Planning a summer trip through Slovakia’s highlands? Head to the Eastern Tatras, where winding roads lead you through places like Tatranská Lomnica, Ždiar, and the Belianska Cave. Unlike the crowded High Tatras, this side offers quieter drives, rich Goral culture, and easier access to hidden gems. With our Eastern Tatras travel guide, you’ll see why renting a car in Slovakia gives you the freedom to explore every corner at your own pace. Curious about the best routes and what to see? Let’s hit the road.
The Eastern Tatras sit in the northeastern corner of Slovakia, near the Polish border. Unlike the busy resorts of the central High Tatras, this area is quiet, natural, and deeply rooted in local culture. You’ll find peaceful alpine forests, deep valleys, and charming wooden villages like Ždiar. It’s the perfect spot for travelers who want mountain beauty without the crowds.
You can reach the Eastern Tatras by train, with Poprad being the central railway hub. From there, buses or local trains connect to tourist areas across the Tatras. However, it limits where you can go. Not all hiking spots or scenic routes are near bus stops, and you’ll need to plan around fixed schedules. From Poprad, buses and local trains connect to areas like Tatranská Lomnica or Starý Smokovec. But not all hidden gems have nearby stops. You're also tied to fixed timetables, which can make spontaneous detours or sunrise hikes hard to plan.
Renting a car makes it more convenient and more fun. From Poprad, the drive to the Belianske Tatras takes about 50 minutes (28 km) via Route 534 and Route 537. Parking is usually free or low-cost in villages like Ždiar or Tatranská Javorina.
It’s also the best way to avoid crowds. Instead of staying in packed resort towns, you can sleep in peaceful villages, visit viewpoints early in the morning, and even take scenic detours. Routes are well-paved and signposted, and most gas stations accept cards. If you're traveling with gear like hiking boots, a stroller, or ski equipment, a rental car gives you space and comfort that buses can’t match.
Here’s what’s in the Eastern Tatras, so you don’t mix it up with the rest. This easternmost section of the High Tatras is made of limestone and dolomite, giving it a distinct look. Expect sharp ridges, deep gorges, and hidden caves.
For travelers who want to ride a cable car, explore alpine gardens, and end the day in a treetop walk
The drive from Poprad to Ždiar via Tatranská Lomnica is a 31-minute journey covering 34 kilometers on Route 537. It may be a short drive, but it offers some of the most beautiful mountain views in the Eastern Tatras. As you leave Poprad, the scenery shifts quickly from urban edges to peaceful alpine roads framed by tall pines and peaks in the distance.
Make your first stop at Tatranská Lomnica, a well-known mountain resort and one of the best places to start your day in the Tatras. Ride the cable car to Lomnický štít, or stop at the lower station for hiking trails and lookout spots. The Botanical Garden is home to over 300 native alpine plants and offers a calm, easy walk through carefully maintained grounds. It’s a great spot for a mid-morning break.
Continue your drive to Ždiar, a village full of wooden cottages and deep Goral culture. Walk around the village, visit a Goral museum, or grab a bite of homemade halušky in one of the guesthouses. Ždiar is a great place to learn about local traditions while still feeling close to nature.
To end your trip, head just a few kilometers past Ždiar to Bachledova Dolina. This is where the road leads to one of the most popular attractions in the region: the Treetop Walk Bachledka. Walk above the forest canopy on a wooden path with views of the Belianske Tatras, and take in the peaceful silence of the alpine forest.
For travelers who love medieval towns, peaceful countryside, and hidden caves
The drive from Kežmarok to Spišská Belá takes just 18 minutes (15.1 km) via Route 66, but the short distance packs a lot of charm. You’ll pass through rolling hills, quiet farmland, and small villages that offer a glimpse into the slower rhythm of life in the Eastern Tatras region. It’s an easy route with open roads and plenty of scenic photo stops.
Start your journey in Kežmarok, a small medieval town known for its colorful Renaissance houses and Gothic castle. Stroll through the old town, where you’ll find the beautifully preserved wooden articular church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kežmarok Castle is also worth a visit. It’s one of the few castles in Slovakia in the city center. Wander its courtyards, small museum, and a vintage car museum to learn about local nobility and centuries-old traditions.
