If you’re planning to visit Jasná during the summer and want to combine relaxation in the hotel wellness center with active time in the mountains, there are a few important things you shouldn’t overlook. With the right preparation, hiking in the Low Tatras becomes pure enjoyment.
The first step before any mountain trip is proper planning and choosing a suitable route. You can use hiking guidebooks, printed trail maps, or online resources to prepare your trip. Two of the most popular Slovak hiking websites are Hiking.sk and Hikemates.sk. Both provide detailed information about route distance, elevation gain, trail markings, difficulty level, and useful tips with orientation points along the way. If you don’t have a physical map with you, it’s a good idea to download offline maps to your phone beforehand. They can be extremely useful in areas without mobile signal.
Don’t overestimate yourself
Plan your hike according to your fitness level, abilities, and previous experience. If you’re hiking in a larger group, always adjust the pace and route to the least experienced member. The same applies when hiking with children. The goal should be active relaxation and enjoying time in nature—not pushing yourself to the limit. It’s better to choose a less demanding and technically easier route than to overestimate your abilities. You can also find several route tips in one of our previous articles.
Mountain weather can change quickly
The peaks of the Low Tatras are known for strong ridge winds that can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h in gusts. Summer thunderstorms with lightning, dense fog, and even ground frost can also create dangerous conditions. Before heading out, always check the mountain weather forecast and, ideally, the latest updates from Mountain Rescue Service reports regarding current trail conditions.
Proper clothing
Your clothing should always match the current weather forecast. In exposed mountain terrain, sturdy waterproof hiking shoes and functional layered clothing are essential. Don’t forget a thermal base layer, as well as a waterproof jacket or rain shell in case temperatures suddenly drop or rain showers roll in. You don’t need to wear every layer the entire time—just make sure you have them packed in your backpack if conditions change unexpectedly.
Food and water
Besides clothing, make sure to pack enough water and food. The amount should depend on the length and difficulty of your hike, ideally planned in advance. Try to find the right balance. For a three-hour hike, you probably don’t need a full container of schnitzels or a camping stove with a gas canister. A couple of protein bars and a few pieces of your favorite fruit will usually do the job just fine.
What to pack in your backpack
It’s always a good idea to carry a small hiking first-aid kit in case of emergency. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a multifunctional hiking scarf or buff will help protect you from the intense mountain sun. A small pocket knife and a reliable light source also come in handy, especially if you’re planning a longer full-day hike in the mountains.
Mountain insurance
Once everything is planned and packed, there’s still one important thing left to do—get insured before heading into the mountains. If you hike regularly, annual mountain rescue insurance is the best option. For a one-time summer trip, however, even a simple one-day policy is enough and can usually be purchased quickly online or by text message.
