New regulations in the Tatras. Larger restrictions will apply from 15 December

The Tatra National Park in Slovakia, or TANAP, announces the introduction of stricter rules for tourists. Restrictions include a ban on walking on dog trails. Work on these changes continued for many years.

After a long, six-year process, the efforts of naturalists led to clear rules of movement for visitors in this oldest national park in Slovakia. Although not everyone will be pleased with these changes, they are the consequence of a compromise between the needs of nature conservation and the expectations of various groups utilizing the national park area," stressed the deputy manager of the Management Board of TANAP, Peter Spitzkopf based in Tatranská Lomnica.

Peter Spitzkopf added: “We have a immense amount of work ahead of us that will gradually introduce and enforce fresh regulations. Therefore, during the first year of application of the fresh rules, we will strive to show tolerance to tourists, hoping to realize them towards our actions."

Tatra National Park in Slovakia introduces fresh regulations. What will change?

As of 15 December 2023, fresh regulations will enter into force, which prohibit dogs from entering high-mountain trails in areas inhabited by marmots, goats and uncommon large predators and another endangered species. Marked areas will inform about this ban. So far, many tourists wishing to wander the Tatras with their four-leggeds chose the Slovak side, as the Polish side has long been banned from entering with dogs and another pets, but the Chochołowska Valley.

Significant changes will besides affect winter tourism. The closure of the high-mountain trails on the Slovak side from 1 November to 15 June will be reduced by 15 days, now limited from 1 November to 31 May. Additionally, Juraniowa Valley in Western Tatras will be unavailable from 1 November to 30 April. The Mięguszowiecka Valley will be closed from 15 December to 30 April, temporarily covering the area to the tallness of the Symbolic Cemetery close Osterwa.

Special restrictions will apply to high-mountain trails. In winter, the entrance to the area of the Staroleśna Valley, the Kieżmarska Valley, the Lomnický Pond will be possible only with professional climbing equipment and skis towards Barany Pass, Red Bench, Żlebu Kartarik or Filming Żlebu.

The fresh regulations besides designate areas for skiing only on designated ski resorts with lifts, according to the regulations of the resort. Similarly, cross-country skiing will only be allowed in specially designated areas. In turn winter climbing and skialpinism will be possible only for skiers-alpineists who will registry online on the TANAP Board website and show appropriate mountaineering skills.

Changes in the Slovak Tatra National Park

The fresh regulations introduce not only an increase in the availability of routes for cyclists, but besides an extension of existing paths. As of 15 December, it is planned to grow areas dedicated to water tourism, specified as canoeing and pontooning. In addition, there will be rules for geocaching – field games in the TANAP field.

Moreover, areas around the shelters will be expanded to let short-term leisure for tourists. Until now, the anticipation of relaxation for holidaymakers was limited to designated areas straight next to the facilities.

Ignacy Michałowski

OSINT investigator with experience in global journalism projects. It has been publishing materials for over 20 years for the largest releases. In social activities he engaged in various projects and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of people, especially those of mediocre communities. He was besides active in the fight for human rights. Contact: [email protected]