Natural attractions around Starý Smokovec

Are you spending a weekend or a holiday in Starý Smokovec and wondering which natural attractions to explore nearby? Let’s take a closer look. There’s no shortage of hiking opportunities and natural wonders near Starý Smokovec. We’ll highlight just a few spots, but these are by no means the only places worth visiting in the area.

Velická dolina (valley)

Sliezsky dom – a mountain hotel located below the highest peak of the Tatras – is a popular destination for cyclists in summer and beginner ski mountaineers in winter. But this time, it is not our final destination. Its immediate surroundings are home to several natural attractions. 

Above the hotel, there is the expansive tarn called Velické pleso, fed by powerful Velický vodopád (waterfall). Next to it, you can find the so-called Eternal Rain – a spot where water flows over a rocky ledge, creating an almost constant drizzle. 

All three of these spots are easy to reach. You can walk to Sliezsky dom along an asphalt road or follow the green-marked hiking trail from Tatranská Polianka. The yellow-marked trail running from Nový Smokovec is a quieter alternative. To reach the waterfall and Eternal Rain, simply continue along the green-marked trail. It’s a relatively easy route, just over 5 km long with an altitude difference of 780 m, taking around 3 hours (from Polianka to the tarn).

Batizovská dolina (valley)

If you’re in the mood for a longer hike, you can continue from Sliezsky dom for another 3 km along the red-marked Tatra arterial trail to Batizovské pleso (tarn). This section takes about an hour. From there, you can return to Sliezsky dom or descend via the yellow-marked trail to Vyšné Hágy. 

Velické pleso can also be reached along the red Tatra arterial trail from Hrebienok, which is accessible via a funicular railway that runs from Starý Smokovec. This route is about 6 km long, with a gentler ascent of around 440 m. Please note that some trails (to Batizovské pleso and Velický vodopád) are subject to seasonal closure (1^st November – 31^st May), so plan your visit accordingly.

Malá Studená dolina (valley)

There is no shortage of natural beauty in the valleys of Malá Studená dolina and Veľká Studená dolina either. Both routes start from Starý Smokovec or Hrebienok. You can either set off on foot from Starý Smokovec via the green-marked trail or take the funicular up to Hrebienok to make the ascent easier.

Continue from Hrebienok along the red-marked arterial trail or take the green-marked trail past Bilík’s chalet. On the way, you’ll pass the waterfalls of Studený potok (brook), which are especially impressive in spring when they carry a lot of water and echo through the valley. Whichever route you take, both lead to the crossroads above Rainer’s hut.

Here, the valley splits into Malá Studená dolina and Veľká Studená dolina. Let’s start with exploring Malá Studená dolina, which follows the green-marked trail. At first, you’ll be walking along the Tatra arterial trail, passing impressive Obrovský vodopád (giant waterfall), where Malý Studený potok (brook) drops beneath a footbridge. Before long, you’ll reach Zamkovský’s chalet, but the hike doesn’t end there.

Behind Zamkovský’s chalet, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Malá Studená dolina, where a mountain stream winds through the landscape. At the head of the valley, there is Téry’s chalet, surrounded by Päť Spišských plies (Five Spiš tarns), with the largest being Veľké Spišské pleso and Prostredné Spišské pleso.

Veľká Studená dolina (valley)

Neighbouring Veľká Studená dolina offers no fewer natural gems. After turning off at the crossroads above Rainer’s hut, follow the blue-marked trail for a pleasant ascent to Zbojnícka chalet. Before long, you’ll spot Veverkov vodopád (waterfall) – first from one side, then from the other one (as shown in the title photo). In winter, the frozen falls are a popular ice climbing spot. 

Before entering the area of Brána (Gate), where the first chains appear, a series of long waterfalls often forms, especially in spring or after heavy rain, spilling over the trail into the valley below. After a steep climb in the Hang area, you’ll reach Vareškové pleso, a tarn that bursts into shades of blue and turquoise in spring. Below the chalet, there is Dlhé pleso (long tarn), and above the chalet, you will find several more tarns, including Sesterské pleso nearby, and Zbojnícke pleso, Pusté pleso and Ľadové pleso further up.

Both routes offer similar levels of difficulty, distance and altitude difference:

Hrebienok – Téry’s chalet: 6.3 km, 740 m altitude difference, about 2.5 – 3 hours on foot. Hrebienok – Zbojnícka chalet: 6 km, 690 m altitude difference, also around 2.5 hours depending on pace and fitness. If you start in Starý Smokovec, 2.2 km and 260 m of altitude difference have to be added to the previous figures.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to connect both valleys into one hike, you can cross via Priečne sedlo (saddle) along the yellow-marked trail or take the only via ferrata in the Tatras, which runs close to the same trail. This is a challenging full-day hike with significant altitude difference and exposed terrain at higher-located spots, so consider this option carefully based on your abilities, experience and fitness.

The High Tatras offer an endless array of beautiful places. All you need to do is put on your hiking boots and head out to explore. This article has been created in cooperation with MTHIKER.sk.