Nová Lesná

A village that has raised generations of mountain guides

www.novalesna.sk
Nová Lesná_Park
1315

First written mention

748 meters above sea level

Elevation of the village

82

Mountain Guides and Rescuers

The Cradle of Mountain Guides Beneath the Tatra Peaks

Nová Lesná is located in the foothills of the High Tatras and offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Tatra peaks. The first written mention of the village dates back to 1315, when it was known as Villa Menhardi.

The village is known as the “Cradle of Mountain Guides” because 82 mountain guides and rescuers hail from here—the highest number in Slovakia. Their stories are commemorated in the Mountain Guides Park, which features informational signs, wooden sculptures, and 15 benches shaped like climbing pitons.

The village is open year-round
What We Offer
Mountain Guides Park in the center of town
Hiking and Biking Trails in the Area
Accommodation and Dining Facilities
The proximity of Starý Smokovec and the High Tatras
What do you need to know before you arrive?
The Mountain Guides Park is located right in the center of the village
Admission to the park is free
Be sure to wear appropriate footwear for trips in the surrounding area
The hours of operation for local businesses are subject to change
Check bus schedules using the current timetable
During peak season, parking in the city center may be limited

Please read this before your visit

Mountain Guides Park

The park honors notable mountain guides and rescuers from Nová Lesná. It features informational signs, themed benches, wooden sculptures, and a small pond.

Notable Figures in Mountain Guiding

Ján Still, who made the first known ascent of Gerlachovský štít in 1834, is closely associated with the village. Another notable native of the village was Ján Počúvaj Jr., who climbed Gerlach a record 625 times.

Transportation and Parking

You can get to Nová Lesná by car or by regional bus. When visiting the town center, please respect the designated parking spaces and residents' private property.

Where to Stay in the Area

Plan a comfortable stay—choose accommodations near this location and enjoy the region to the fullest without unnecessary travel.

AMÁLIA Hotel***

AMÁLIA Hotel***
EUFÓRIA Hotel***

EUFÓRIA Hotel***
Cottages_Tatry Holiday Veľký Slávkov

APLEND Tatry Holiday Cabins
Grand Hotel Bellevue

Grand Hotel Bellevue ****
MIRAMONTI Resort***

MIRAMONTI Resort***
Grand Hotel Starý Smokovec

Grand Hotel **** Starý Smokovec

Where to Eat in the Area

From traditional Tatra mountain huts to modern restaurants with mountain views—discover the local cuisine and plan where you’ll treat yourself to a well-deserved break with a good meal after your trip.

Koliba TATRY

Koliba TATRY
Hrebienok Café & Restaurant

Hrebienok Café & Restaurant
Kamzík Mountain Hut

Kamzík Koliba
Starý Smokovec Mountain Hut

Starý Smokovec Koliba
Stodola Smokovec Restaurant

Stodola Smokovec Restaurant
Slovak Restaurant

Slovak Restaurant

Discover other cities and towns in the region

Every town and village in the Tatra Mountains has its own history, character, and atmosphere—explore other destinations worth visiting.

Smokovec_Wooden Church_Winter_Maličký

Starý Smokovec
Grand Hotel Prague_Winter Panorama

Tatranská Lomnica
Štrbské Pleso_Winter

Štrbské Pleso
5897 – Tatranská Kotlina – Plesnivec Lodge

Tatranská Kotlina
Tatranská Javorina

Tatranská Javorina
Ždiar

Ždiar
The Tatra Mountains in the Background: A View from Above

Must-See Places. Discover them one by one

Every corner of the Tatra Mountains has its own story. Discover the places that shape the character of the region.

Bystré Lakes

Bystré Lakes

8 1040 6 hours 30 minutes Stredne náročná
About the Great Hinc Ball

About the Great Hinc Ball

8.1 672 3 hours 30 minutes Stredne náročná
Téry's Cabin_Winter_Maličký

Across the Priečne Pass through two Tatra valleys

17.3 1039 7 a.m. Veľmi náročná
Litvorové Lake

To the Litvor Ball in the Bielovodská Valley

12.3 900 5 hours Náročná
Quiet Valley_Maličký

To Kasprov Hill Through the Quiet Valley

16.05 1051 6 hours 15 minutes Náročná
Through the Veľká Studená Valley to the Zbojnícka Chalet

Through the Veľká Studená Valley to the Zbojnícka Chalet

11.8 680 4 hours 45 minutes Stredne náročná
A hike through the Velická Valley to the Sliezsky House

A hike through the Velická Valley to the Sliezsky House

6.7 698 1 hour 4 minutes Ľahká
Štrbské Pleso_Winter

Along the forest trail from Štrbské Pleso to Jamské Pleso

4.8 126 1 hour 30 minutes Ľahká
Through the Tatra Forest to Popradské Pleso

Through the Tatra Forest to Popradské Pleso

4.13 210 2 hours 30 minutes Stredne náročná

The Tatra Mountains wake up differently every day

Current conditions, upcoming events, and editorial recommendations. Everything you need to know before heading to the Tatras.

Webcams
Most sidewalks are open
The chairlifts are in operation
The bike trails are open

Hrebienok

The Perfect Weekend Getaway

Editor's Pick

Štrbské Pleso

The Best Time to Visit

Editor's Pick

Taste the dishes

At mountain huts throughout the region

Editor's Pick

Nature Trail

A short route suitable for children

Editor's Pick

Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the High Tatras region.

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    The High Tatras have something to offer all year round. The best time for high-altitude hiking is from June to October, when the hiking trails at higher elevations are open. Fall brings more stable weather, pleasant temperatures, and beautiful views. Winter is ideal for skiing, winter walks, and visiting locations that are accessible year-round. Before setting out on a trip, always check the current weather conditions and any trail closures.

    You do not need a special permit for regular hiking on marked trails. However, you must comply with TANAP’s visitor regulations and seasonal closures, and you may only hike on open trails. Special rules apply, for example, to rock climbing, ski mountaineering, hiking off marked trails, or bringing a dog into the park.

    You can easily reach the main Tatra resorts by train. The Tatra Electric Railways connect Poprad, Starý Smokovec, Štrbské Pleso, and Tatranská Lomnica. A cog railway runs from Štrba to Štrbské Pleso. You can also take advantage of regular bus routes and seasonal shuttle services in the region.

    You can park in designated parking lots in the various Tatra villages. During peak periods, we recommend using the P+R park-and-ride lot at Eurocamp in Tatranská Lomnica and continuing by shuttle bus. From this parking lot, you can take public transportation to destinations such as Tatranská Lomnica, Tatranské Matliare, Biela Voda, or the Belianska Cave.

    For hiking, choose sturdy hiking boots with non-slip soles that stabilize your feet and protect them on rocky or wet terrain. Your gear should also include weather-appropriate clothing and a rain jacket. Sandals and regular city shoes are not suitable for more demanding hikes.

    When a storm is approaching, leave peaks, ridges, saddles, mountain passes, and open areas as soon as possible. Descend to lower elevations, avoid standing near isolated trees or metal objects, and keep your distance from other members of your group. If possible, take shelter in a mountain hut or a safe building. The best prevention is to check the weather forecast, set out early in the morning, and shorten or cancel your hike in a timely manner if conditions take a turn for the worse. Safety must take precedence over reaching your destination.