Nature is full of people. How to enjoy it if you seek solitude in it?
Nature is full of people. Finally!
But nature is also a place where many of us go to find peace and quiet rather than masses of people. That's why the increased popularity of time spent in nature is being received a little bittersweet by some people.
However, no one can be blamed for trying to spend their time in the mountains - it's just that more people than we would expect have gathered in popular places as a result. At the end of the day, it's definitely a positive that people are trying to find their escape in nature, just like you.
On the other hand, if we still want to find peace, solitude and rest for the mind in nature, we need to adapt our strategy to this newfound situation.
Plan a longer hike
Most hikers do not go to conquer the highest peaks of mountains. A walk around a lake or a shorter hike to one of the available places is enough for them. In the High Tatras, this could be the waterfall Skok or Popradské Pleso. An hour there, an hour back. Ideal for beginner hikers and those who want to enjoy the Tatra environment and breathe fresh air without extreme exertion.
From Popradské Pleso, however, the trail continues towards the popular Rysy, as well as the slightly less popular and yet unusually beautiful Kôprovský štít (Kôprovský Peak). From the waterfall Skok you can continue on to Bystrá lávka, which is a beautiful place for more experienced hikers. And although you won't be able to avoid the people, the massive crowds won't bother you in these places.
Go where others don't
If you see something on the internet, it's more than certain that a huge mass of other people are seeing it too. So while the internet is a great place to get inspiration for future trips, it's also such a double-edged sword - those images will probably inspire thousands of other people.
So if you're craving solitude, or at least smaller crowds, forget about popular Instagram spots. Even out of the spotlight of the masses, there are exceptional places to be found, sometimes you just need to get out your dad's old tourist map and pick something out "blind". It might not be as beautiful views, there might not be perfectly prepared hiking trails and buffets with cold beer, but you'll find peace and relaxation. And that's often much, much more.
Wake up early
Even in the most popular places, you can find solitude, as long as you're willing to wake up early. So set your alarm for 4:00am and you can be sure that even on the way to the most popular peaks, you won't have to stop because of the crowds and you won't meet the first people on the way down. And those few stray souls who have decided to take the same tactics as you are probably your blood type after all and you will have something to say to each other.
An early start also has other benefits - rain in the mountains usually arrives around lunchtime at the earliest, so it's possible you'll be able to avoid it altogether even if the forecast is less optimistic.
Ask experienced hikers
Experienced hikers know all these "secrets" well and have explored places that even Instagram hasn't noticed yet. They're the right source of information for your future adventures - they know all too well which trails provide solitude, where hidden treasures are to be found, and what conditions you can expect. Word-of-mouth marketing is a powerful tool you can rely on.
Give the mountains a chance in the off-season
The mountains only experience real crowds in the summer. Naturally. But in September and October you can find not only fewer tourists in the Tatras, but also more stable weather. However, you don't have to be afraid of the mountains even in winter, when most of the trails are almost empty. You just need to learn the principles of layering, get good equipment, watch out for the earlier sunset and there's practically nothing to surprise you. There's no reason to put off visiting some places until next year when the mountains are there for us all the time.
