Starý Smokovec is the oldest settlement in the High Tatras, founded in 1793, and still the hub of the mountain railway. From Štrbské Pleso it makes an easy change of scene: 40 minutes by train along the foot of the peaks.
Its great asset is the funicular to Hrebienok (1,285 m), which puts easy, rewarding walks within reach of everyone — and the high huts of the Studená valleys within reach of hikers.
What to see and do: Starý Smokovec & Hrebienok
Ride the funicular to Hrebienok
The line opened in 1908 and now uses modern panoramic cars that make the climb in about seven minutes. You can also walk up the green trail in 45–60 minutes.
Studený potok waterfalls
From Hrebienok it is 20–30 minutes downhill to the series of cascades on the Studený potok, passing Bilíkova chata. Return via Rainerova chata, the oldest hut in the Tatras (1863), now a tiny museum and tea stop.
Walk to a mountain hut
Zamkovského chata is about an hour from Hrebienok on the magistrála; Téryho chata (2,015 m) in the Malá Studená valley about three hours; Zbojnícka chata in the Veľká Studená valley a similar distance. The first is open to walkers all year.
Winter: ice dome and sledging
In winter an ice-sculpture dome is usually built at Hrebienok, and a sledge run of about 2.5 km leads back down to Starý Smokovec.
How to get to Starý Smokovec & Hrebienok
- TEŽ train from Štrbské Pleso to Starý Smokovec: about 40 minutes, roughly hourly.
- The funicular station is five minutes’ walk above the railway station, behind the Grand Hotel.
- By car it is about 20 minutes along the Cesta slobody road (537).
Insider tips
- Funicular queues are longest between 10 am and noon in summer; go early or walk up.
- Combine with Tatranská Lomnica: the branch line links the two in about 15 minutes.
- Organised day trips from Zakopane also stop here — see our tours page.
Tours that fit: Starý Smokovec & Hrebienok
These GetYourGuide experiences pair well with Starý Smokovec & Hrebienok:
Day trip from €64 From Zakopane: Belianska Cave & Starý Smokovec Day Trip
The cheapest of the Zakopane departures: the stalactite halls of Belianska Cave (bring a warm layer — it is about 5 °C inside and there are many steps), followed by Starý Smokovec, the oldest of the Tatra resorts.
- Belianska Cave, the only show cave in the High Tatras area
- A stroll in Starý Smokovec
- Good-value price point
Day trip from €114 From Zakopane: Bachledka Treetop Walk & Tatranská Lomnica
A day on the eastern end of the Slovak Tatras: the treetop walk, then the resort of Tatranská Lomnica, base of the cable cars towards Skalnaté pleso and Lomnický štít. New, with few reviews yet; cable-car tickets are typically extra.
- Treetop walk and tower at Bachledka
- Tatranská Lomnica below Lomnický štít
- Pickup in Zakopane
