The seasonal closure of alpine hiking trails in the High Tatras is pending, to be effective as of Sunday, 1 November 2015.

However, don’t put away your hiking gear just yet, as the closure doesn’t apply to the entire Tatra region.

The closure applies directly to trails at higher altitudes, and alpine passes between the valleys (saddles) and peaks.

Despite these closures, tourists will still have access to all alpine cabins during the winter months, with the exception of the Chata pod Rysmi cabin.

The most popular hikes during this season include the trail from Hrebienok to Zbojnícka Cabin or to Zamkovského and Téryho Cabins, and for those of you with less experience, we recommend a walk around the Studenovodské Waterfalls.

You can also choose some of the sections of the popular Tatra Main Trail, such as the winter pass from Skalnaté Mountain Lake to Hrebienok and continuing to the Sliezsky dom hotel.

According to the Tatra National Park Visitor Code, the closure starts on 1 November 2015 and ends on 15 June 2016. The main reason for these closures is to protect the environment of the Tatra region and the safety of tourists as well.

Also, these shuttered locations will provide some much-needed peace for animals. The chamois rut is beginning soon, and marmots are slowly starting to begin their winter hibernation.

The time between the two seasons is still suitable for hiking, even despite the seasonal closure of the alpine trails.

The official opening of the winter season in the High Tatras should take place on 26 November 2015, with the Tatra Ice Dome at Hrebienok hosting the opening for the third time in a row.

This ice basilica will again bring something unique, new, and interesting to the table. For now, we’ll only hint that nearly 70 tonnes of ice will be used in its construction.

Source: Región Vysoké Tatry