HZS Low Tatras regional centre

The Low Tatras between the upper Váh and Hron — about 2,000 km², from the Šturec to the Popova pass, with Ďumbier (2,043 m), Chopok and Kráľova hoľa; two bases — north (Jasná) and south (Bystrá).

Mountain emergency — Slovakia18 300 · 11218 300 — Slovak Mountain Rescue Service emergency line (operations centre), 24/7; 112 — single European emergency number

Contacts HZS Nízke Tatry

HZS Low Tatras regional centreOblastné stredisko HZS Nízke TatryHeadquarters: Demänovská Dolina – Lúčky 186, 031 01 Liptovský Mikuláš, SlovakiaOfficial website: hzs.sk/nizke-tatry
  • 18 300 Slovak Mountain Rescue Service emergency line (operations centre), 24/7
  • +421 44 559 16 78 HZS regional centre (not instead of 18 300)
  • +421 48 619 53 26 HZS regional centre (not instead of 18 300)
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The Low Tatras regional centre of the Mountain Rescue Service (Oblastné stredisko HZS Nízke Tatry) covers one of Slovakia's largest mountain ranges: the Low Tatras stretch for about 80 km between Liptov in the north and Horehronie in the south. The highest peak is Ďumbier (2,043 m), next to Chopok — the biggest winter resort, Jasná, linked by cable cars to the southern side. Most of the range is open grassy ridge, so in winter the main ridge is marked with poles.

How to call for help

Dial the HZS emergency line 18 300 or 112. The best way is the official HZS app: one button connects you to the operations centre and sends your exact location, and with a weak signal you can use its chat. Say where you are and what happened, how many people are hurt and how badly, and give a call-back number. Keep your phone on.

Area and stations

The centre has two bases: the northern one in the Demänovská valley near Jasná and the southern one in Bystrá in Horehronie. On the main ridge there are emergency shelters — Andrejcová, Ramža and below the Ďurková saddle — and year-round huts below Ďumbier and below Chopok.

Good to know

  • Rescue in Slovakia is charged: the person rescued pays for search and transport, while medical care is covered by health insurance. Minors are exempt. Buy mountain insurance before you set out.
  • Before a hike, log it in the electronic hike book in the HZS app: the evening before it sends warnings for your area, and if you don't check back, rescuers will come looking.
  • Before setting out, read the current HZS warnings and mountain conditions for your area: they are published on the service's website and in the app together with the weather forecast.
  • In winter, follow the avalanche bulletin of the HZS Avalanche Prevention Centre — published on its own website and in the app.

Stations and bases

Unit and addressPhonesDirections
Low Tatras — north (Jasná)Demänovská Dolina – Lúčky 186
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Low Tatras — south (Bystrá)Bystrá 78, 977 01 Bystrá
Get directions

Map of the stations

Official apps

  • Horská záchranná služba (HZS) — Official HZS app: one-button call for help sending your GPS location to 18 300, chat (with automatic translation) when the signal is weak, 'Guardian Angel', an electronic hike log, avalanche warnings and mountain insurance. Verify your phone number in the app in advance.

Is the rescue free

Since 1 July 2006, under the Act on the Mountain Rescue Service, anyone in a Slovak mountain area must pay the HZS for the costs of rescue or search concerning them. This does not apply to minors or persons without legal capacity. Medical care is covered by health insurance, while the 'technical intervention' (search, extrication, transport) is paid by the person rescued, whether or not they were at fault. The HZS therefore advises mountain insurance, which can also be bought in the HZS app.

Other mountain rescue services: Slovakia

Last updated: 3 November 2026. Numbers checked against the services' official websites (sources below). If a number does not answer, call 112.

Sources (6)