From Kežmarok, drive north to Spišská Belá, a peaceful town surrounded by nature. This is the gateway to Belianska Cave, one of the most fascinating caves in Slovakia. It offers a guided walk through underground halls filled with stalactites, underground lakes, and unique rock formations. The cave is open seasonally, so check times in advance.
For travelers who want to mix medieval history with caves and forested mountain roads
The drive from Levoča to Tatranská Kotlina takes about 34 minutes (46 km) via E50, passing through the village of Spišský Štvrtok. Start in Levoča. From here, you can walk through the walled old town and visit the Basilica of St. James, home to the tallest wooden altar in the world. The town square is lined with Renaissance buildings, and the old town gates and town hall give the area a timeless feel.
From Levoča, follow the E50 toward Spišský Štvrtok. Myšia Hôrka is just outside Spišský Štvrtok, one of Slovakia’s oldest archaeological sites. This Bronze Age stone settlement, over 3,500 years old, offers a glimpse into early European urban life. Although most people pass through quickly, the village is a great spot to take a short break before heading into the mountains. Your drive ends in Tatranská Kotlina.
For travelers who want winding roads, wide-open views, and a peaceful entrance into the Eastern Tatras
The drive from Spišská Stará Ves to Tatranská Kotlina takes about 33 minutes (33.4 km) via Route 542, passing through the quiet countryside villages of Reľov and Hlavná. Spišská Stará Ves is a small town near the Polish border that offers lovely views of rolling hills and the edge of the Pieniny Mountains. From here, head west along Route 542, where the road gently rises and falls through the landscape.
Pass through Reľov, a traditional Slovak village lined with modest homes, roadside shrines, and wide fields. Continue to Hlavná, a quiet stretch that marks your transition from countryside to mountain foothills. Along the way, you’ll notice a shift with more forests, cooler air, and the outline of the Belianske Tatras ahead. Your drive ends in Tatranská Kotlina, one of the key access points to the Eastern Tatras.
The Eastern Tatras come alive in summer with crisp air, green trails, and clear mountain views. Whether you're hiking, biking, or riding a cable car, here are the things to do in Eastern Tatras:
Zelené Pleso is one of the most scenic hikes in the Eastern Tatras. The trail leads to a bright green alpine lake surrounded by steep cliffs and rugged terrain. Hikers start near the Biela Voda trailhead and pass meadows and waterfalls along the way. It’s a peaceful, high-altitude escape for nature lovers. The lake also has a cozy mountain hut for a snack or rest before heading back.
One of the top summer experiences is riding the cable car from Tatranská Lomnica to Lomnický Štít. The journey offers sweeping views of deep valleys and sharp mountain ridges. Once at the summit, you’ll find a weather station, a small café, and viewing platforms. It's chilly at the top even in summer, so bring a jacket. The ride is short but unforgettable, especially on a clear day.
Tatra National Park is the best place to see native animals in their natural habitat. Summer is the perfect season for spotting marmots sunbathing on rocks and chamois grazing on steep slopes. You may even see a lynx or bear from a distance. Follow marked trails and bring binoculars. Morning walks are ideal when animals are active and the trails are uncrowded.
The paved route between Tatranská Lomnica and Štrbské Pleso is a favorite for summer cycling. This scenic ride passes through alpine forests and mountain villages with views of the peaks above. You can rent bikes from many local shops and take breaks at small cafés or picnic spots. The route is suitable for most fitness levels. It’s a fun and active way to explore more of the Tatras.
Štrbské Pleso is more than a scenic viewpoint. It’s also a great summer stop for light water fun. Rent a small rowboat or paddle around the glacial lake surrounded by mountain peaks. If you prefer to stay dry, enjoy an easy walk around the shore, or grab a drink at a lakeside café. The calm setting and crisp air make this a perfect midday break.
Eastern Tatras in Summer are all about cool breezes, open trails, and quiet roads that are best explored by car. Book early to make the most of your trip. With Finalrentals, you can choose a compact car for small towns, a rugged SUV for the mountains, or a luxury sedan for extra comfort. It’s quick, simple, and affordable. So pick your route and enjoy the freedom of the open road. The Eastern Tatras are waiting.
