite leisurely strolls and exploration, offering a glimpse into Slovakia's rich history.
DAY 3 - Tuesday 9 September
Stage 2, ZILINA REGION
(About 250 km , 4 hours and 30 min drive)
Driving from Štrbské Pleso to Orava Castle is a mesmerizing journey through Slovakia's enchanting landscapes.
As you leave the hotel, you're immediately greeted by the sight of towering peaks and crystal-clear lakes.
Heading west on Route E50, the road meanders through charming villages and lush forests.
As you continue your journey, the landscape gradually transforms from alpine terrain to rolling hills and verdant valleys.
The Orava River snakes its way through the countryside, adding to the picturesque charm of the drive. Approaching Orava Castle, you'll notice its majestic silhouette perched dramatically on a rocky cliff, overlooking the river. The sight of the castle against the backdrop of the surrounding hills is truly awe-inspiring.
Svaty Kriz
The Wooden "articulated" evangelical church in Svaty Kriz belongs to one of the largest wooden buildings in Central Europe.
The wooden churches are specific samples of sacred architecture in Slovakia. Out of more than 300 wooden churches originally built, only about sixty have been preserved.
Their folk builders expressed the perfect harmony of the human soul with nature and the effort to disengage from earthly worries.
Orava Castle
Visiting Orava Castle is like stepping into a fairy tale. Nestled atop a rocky hill overlooking the Orava River, this medieval fortress is one of Slovakia's most picturesque and well-preserved castles.
The path up to the castle is a charming cobblestone walkway, gently ascending through a canopy of trees. As you climb, the castle's towers and battlements come into view, each step bringing you closer to its medieval splendor. The anticipation builds, and finally, you reach the entrance, where a knowledgeable guide awaits to take you on a journey through time.
DAY 4 - Wednesday 10 September
Stage 3, THROUGH THE TATRA MOUNTAINS
(about 220 km, 4 hours drive)
As you start your drive, the majestic peaks of the High Tatras rise before you, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
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Heading east towards Poland, the road winds through dense forests, revealing glimpses of glacial lakes shimmering in the sunlight. Each turn offers a new perspective of the towering mountains, their rugged beauty both imposing and inviting.
You pass through charming villages like Tatranská Lomnica, where traditional Slovak cottages with wooden facades and colorful flower boxes line the streets. The locals go about their daily routines, adding a sense of warmth and authenticity to the experience.
Kezmarok
Your first stop will be the quaint town of Kezmarok. This charming town is famous for its 15th-century castle and pastel-colored buildings.
In the 17th century, this town was a bustling center for merchants and craftsmen. Today, you can still find Renaissance merchant houses.
Zakopane
Zakopane, often referred to as the "Winter Capital of Poland," is a town where the magic of nature and culture blend seamlessly.
Nestled at the foot of the majestic Tatra Mountains, Zakopane offers a breathtaking landscape that captivates visitors year-round.
Beyond its natural beauty, Zakopane is rich in cultural heritage. The town's charming wooden architecture, known as Zakopane Style, reflects a blend of traditional and modern influences.
Zakopane's warm and welcoming atmosphere is complemented by the lively spirit of its people. Festivals, music, and folklore are deeply woven into the fabric of the town, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich traditions of the region.
DAY 5 - Thursday 11 September
Stage 4, SLOVAK PARADISE PARK
(about 225 km, 4 hours drive)
Slovensky raj, or the Slovak Paradise, is a breathtaking landscape that we will drive through on our last day. It is filled with verdant forests, expansive plateaus and meadows, deep canyons and gorges, underground caverns (up to 350!), and gurgling waterfalls.
We will travel to Roznava, a town situated beneath Krasna Horka Castle and the Betliar manor house, and then return to the hotel by driving through the picturesque park.
Betliar Manor
Betliar Castle was built in the first half of 15th century, gradually growing and forming by reconstructions. This hunting estate of almost 50 rooms was owned by the noble Bebek family and then Andrássy family for centuries, until 1945, when it became the property of the Slovak state and a National Cultural Monument.
Manor house Betliar is surrounded by a beautiful English park with an area of 57 ha, which is one of the largest maintained parks in Slovakia and was included in the list of world historical gardens.
DAY 6 - Friday 12 September
FAREWELL AND DEPARTURE
After breakfast, individual departures
TERMS AND REGULATION
We are eager to have you onboard!
If you would like to participate in the event, please fill in the entry form or contact:
WayMatters
Email: info@waymatters.it
We will be happy to answer any question you may have regarding the tour, and to register you as a participant.
Package price: 8.100 Euro (6.640 Euro + TAX) per car.
Deposit at subscription: 3.500 euro per car.
The price is per vehicle and based on two people sharing one hotel room.
The entry fee covers full hospitality, from the welcome reception on September 7th until departure on September 12th after breakfast. The entry fee also includes: welcome package, logistics, specialised technical support, doctor and professional photographers.
Our mechanical assistance will bring a refueling system. You can decide on spot if you would like to exploit this service; if so, your car will be refueled during the whole tour and fuel will be invoiced to you after the event at cunsumption.
Programme may be subject to changes without notice.
