Tatra Mountains Biosphere Reserve

The High Tatras, divided by the Polish-Slovak border, have been a UNESCO-recognised biosphere reserve since 1993. The protection of the area is guaranteed by national parks on both sides of the border, which cooperate in the designation of common hiking trails and cross-border ski slopes. Although a separate website and deeper integration between the two areas have not yet been developed, tourism associations have already recognised the potential.

A comprehensive tourist map of the High Tatras, including both Slovak and Polish hiking trails, is available on the website of the Slovak-based High Tatras Tourist Association (Združenie cestovného ruchu Vysoké Tatry). To use the map, you need to select the date of your hike (to avoid seasonal closures) and the type of sport (walking, skiing, cycling, paragliding, mountaineering). Based on this information, the map will show you which trails are suitable for hikers during the chosen period.

The website aims to provide an overview of the information published by the two national parks and the hiking rules that apply in their areas. This includes information on the behaviour expected from hikers and specific restrictions. For example, while hiking with dogs is allowed in Poland, winter hiking possibilities are more limited in Slovakia. Mountain rescue procedures differ between the two countries: in Slovakia, individuals without insurance are responsible for covering rescue expenses, while in Poland, these services are provided free of charge.

Night hiking is prohibited on both sides of the border, although the free time zone in Slovakia is two hours longer. Additionally, several common restrictions apply, such as leaving designated trails, lighting fires, littering, feeding wild animals, swimming in mountain lakes, damaging vegetation, or flying drones.

Although this information provides a comprehensive overview of the regulations and routes in the two national parks, it only reaches more attentive nature enthusiasts indirectly—through the tourism association.