The National Park of High Tatras was established as the first of its kind in Slovakia. Five years later the Polish side of the Tatras won a similar statute. Along with its Polish part, the High Tatras constitute the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993. The administrative headquarters of the National Park is located in Tatranská Lomnica.

The TANAP contains mountain and high-mountain plants such as dwarf pine, pine woods and a wonderful flora. Rare animal species such as the eagle, bear, or marmot live here as well. The chamois is the symbol of Tatras. It is one of the most precious species, as it developed in isolation since the glacial age. This is the reason why it differs from its relatives living in the Alps or Apennines. Its protection is extremely strict because only 1000 animals survive at present.

The tallest mountain of Slovakia is one of the peaks of the High Tatras - Gerlachovský štít (2,655 m). Symbol of the country though is the mountain Kriváň. The Park contains more than 100 alpine lakes and several waterfalls. The biggest and deepest lake of the Tatras is the Veľké Hincovo pleso, while the one situated highest is the lake Modré pleso (2,192 metres above sea level). The most visited lakes are the Štrbské pleso and Popradské pleso.

The only cave open to public in the TANAP is the Belianska jaskyňa.

For the sake of security, the hiking paths in the high-mountain levels of the TANAP are closed from 1 November to 15 June. Visitors accompanied by mountain guides are allowed to divert or abandon officially marked hiking routes only between 16 June and 31 October.

The Museum of TANAP in Tatranská Lomnica founded in 1957 provides exhausting information about TANAP and its inhabitants. In fact, it is the best source of information before one visits the mountains, as it offers the natural and overall history of the place.

Among the best localities to choose for access to the TANAP is the town Poprad and the tourist resorts Starý Smokovec, Tatranská Lomnica, Štrbské pleso (the highest situated tourist resort). The mountain ranges of Západné Tatry - Roháče are best accessible from tourist centre Zuberec.