High Tatras: Nature, Hiking Trails and Historic Places

The Vysoké Tatry form part of the eastern Tatras in Tatranský národný park (TANAP). When planning your trip, you can choose between botanical trails, mountain hikes, educational trails and historic places.

Botanical diversity and wetlands

The Expozícia tatranskej prírody in Tatranská Lomnica showcases typical vegetation from wetlands, raised and lowland bogs, and forests. The exhibition extends to plant species found in alpine meadows and the highest parts of the Tatras. It features around 330 plant and tree species that occur naturally in TANAP. A short walk passes between trees, ponds, streams and a waterfall.

The Pramenisko educational trail is part of a circular walking route just under 3.5 kilometres long, which begins at the Expozícia tatranskej prírody. There are two viewing platforms and wooden walkways through wet terrain along the route. Pramenisko is designated a national nature reserve and belongs to the Natura 2000 network of habitats of European importance, including mountain and submontane alluvial forests. This walk brings together botanical themes, wetlands and protected habitats.

Educational trails and mountain hikes

The Hrebienok educational trail is an approximately 4-kilometre circular route with little elevation gain, beginning and ending in Hrebienok. Its stations explore how glaciers shaped the Tatra valleys, what Tatra granite is, and how complex the upper forest line can be. The trail is open year-round. Stations 1 to 5 and 7 are also accessible to people with disabilities; check accessibility again before your trip if it is important for your plans.

A different time commitment is needed for the roughly half-day hike to Zbojnícka chata. It starts in Hrebienok, which you can reach from Starý Smokovec by funicular; you can also start on foot in Starý Smokovec. Trail conditions can change, so it is a good idea to check the latest situation before setting out.

Rysy is a 2,499-metre-high border peak between Slovakia and Poland, located on the main ridge of the Vysoké Tatry. A marked trail leads from Chata pri Popradskom plese via Chata pod Rysmi and the Váha saddle to the summit. At 2,452 metres, Slavkovský štít is a popular viewpoint peak among hikers. Východná Vysoká lies between Poľský hrebeň and Prielom; Starý Smokovec and Tatranská Polianka are common starting points for hikes from the southern foothills.

Lomnický štít is another prominent mountain destination: it can be reached by cable car from Tatranská Lomnica or from the cable-car station at Skalnaté Pleso. Check the cable car’s operating conditions before travelling. The destinations therefore differ not only in their location in the mountains, but also in their respective trail descriptions and the starting points mentioned.

Places, history and special routes

The History of the Smokovci educational trail runs through Starý Smokovec and Nový Smokovec. At seven stations, you can learn more about the history of the Smokovci. In Dolný Smokovec stands a Roman Catholic wooden church, built at the end of the 19th century in a neoclassical-Secession style to a design by the architect Gedeon Majunke. It is one of the most significant architectural monuments in Dolný Smokovec. A Stations of the Cross route begins near the centre of Starý Smokovec; its stations follow the path to the place known as Pekná vyhliadka.

The town park in Tatranská Lomnica is ideal for daily walks and offers views of Tatra peaks such as Lomnický štít. Its history dates back to 1892; it is considered the oldest park in the Vysoké Tatry and the surrounding area. Another educational trail, at Štrbské Pleso, covers local history, flora and fauna, notable people, sporting events and the history of the spa.

Around Skalnaté pleso, a children’s educational trail forms part of the Tatranská divočina project, with Tatra animal figures at five stations. The route from Starý Smokovec via Hrebienok to Rainerova chata is suitable for families with strollers; it runs on asphalt and compacted gravel. Check the route’s surfaces and accessibility after weather events.

Practical information

Below Tatranská Lomnica, a park-and-ride car park has space for 450 cars and is served year-round by shuttle buses. As availability and operations can change, check the latest timetable before travelling. Restored historic trams, Kométa or Trojča, can be used for circular trips through the Vysoké Tatry; availability may vary by season. Kométa is also a remarkable technical monument: members of Veterán klubu železníc v Poprade saved it from being scrapped.

Discover more destinations: Starý Smokovec, Tatranska Lomnica, Tatranska Kotlina, Horný Smokovec, Štrbské Pleso, Tatranská Polianka, Hozelec, Spišský Štiavnik.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Poprad.