Backpacking in Slovakia: TOP 5 Multi-Day Trails

Backpacking in Slovakia offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from the rugged peaks of the High Tatras to the rolling hills of the Slovak Paradise National Park, including popular destinations like the Mala Fatra and Velka Fatra mountain ranges.

And that’s what this post is all about – backpacking in Slovakia. We’ll provide tips to help you prepare for backpacking in this captivating country as well as showcase the TOP 5 multi-day trails in Slovakia.

Whether you’re a seasoned thru-hiker or new to backpacking, the tips and trails featured in this guide will inspire your next adventure.

Let’s dive in.

Key Tips for Backpacking in Slovakia

• What to expect: You’ll experience a variety of beautiful landscapes, like high mountains and dense forests with open fields. The weather can change. If you enjoy backpacking, you’ll find simple mountain huts and campsites conveniently placed along multi-day trails. With a lot of trails, cheap places to stay, and friendly locals, discovering Slovakia’s nature is easy and enjoyable.
• Essential gear: Make sure to pack versatile clothing suitable for different weather conditions. Bring a waterproof jacket and gloves to stay dry. Essential items also include a first aid kit, either a GPS or a map, a compass, a headlamp, and a water bottle with a filter or treatment.
• Wildlife: While bears and wolves inhabit some areas, interactions are rare. The southwestern Low Tatras mountains house Europe’s only venomous snake, the common viper. Ticks that can spread Lyme Disease are mostly located in rural, brushy, and forested areas, especially at elevations below 3280 feet (1000 m). Caution is advised in mountainous regions, where Tatra chamois and sheep may react defensively.
• Wild camping: While dispersed camping is permitted free of charge in most forests and undeveloped areas away from roads or trails, leave no trace principles apply. Additionally, over 2,000 mi of marked hiking paths have basic huts and open sheltered locales signposted as approved bivouac sites for wild campers. These offer essential facilities like potable water and cooking areas.
• Best times to go are May to September, featuring warm and sunny weather. June to August offers the mildest conditions with extended daylight. Fall remains pleasant until early October, showcasing colorful foliage. To avoid crowds, consider visiting in April, May, September, or October.

Top 5 Backpacking Trails in Slovakia

Discover the most stunning long trails in Slovakia for amazing adventures:

1. Spišské Tomášovce – Pod Čižmou

Length: 28.3 mi / 45.5 km
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 5872 ft / 1790 m
Location: Národný park Slovenský raj
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 8100 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

Challenge yourself on this 28.3-mile out-and-back trail near Spišské Tomášovce, Slovakia. Wind through wildflower meadows and forested mountains in Slovenský raj National Park. With an average completion time of 14 hours, solitude awaits on the lesser-used route. Enjoy scenic overlooks of rock faces and valleys along the way. The maintained trail is ideal for backpacking and hiking.

2. Bátovce – Tatárska lúka

Length: 27.9 mi / 44.9 km
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 3868 ft / 1179 m
Location: Bátovce
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 7500 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

Challenge yourself on this 27.9-mile out-and-back trail near Bátovce, Slovakia. Wind through scenic low mountains with well-maintained trails in this lesser-used area. With an average completion time of 12 hours, solitude awaits as you take in beautiful vistas. The trail is ideal for backpacking and hiking. Immerse yourself in nature and bask in the scenic views on this satisfying trek.

3. Miskolc – Košice

Length: 143.4 mi / 230.8 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 11 948 ft / 3642 m
Location: Miskolc or Košice
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 29 250 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

Tackle this 143.4-mile loop trail through Slovakia and Hungary, exploring Aggtelek National Park’s karst landscapes and caves. Expect fellow backpackers on this popular route crossing into Miskolc, Hungary. The demanding multi-day trek averages over 53 hours, immersing you in the open limestone terrain – a thrilling adventure for seasoned backpackers.

4. Camino de Santiago in Slovakia: Košice to Bratislava

Length: 360 mi / 579 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 82 391 ft / 25 113 m
Location: Košice
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 88 900 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

Take an epic 360.0-mile journey on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route through Slovakia. Starting at St. Elisabeth Cathedral in Košice, this rewarding trek goes through charming villages, parks, vineyards, and historic sites. With an average 190-hour completion time, you’ll find solitude and reflection in Slovakia’s countryside and culture. Experience the magic of the open road on this life-affirming backpacking and camping adventure from Košice to Bratislava.

5. The Priečne Sedlo

Length: 13.9 mi / 22.3 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 4724 ft / 1440 m
Location: Tatranský národný park
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 5700 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

Be careful on this hard 13.9-mile loop through Slovakia’s scenic High Tatras. The Priečne Sedlo route requires helmets, ropes, and ladders in steep areas. You’ll see amazing alpine views, lakes, and waterfalls as you hike over high peaks and narrow ridges. It’s crowded in summer. Only attempt in good weather since there are many exposed sections. Be ready to scramble over boulders and use railings on this exciting yet dangerous mountain trek.

Annual Weather Averages

Slovakia’s varied terrain means weather can fluctuate significantly by region:

• Spring (March-May): Early spring can still see some snowy or rainy weather at higher elevations. Daytime temperatures reach 50-59°F (10-15°C). May sees milder and more stable weather.
• Summer (June-August): Generally warm and sunny weather prevails. Daytime highs of 68-77°F (20-25°C) are common. July and August tend to be the hottest months. Afternoon thunderstorms can occur.
• Fall (September-November): Temperatures gradually cool, with highs around 59°F (15°C) in September dropping to 41-50°F (5-10°C) by November. Weather remains changable with rain possible. Days get shorter.
• Winter (December-February): Most of the country experiences winter conditions. Lowlands see temperatures around 32°F (0°C) while mountains receive snow. Days are shortest. January is typically the coldest month.

Before you grab your backpack and head outdoors, take a look at the weather statistics for Slovakia (Žilina):

Alternative Backpacking Destinations

Not sure if Slovakia is right for you?

Don’t forget to check out our backpacking guides for Austria and Poland.

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