Tree Top Walk: Discover the National Park from Above

In Central Europe, a small country hides an extraordinary place high above the ground. The Tree Top Walk is situated in the mountainous area near the village of Malá Franková, nestled within the diverse forests of Pieniny National Park.

This unique wooden trail, opened in 2017, winds through the beech forest crowns. It offers stunning views of the Belianske Tatras and the surrounding landscape of Bachledova Valley. The walk blends the natural beauty of the High Tatras with modern architecture, allowing visitors to connect with the ecosystem without disturbing its delicate balance.

>>> As the year draws to a close, consider celebrating New Year's Eve in the Tatras. It's a perfect place to relax, enjoy fresh mountain air, and experience an unforgettable New Year atmosphere.

How to Get to Bachledova Valley and the Walk

This popular destination lies in the Zamagurie region of northeastern Slovakia. Bachledova Valley is part of Pieniny National Park, offering exceptional nature and activities year-round. A key attraction is the wooden tree top walk.

Reach Bachledova Valley easily by car or public transport from Ždiar or Poprad. You can hike to the walk from Malá Franková and Jezersko. In winter, a ski bus is available for free.

From there, take a cable car or hiking trail to the walk. The 10-person Bachledka Gondola offers the most comfortable and quickest ride, departing from a paid parking lot in the valley. It takes you directly to the ridge of Spišská Magura, where the entrance to the tree top walk is located. The ride lasts under 10 minutes.

On foot, the hike takes about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on your pace. Start at the parking lot in Bachledova Valley. The trail follows a marked forest road with views of the surrounding countryside.

The tree top walk is accessible year-round. Check the opening hours in advance, as they vary by season. Typically, it's open from 9:00 to 18:00 (17:00) in summer and until 16:00 in winter. At the top, you'll find several buffets, restaurants, and a tranquil environment.

Bachledova Valley is ideal for families, couples, and individuals who love nature. Enjoy unforgettable views surrounded by Tatra nature.

Tree Top Walk

Amidst the Belianske Tatras, the wooden walk stretches over 1,200 meters, reaching a height of 24 meters above the ground. The tree top walk is barrier-free and accessible to everyone, including families with young children and those with limited mobility.

You'll encounter several educational panels along the way, providing insights into the local fauna, flora, and ecology.

The walk culminates at a 32-meter high viewing tower, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Belianske Tatras, Pieniny, and beyond. Like the walk, it features various educational stops. In the tower's center, a net awaits adventurous visitors, offering a unique view of the ground below. A long adrenaline slide provides a quick descent.

The walk and viewing tower are designed to minimally impact the national park's diverse forests. The construction primarily uses natural materials like wood, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the environment.

A key goal of this project is to support biodiversity and protect local fauna and flora. The tree top walk passes over forests with rare plant and animal species, highlighted on educational panels. From ground level to the treetops, many birds and small animals call this area home.

Experience all seasons here. From lush greenery to autumn's vibrant colors, winter's fairy tale, and spring's awakening life. The walk in Bachledova Valley also offers guided services for those eager to explore the area's mysteries further.

Other Activities You Can Experience in Bachledova Valley

Beyond the Tree Top Walk, Bachledova Valley offers many activities. The area features several hiking and cycling trails, popular in summer and autumn. Trails lead through majestic forests and colorful meadows, where you'll find an adrenaline bobsled track and a rope center for all ages.

Bachledova Valley is also home to one of the region's most famous ski resorts – Bachledka Ski & Sun. The resort offers over 10 km of groomed slopes for various skill levels. Trails cater to beginners, families, and experienced skiers. Freestyle skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can enjoy the snowpark with obstacles and jumps. In winter, explore Bachledova Valley on cross-country skis along trails in Pieniny National Park.

The modern era of Bachledova Valley began in the 1980s with the first lifts and slopes. It quickly became a popular destination for winter sports and summer hiking. A significant milestone was 2017, when the region opened the suspended wooden walk, boosting tourism. Today, it's known as a year-round destination with abundant natural and sporting experiences.

Conclusion

The Tree Top Walk was inspired by similar projects abroad. Builders adapted the Bachledova route to the Tatra environment, creating Slovakia's first of its kind.

In Germany, the Baumwipfelpfad in the Bavarian Forest National Park is the first treetop walk in the world built above the treetops. Opened in 2009, it has become a popular tourist attraction. The Bavarian walk is 1.3 km long, making it one of the longest treetop walks globally. Like in Slovakia, it features a 44-meter high viewing tower. The spiral design allows easy access for families, older visitors, and people in wheelchairs.

The Bavarian Forest National Park's approach is – “let nature be nature.” This means minimal human intervention. The Baumwipfelpfad respects the natural environment, promoting tourism without harming the forest. The route includes educational elements to raise awareness of the importance of tree and biodiversity protection.

The Bavarian Forest National Park borders the Czech park Šumava, together forming Central Europe's largest contiguous green area. Covering over 100,000 hectares, this area is called “The Green Roof of Europe.” From the Bavarian viewing tower, you can see the Šumava Mountains and, in good weather, even the snowy Alps.