Starý Smokovec offers several distinct ways to experience the High Tatras: a museum dedicated to film and photography, routes through the history of the Smokovce settlements, and winter and cycling activities. When planning your visit, it is worth considering cultural history, seasonal skiing, and connections to Hrebienok as separate highlights.

Film, Photography and Tatra History

The Museum of Tatra Cinematography and Photography in Starý Smokovec presents a permanent exhibition about life, the atmosphere, and the changes in the High Tatras as captured in photographs and film. It also focuses on film and photography personalities who worked in the region from 1870 onward. The exhibition also traces the development of photographic technology since the end of the 19th century. Regional visual history and the history of technology thus come together: the work of these personalities is considered from 1870 onward, while the development of technology spans a period of its own.

The History of Smokovce on Foot

The History of Smokovce educational trail runs through Starý and Nový Smokovec. Seven stops provide information about the history of the Smokovce settlements, and the trail is accessible year-round. The Stations of the Cross in Starý Smokovec begin near the center of the settlement and follow the path to Pekná vyhliadka. The two routes have different focuses: the educational trail explicitly covers two settlements, while the Stations of the Cross are described by their starting point near the center and their destination.

As a dated landmark, the first masonry chapel in Starý Smokovec adds to the picture of the town’s history: it was built in 1836. The historical context thus extends from the topic of the settlements to a building with a specific date.

Winter Activities and Connections to Hrebienok

In winter, the Jakubkova lúka ski area operates in the center of Starý Smokovec. Its ski runs are marked blue and are considered very easy. Skiing is therefore a clearly defined seasonal highlight of the town.

The funicular railway from Starý Smokovec reaches Hrebienok in seven minutes, gaining 255 meters in elevation. Travel time and operating details may vary depending on conditions. If the ride is important to your plans, check the current timetable in advance.

Cycling Route 2864 also runs from Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok. It is approximately 2.8 kilometers long, has an elevation gain of around 270 meters, and runs on asphalt. It is suitable for road bikes, trekking bikes, and mountain bikes. To choose between the two connections, you can compare their different details: for the funicular, the travel time and elevation gain are given; for the cycling route, the distance, surface, and suitable bike types are also provided. This lets you choose a connection according to your preferred mode of travel.

Mountain Porters and Their History

Rainerova chata can be reached on foot from Starý Smokovec via Hrebienok. The hut houses an exhibition on the history and present-day life of mountain porters, along with a collection of old climbing equipment, old skis, and numerous documentary photographs. The Mini-Sherpa Museum also displays artifacts and stories, focusing here on the importance of porters in the High Tatras. These two ways of exploring the topic have different emphases: at Rainerova chata, the exhibition, equipment, and photographs take center stage; at the Mini-Sherpa Museum, the focus is on artifacts and stories about the porters’ role.

The trip idea comes before the accommodation decision.

Discover more destinations: Tatranská Polianka, Tatranska Kotlina, Horný Smokovec, Tatranska Lomnica, Štrbské Pleso

For the main travel overview: Vysoké Tatry.