Summer guide to cable car in the High Tatras

Summer in the High Tatras is made for discovering mountain panoramas, hiking trails and places that would take hours to reach on foot. Thanks to cable cars, you can get to the most beautiful views comfortably and without demanding climbs.

We have prepared tips for summer cable car trips from three popular Tatras starting points: Tatranská Lomnica, Štrbské Pleso and Starý Smokovec. Whether you are heading to the mountains with children, planning an easy walk, looking for breathtaking views or using a cable car as the start of your next hike, the High Tatras offer a route that suits you perfectly.

Cable cars from Tatranská Lomnica: Skalnaté Pleso, Lomnické sedlo and Lomnický štít

From Tatranská Lomnica, cable cars take you straight into the high-mountain world of the Tatras – to Skalnaté Pleso, Lomnické sedlo and Lomnický štít.

1. Skalnaté Pleso (1,751 m above sea level)

A true Tatras classic that you simply have to see – and an absolute tourist magnet.

This fantastic ride starts down in Tatranská Lomnica. You board the cable car, which takes you to the Štart intermediate station, where you immediately change to a modern, large 15-person cabin. The journey up is an experience in itself – the higher you go, the smaller the trees below you seem, while dramatic rocky scenery opens up ahead.

At the top, you can take a walk around the tarn along an educational trail, take a photo of the famous observatory that looks like something from a sci-fi film, or let the children loose in Svištia krajinka – a children’s playground where they can burn off energy in the fresh mountain air.

Cable car journey time on the route Tatranská Lomnica – Štart – Skalnaté Pleso: approximately 15–20 minutes.

2. Lomnické sedlo (2,190 m above sea level)

Continue your journey from Skalnaté Pleso even higher. The chairlift takes you to Lomnické sedlo, one of the most attractive locations in the High Tatras. It also hides a unique feature – the steepest ski slope in Slovakia, a true crown jewel of Slovak skiing.

You can buy a cable car ticket for the Tatranská Lomnica – Lomnické sedlo route or the Skalnaté Pleso – Lomnické sedlo route.

Cable car journey time on the route Skalnaté Pleso – Lomnické sedlo: approximately 7 minutes.

3. Lomnický štít (2,634 m above sea level)

Lomnický štít is the most spectacular cable car experience in the High Tatras and, for many, a dream come true. The second-highest peak in the Tatras reveals the wild beauty of the surrounding peaks and valleys from a bird’s-eye view, all spread out before you from the viewing terrace.

Even the ride itself, suspended high above steep rock faces, is an unforgettable experience. The landscape below changes literally minute by minute, while the Tatras show their most majestic face.

Cable car journey time on the route Skalnaté Pleso – Lomnický štít: approximately 9 minutes.

Cable car from Štrbské Pleso to Solisko (2,093 m above sea level)

When you board the 4-seater Solisko Express chairlift at Štrbské Pleso, you leave the bustle of the resort below you within just a few minutes and find yourself at an altitude of 1,840 m above sea level.

At the top, fresh mountain air, views of the Mlynická and Furkotská valleys and the peaceful atmosphere around Chata pod Soliskom await. It is a place where you can simply sit and enjoy the view, or continue along the red-marked trail to Predné Solisko at 2,093 m above sea level.

Cable car journey time on the route Štrbské Pleso – Solisko: approximately 7 minutes.

Funicular from Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok (1,285 m above sea level)

Starý Smokovec is the oldest Tatras centre and an ideal starting point for easy trips.

Funicular to Hrebienok: The funicular takes you to Hrebienok (1,285 m above sea level). Hrebienok is a key hub, from where you can set off to the Studenovodské waterfalls, Rainerova chata or Bilíkova chata, or choose more demanding hikes into Malá Studená dolina and Veľká Studená dolina.

A trip by funicular to Hrebienok is also suitable for families with pushchairs.

Cable car journey time on the route Starý Smokovec – Hrebienok: approximately 5–7 minutes.

Good to know

Before you head up towards the Tatras clouds, it is useful to know a few practical tips.

1. Children under 6 travel free of charge: Show the magic of the Tatras to the youngest visitors too. Children who have not yet celebrated their 6th birthday travel by cable car completely free of charge when accompanied by an adult. It is a wonderful opportunity to give them their first mountain views, breathe in fresh air together and awaken their love of nature, trips and hiking.

2. Cable cars are included in the price of your stay: If you decide to stay in the TMR hotel network (Tatry Mountain Resorts), you receive a major benefit – cable car tickets, and ski passes in winter, are automatically included in the price of your stay.

3. Purchase with cashback: Buying online via Gopass saves you money straight away compared to buying tickets at the ticket office. In addition, when you purchase with Gopass, you receive cashback that you can use on your next trip – for example, for coffee, lunch or another cable car ticket.

Three golden rules before your trip

1. Gopass in advance: Online cable car tickets are cheaper and help you avoid queues.
2. Book Lomnický štít early: Tickets to Lomnický štít are often sold out several days in advance due to limited capacity. Book in good time!
3. Morning check-up: Before setting off, always check vt.sk, to see whether the cable cars are operating, as wind or weather conditions may affect services.

Which cable car trip should you choose?

To make your Tatras experience perfect, consider the make-up of your group, the age of your children and your hiking plans when choosing a cable car. Each route offers a completely different story.

For families and easy-going trips: Hrebienok from Starý Smokovec

If you are looking for an easy programme, Hrebienok is a great choice. The funicular takes you there in just a few minutes. It is a perfect starting point, with pleasant walks to the iconic Studenovodské waterfalls or cosy Tatras mountain huts waiting nearby.

For experiences and family fun: Skalnaté Pleso from Tatranská Lomnica

Skalnaté Pleso has incredible energy. If you are here with children, be prepared – getting them away from Svištia krajinka will not be easy. This playground among the rocks is a real magnet for them.

Meanwhile, you can order a coffee and simply take in the breathtaking view of the wall of Lomnický štít rising directly above you.

For hikers and panorama lovers: Solisko from Štrbské Pleso

Thanks to the cable car, you can get from Štrbské Pleso to Chata pod Soliskom in just a few minutes. The hut is a gateway to stunning views of the Mlynická and Furkotská valleys.

For most visitors, the trip ends here with a pleasant break on the terrace, but for more experienced hikers, this is only the beginning. If you have good hiking boots and feel like a proper climb, follow the red-marked trail from the hut directly to the summit of Predné Solisko. A challenge that is definitely worth it.