Slovakia is full of mountains, lakes, and forests waiting to be explored. A road trip gives you the freedom to enjoy them all. Instead of relying on strict tour schedules, you can stop where and when you want. For those without a personal vehicle, renting a car in Slovakia is the best way to travel comfortably.
Here, we will discuss why driving through the High Tatras and Slovak Paradise is one of the best ways to rediscover the country.
The High Tatras are a mountain range on the border of northern Slovakia and southern Poland. They are the highest part of the Carpathian Mountains, known for their sharp peaks, glacial lakes, and alpine scenery.
Traveling by car is a dream for anyone who loves nature. You’ll have quick access to the most scenic parts of the mountains. Here are the best ways to explore the High Tatras:
The Tatranská Magistrála Road is the main scenic route through Slovakia’s High Tatras. It stretches from Štrbské Pleso in the west to Tatranská Lomnica in the east. The road runs below the peaks, offering mountain views the entire way.
To drive it, start early to avoid tourist traffic. Use the E50/D1 highway to reach the Tatras, then follow the signs to Štrbské Pleso. From there, take the 537 road, which winds through forests and alpine villages like Nová Polianka, Starý Smokovec, and Tatranská Lesná.
Drive slowly, especially in winter, as roads can get icy. Parking is available in resort towns but fills up quickly in peak seasons. Stop at scenic points for short hikes or lake views.
Starý Smokovec is a good place to rest, eat, or ride the funicular to Hrebienok. End the drive at Tatranská Lomnica, where you can take a cable car to Lomnický štít, one of the tallest peaks in Slovakia. The full drive takes about an hour, but plan more time for stops and views.
To visit Štrbské Pleso for lakeside walks, drive along the 537 road toward the High Tatras and follow signs to the Štrbské Pleso resort area. The drive is beautiful, with views of mountain ridges and thick pine forests.
Once you arrive, park in one of the designated lots near the lake. It’s best to arrive early during weekends and holidays, as spaces fill quickly. Parking is paid, but close to the lake and trails.
The main trail circles Štrbské pleso, a glacial lake known for its clear water and peaceful setting. The loop is flat and paved, perfect for an easy walk. Benches are placed along the trail for resting and taking in the views. You’ll pass small piers, wooden bridges, and photo spots.
If you want a longer hike, nearby paths lead into the surrounding forest or Jamské pleso, another quiet mountain lake. After your walk, stop by a lakeside café or enjoy views from the observation deck.
Poprad sits at the foot of the mountains and is easy to reach from resort towns like Tatranská Lomnica or Štrbské Pleso, about 30 to 40 minutes away by car.
Poprad is your base for supplies, dining, or transport. The town has several parking options, especially near the train station and AquaCity Poprad.
While in Poprad, explore AquaCity, a popular spa and water park with geothermal pools and mountain views. You can also stroll through the historic center of Spišská Sobota, a quiet part of town with colorful houses and a medieval church.
If you’re visiting in winter, many ski resorts like Tatranská Lomnica are just a short drive away. Poprad also connects you to the Tatra Electric Railway, which links all the major resort towns. It’s perfect to leave the car and ride through the mountains.
Tatranská Lomnica is one of the largest resort towns in the High Tatras and serves as the main base for visiting Lomnický štít, Slovakia's second-highest peak. Start at the cable car station, where you can ride up to Skalnaté Pleso, then transfer to a smaller cable car to reach Lomnický štít.
On clear days, the views stretch across the Tatras and even into Poland. Back in town, picnic at one of the grassy parks or walking trails. The botanical garden and ski museum are also nearby for quick visits.
Starý Smokovec is a short drive from both Tatranská Lomnica and Štrbské Pleso. Once you arrive, there’s parking near the town center and the funicular station. The area is compact, so it’s easy to explore on foot once you’ve parked.
Starý Smokovec is known for its relaxed vibe and access to Hrebienok, a popular winter spot for short hikes and sledding. Take the funicular or hike up through the forest trail. Once at Hrebienok, enjoy mountain views or walk to nearby waterfalls like Obrovský vodopád.
After hiking, head back to town and try bryndzové halušky or kapustnica at a local restaurant. For a hearty meal, visit Koliba Kamzík, a rustic restaurant known for traditional Slovak dishes like bryndzové halušky and grilled meats.
Another great option is Starý Šmakovec Restaurant, which offers non-pasteurised beers and Slovak specialties like steaks and burgers in a cozy setting.
Liptovský Hrádok is a small town between valleys and forests, known for its castle, riverside views, and alpine backdrop. It sits near the entrance to the Liptov region, a gateway to both the Tatras and the Low Tatras National Park.
