In the High Tatras, you can include botanical paths, nature trails, summit hikes and cultural history in your plans. The options also differ in where the trails begin and what information is available about how long they take.
Nature between botanical paths and wetlands
The High Tatras form part of the eastern Tatras in Tatranský národný park (TANAP). In Tatranská Lomnica, the Expozícia tatranskej prírody presents typical vegetation from wetlands, raised and lowland bogs, and forests, through to species found in alpine meadows and the highest parts of the Tatras. Around 330 plant and tree species that occur naturally in TANAP can be seen here. A short walk passes between trees, ponds, streams and a waterfall.
The Pramenisko nature trail is another nature experience around Tatranská Lomnica. It is part of a circular walking route just under 3.5 kilometres long, which begins at the Expozícia tatranskej prírody. Pramenisko is designated a national nature reserve and forms part of the Natura 2000 network; its recorded habitats include mountain and foothill alluvial forests. Two viewing platforms and wooden walkways lead through the wet terrain. This makes the route different from the botanical walk, with its focus on the wetland and its habitats.
Nature trails and routes around Hrebienok
The Hrebienok nature trail is a circular route of around four kilometres with little elevation gain, beginning and ending in Hrebienok. Its information panels explain how glaciers shaped the Tatra valleys, what Tatra granite is, and how complex the upper tree line is. The trail is open year-round; stations 1 to 5 and 7 are also accessible to people with disabilities. Check the accessibility information again before your visit.
Another route option leads from Starý Smokovec via Hrebienok to Rainerova chata. The route runs on asphalt and compacted gravel and is suitable for families with strollers. After weather events, check the surfaces and accessibility again. Those interested in local history can also follow the History of the Smokovci nature trail. It runs through Starý and Nový Smokovec, with seven stations providing information about the history of the Smokovci.
Summit routes and different time frames
Rysy is a 2,499-metre-high border peak between Slovakia and Poland on the main ridge of the High Tatras. A marked trail leads from Chata pri Popradskom plese via Chata pod Rysmi and the Váha saddle to the summit. For Slavkovský štít, the route description gives two sections starting from Hrebienok: first, around 25 minutes along the red-marked trail to the junction below the summit, then around three hours along the blue-marked trail to the summit. At 2,452 metres, Slavkovský štít is regarded as a popular viewpoint among hikers.
Another time estimate gives an idea of the hike to Zbojnícka chata: this roughly half-day hike begins in Hrebienok. You can reach Hrebienok from Starý Smokovec by funicular; it is also possible to walk up from Starý Smokovec. Východná Vysoká lies between Poľský hrebeň and Prielom. Starý Smokovec and Tatranská Polianka are common starting points for hikes to this peak from the southern foothills. Lomnický štít can be reached by cable car from Tatranská Lomnica or from the Skalnaté Pleso cable car station; check operating conditions before travelling.
Tatra nature and cultural history
The Múzeum TANAP-u presents the nature and history of the Tatras, as well as the former way of life and culture of the people from the Tatra foothills. The ethnographic section focuses on the material and spiritual culture of the population of villages in the foothills and the Tatras. Dioramas show the habitats of typical Tatra animals, including Tatra chamois, Tatra marmot, lynx, wolf, brown bear and capercaillie. Tactile models of animals, plants and habitats, along with orientation boards in Braille, complement the exhibition.
In Dolný Smokovec, there is a Roman Catholic wooden church built in the late 19th century to a design by architect Gedeon Majunke, in a neoclassical-Secession style. The nature trail through Starý and Nový Smokovec offers another perspective on the history of the Smokovci. In Starý Smokovec, the Stations of the Cross also begin near the centre; their route follows the path to the place known as Pekná vyhliadka.
Places to look for accommodation and travel to
The nature trails and hikes described here have different starting points, including Tatranská Lomnica, Hrebienok, Starý Smokovec and Tatranská Polianka. Check their current availability too. If travelling by car, you can consider the Park and Ride car park below Tatranská Lomnica: it has space for 450 cars and is served by shuttle buses year-round. Availability and operations may change; check both before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Starý Smokovec, Tatranska Lomnica, Tatranska Kotlina, Horný Smokovec, Štrbské Pleso, Tatranská Polianka, Gerlachov, Hozelec.
Go to the main travel overview: Poprad District.
