Where to hike with your dog in the Tatras?
Are you wondering where to take your dog for a hike? The Tatra National Park has certain restrictions, but there are still many beautiful places you can explore. Let’s take a look!
Transporting dogs by cable cars
Dogs are welcome at the cable cars in the Tatras! You can take a chairlift from Štrbské Pleso to the Solisko Chalet, a cable car from Tatranská Lomnica to Skalnaté Pleso or a funicular from Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok. Large dogs need their own cable car tickets so they can enjoy adventures with you!
In the High Tatras, specifically in the resorts of Tatranská Lomnica and Starý Smokovec, dogs are allowed on all cable cars except for the chairlift running to Lomnické sedlo (saddle) and the aerial tramway running to Mt Lomnický štít. Transport of larger dog breeds with cable cars costs 10€ per animal, and with the funicular of Hrebienok, it is 6€ per animal. In the Štrbské Pleso resort, dogs are permitted on all chairlifts, with transport of larger dog breeds costing 9€ per animal.
Rules, restrictions and laws
From 20th November 2023, walking with dogs in the Tatra National Park is limited. You can only hike with your dog outside areas with marmots, chamois and large predators. In addition, dogs are also prohibited in areas designated for climbing, ski mountaineering and winter hiking.
Basic rules
Hunting Act: A dog can be off-leash within 50 metres from the person walking it in a hunting area and must wear a distinctive harness or collar. Forest Act: Dogs cannot walk off-leash in forest land at all. Nature Protection Act: Dogs can walk off-leash everywhere except the 4th and 5th protection zone.
Safety rules
The rules are there to prevent encounters with wildlife, dogs running away or contact with cyclists. Following the rules will also help prevent your dog from swimming in forest streams or tarns and disturbing other hikers.
Please follow these rules and enjoy beautiful moments with your four-legged friend in the stunning scenery of the Tatras!
Suggested hikes with your dog
High Tatras:
From Podbanské through Tichá dolina (valley) to the Liptovský košiar crossroads or through Kôprová dolina (valley) below Kmeťov vodopád (waterfall).
Try Tatranská magistrála (arterial trail) – from Štrbské pleso (tarn) to the Bobrovecká vápenica area.
From Starý Smokovec with a funicular to Hrebienok and then on foot to Rainer’s chalet.
From Tatranská Lomnica with a cable car to Skalnaté pleso and then on foot along a tourist trail.
Other routes:
Žiarska dolina (valley) – Žiarska chalet
Popradské Pleso tram stop – Popradské pleso (tarn)
Starý Smokovec – Rainer’s chalet
Tatranské Zruby – crossroads above Zruby
Štrbské Pleso – chalet below Mt Solisko
Tatranská Lesná – Rainer’s chalet
