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Tatranská Lomnica is one of the three “centres” of the High Tatras and offers plenty of opportunities for cycling adventures in its immediate surroundings as well as further away. It all depends on how much you want to explore and what challenges you’re up for.
A new cycle path running to Tatranská Kotlina for beginners
For those starting with cycling or those who prefer relaxing rides nearby without demanding climbs, a new cycle path between Tatranská Lomnica and Tatranská Kotlina was created last year. It’s a gravel cycle path approximately 8 kilometres long. You’ll gather some altitude metres in the village of Kežmarské Žľaby as it is situated higher, but in the direction of Tatranská Kotlina, you’ll mostly enjoy a descent although with a somewhat challenging sharp turn at the end of a steep descent, marked by a warning sign. For those longing to “taste” more terrain, there’s also a red-marked cycle trail between Kežmarské Žľaby and Tatranská Kotlina. It runs near the Čierna voda crossroads, branching off towards the Plesnivec chalet. The red route continues past Šumivý prameň (spring) to Tatranská Kotlina, featuring a nice single track towards the end.
Route length: 17 km. Altitude difference: 380 m.
A cycle trail running to the Štart interchange station for advanced bikers
Another, slightly more challenging trail running from Tatranská Lomnica starts with two climbs from the so-called “Tatra crown”. A yellow-marked cycle trail branches off to Štart from the already mentioned cycle path shortly before Tatranská Lomnica. The initial less than one kilometre is a zigzag climb with an average incline of 8% on cobblestones. After the climb, you’ll reach Grandhotel, from where the trail continues along a yellow trail, passing below the old cable car. The beginning is quite demanding, watch out for the old securing rope on the ground. However, it turns into a beautiful single-track section. Approximately halfway, you’ll change to an asphalt road leading to the Štart mid interchange. The entire ascent from Grandhotel is 2.3 kilometres long with an altitude difference of 244 metres, which makes it slightly over 10%.
Route length: 24 km. Altitude difference: 500 m.
Climbing to Hrebienok
If you move to Smokovec, try the asphalt climb to Hrebienok, which is a sought-after tourist destination. Especially during the summer season, the road tends to be quite crowded. In terms of the distance and the altitude difference, it’s similar to the ascent to Štart, with only minimal differences. And for those seeking more, at the beginning of the climb to Hrebienok, there’s a less than a kilometre-long route running to a beautiful viewpoint, which is actually Stations of the Cross.
Cycle trail running to Sliezsky dom for cycling masters
For those who love a challenge, there’s Sliezsky dom. Starting from Tatranská Lomnica, you’ll have a relaxed ride to Tatranská Polianka along the so-called Road of Freedom (Cesta slobody). From there, the climb to Sliezsky dom begins and it is quite demanding. It is almost 7 kilometres long and the altitude difference is 660 metres. But the reward in the form of stunning panoramic view awaits at the highest point in the Tatras accessible on two wheels. When descending, take care.
If somebody wants more, they can add Popradské pleso. In Vyšné Hágy or a bit further, the Smrekovec trail starts and runs to the Holá úboč crossroads. You’ll avoid the main road and join the asphalt road running to the tarn (Popradské pleso). But be cautious, it’s a relatively challenging section. However, the views of the surrounding peaks will more than compensate for it.
Route length: 34 km. Altitude difference: 860 m.
This article has been created in cooperation with MTHIKER.sk.