The area is popular for day hikes, fly fishing, and relaxed countryside drives. The road into town is scenic, with winding turns, riverside stretches, and views of nearby peaks. It’s a great loop to add to your route when exploring the Tatras by car.
The town is known for the Liptov Castle ruins, which offer a short walk and a wide view over the Belá River. You can also relax near the riverbanks or visit the Grand Castle Hotel, where medieval walls now host a cozy café and garden.
Visiting Slovak Paradise is perfect for travelers looking for adventure and natural beauty. This national park is famous for gorges, ladders, and waterfalls. Here’s where to start exploring the area in a day:
Hrabušice is one of the main entry points to the Slovak Paradise and a great place to begin your day. Wake up early and enjoy breakfast at your guesthouse or a nearby café. The village is quiet and close to top hiking spots, making it ideal for travelers who want to hit the trails without a long drive. It’s just a few minutes from here to the Podlesok parking area, where many hikes begin.
Suchá Belá is one of the most popular and scenic hikes in the Slovak Paradise. The trail begins near Podlesok, just a short drive or walk from Hrabušice.
As you enter the gorge, you’ll climb metal ladders, cross wooden bridges, and pass waterfalls tucked between steep forested walls. It’s an exciting hike that feels like a natural obstacle course.
The gorge is 3.7 km long, with an elevation gain of about 420 meters, and typically takes around 2 hours to traverse. After reaching the top, you can return to Podlesok via several routes, making the total loop approximately 8.8 km, which takes about 3.5 hours to complete.
Some sections can be slippery, especially after rain, so wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. This trail is one-way only, going up the gorge. After reaching the top, you’ll follow a forest path back down to Podlesok.
After finishing your hike, head back to Hrabušice for lunch. One great spot is Ranč u Trapera, a cozy log-stle guesthouse with a restaurant offering traditional Slovak meals. They're known for hearty dishes like bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon) and goulash with dumplings. The rustic atmosphere and friendly service make it a perfect place to relax after hiking.
Another option is Ranč pod Ostrou skalou near the Dobšinská Ice Cave. This ranch-stle establishment offers a restaurant serving Slovak specialties such as bryndzové halušky, strapáčky, and pirohy. The restaurant's log cabin design and country-stle music create a unique dining experience.
After lunch, head east and drive about 25 minutes to Čingov, a quieter gateway to the Slovak Paradise. The road winds through open fields and small villages, offering a scenic transition from Hrabušice. Parking is available near the visitor center, with easy access to several trailheads.
From Čingov, take a short hike to Tomášovský výhľad, one of the park’s most iconic viewpoints. The trail is well-marked and takes around 45 minutes round-trip, making it perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk.
At the top, you'll stand on a wide limestone ledge with panoramic views over the Hornád River Gorge and surrounding forests. It’s a must-see photo stop that requires little effort.
After enjoying the views from Tomášovský výhľad, head back down the trail. You can return to Hrabušice for dinner and a quiet evening at your guesthouse, or stop in Spišská Nová Ves, about 15 minutes from Čingov. This small town has cafes, local restaurants, and a charming central square.
If you're not in a rush, consider visiting the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Spišská Nová Ves, known for having the tallest church tower in Slovakia.
Driving in Slovakia is safe and straightforward, but always carry your driver’s license, passport, and car documents. EU licenses are accepted, and most roads are in good condition. A vignette (toll sticker) is required for highways. Check if your rental includes one, or buy it online before your trip.
Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside towns, and 130 km/h on highways. Watch for signs, as limits may change in certain areas. Roads in the mountains can be narrow or winding, so drive carefully, especially in bad weather. In winter, snow tires are a must and may be legally required.
Gas stations are common near cities and highways, but are more spread out in rural or mountain areas. Always fill up before heading into national parks or remote villages. Use offline maps or a GPS, as the signal can drop in forested or mountain areas.
Lastly, don’t rush. The best drives in Slovakia are about enjoying the views, not speeding through them.
A road trip in Slovakia is a chance to see the country in a new light. The journey is filled with lakes, forests, caves, and cozy towns from the High Tatras to the Slovak Paradise. It’s ideal for Slovak travelers who want to take short, scenic breaks without flying far. Every trip offers something new to discover and appreciate.
Renting a car with Finalrentals makes this easy. Choose from various vehicles, pick up location in Brastivala Airport or downtown, and enjoy flexible rental terms. Finalrentals helps Slovaks enjoy their country comfortably, affordably, and on schedule.
