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Discover easily accessible natural beauties on the southern slopes of the High Tatras and the longest tourist trail known as “Main Tatra tourist trail” (Tatranská magistrála in Slovak) with us.
What does the main tourist trail offer?
The character of the main tourist trail in the Tatras has changed several times in the past to offer about 72 km today. The trail begins in the area of Tokariny in the Western Tatras and ends at Veľké Biele pleso (tarn) in the High Tatras. The whole trail can be completed as a whole within 3 – 4 days. It’s only up to you whether you set out for the long trip or prefer dividing it into several sections. We will take a closer look at one of those sections which is ideal to make an easy and comfortable 1-day hiking trip.
Culture first
Let’s begin with culture – in the Museum of the Tatra National Park. It’s really a good idea to find some time and acquaint yourself with the character of the nature of the Tatras and its history as well as attractive expositions.
Comfortable transport to Skalnaté pleso
As we have decided to follow a rather relaxing mode today, we take a cable car in Tatranská Lomnica and travel to Skalnaté pleso. The price is lower thanks to Gopass and the sky is waiting. Those who want can continue with a chairlift to Lomnické sedlo (saddle) or with an aerial tramway to the very top of Mt Lomnický štít. But we want to see only the tarn now because it is quite cloudy outside.
Along the “Tatra-motorway”
We don’t stay long in Skalnaté pleso and set out for the main Tatra tourist trail. It is a nice and moderate descent with views of Podtatranská kotlina (basin). This part of the mountain range seems to be more visited by tourists from the beginning and we can feel it also along the trail. The red tourist marking takes us to the crossroads at Zamkovský’s chalet, which is a stone’s throw away from the chalet itself.
After a break in the chalet, we go back to the main tourist trail and continue in the direction of Rainer’s hut. On the way, we pass the so called Giant waterfall (Obrovský vodopád), where we don’t stop, though, because it’s quite crowded. We rather feast our eyes on Veľký Studený potok (brook), where we use a moment without tourists to the fullest.
After a few more steps, we finally arrive at Rainer’s hut. We sit down here for a while and recharge our batteries with the energy of nature.
The power and beauty of water
One more peaceful moment and we make our way to the waterfalls of Studený potok (brook), which are always worth visiting. That’s why we leave the main Tatra tourist trail and take a green marked trail. Studený potok creates a series of beautiful cascades on a rather long section and they are stunning in every season of the year.
Now there is only a moderate ascent to Bilík’s chalet ahead of us. This is the last time that we turn round and say goodbye to the breathtaking views of a valley and majestic peaks. Once in Hrebienok, we take a cycle road down. There is also a funicular which makes the area accessible in a comfortable way. We have enough time and energy, though, so we walk down an asphalt road to Starý Smokovec to finish our hiking trip there.
This article has been written in cooperation with MTHIKER.sk. For more details not only about this trip but also about another section of the main Tatra tourist trail, please check this article.
