Welcome to Smokovec, the heart of the High Tatras. Located in the shadow of Gerlachovsky Peak (2,655m) – the highest peak in Slovakia – Smokovec is considered the centre of the High Tatras. Close to the popular tourist crossroads of Hrebienok, this village is one of the most popular starting points for hiking in the High Tatras.
When you get to the hotel you will be briefed about the week´s program and, depending on the time of your arrival, there might be time for a walk in Stary Smokovec – the oldest village in the Tatras.
Meals included
None
Accommodation
Hotel Villa Siesta (or similar)
After a good breakfast, you’ll take a mountain tram to Tatranska Lomnica, followed by a cable car ride to the mountain lake of Skalnate Pleso (1,751m). This crystal-clear lake is surrounded by forested hills and towering granite peaks, and there’s an astronomical and meteorological observatory near the top, which you’ll have time to look around.
Velka Svistovka (2,037m) is next on your route, and it’s well-known for its high concentration of Tatra chamois. Endemic to the High and Low Tatras, Tatra chamois are a rare subspecies of the chamois. It’s thought that there are only about 600 left. They often wander around in this alpine terrain, close to where you will be walking.
The trail is secured by chains on a few of the more difficult sections, but the mountain provides an accessible and gratifying climb. From the summit of Velka Svistovka, make your descent to the Zelene Pleso Hut. Located at the glacier lake of the same name this is an absolutely beautiful spot for lunch.
From Zelene Pleso you continue to Biela Voda from where you take a public bus back to Tatranska Lomnica, which is only about 10 minutes away.
Note: according to the national park´s regulations a part of this route is closed until 15 Jun 2020. If you’ll be visiting before 15 Jun, this route will be tailored accordingly.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Villa Siesta (or similar)
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Villa Siesta (or similar)
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the High Tatras today, starting with a hike to the stunning cascade waterfalls of Studeny Potok. Then, we'll traverse the trails to three iconic mountain huts: Rainerova, Zamkovskeho, and Terryho.
Surrounded by panoramic views of jagged peaks and lush valleys, breathe in the crisp mountain air as we explore this pristine wilderness. After a day of adventure, we return to Smokvec in the afternoon to unwind at our hotel, reflecting on the beauty and serenity of the Tatras.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Villa Siesta (or similar)
Today you’ll hike through the Studena Dolina Valley. From its narrow beginnings, the valley gradually gets wider, and terraces harbouring mountain lakes tower above. Pause and enjoy the sight of colourful flowers, the scent of pine trees and the sound of rare birds singing in the mountains as you traverse the valley.
The valley leads you up to Zbojnicka, or ‘Robbers’, Hut, where you can enjoy a traditional lunch of soup and dumplings. Zbonicka Hut is one of the highest at an altitude of 1,960m and still a popular base for trekkers. Its name harks back to the days when it was a hunters’ hut, and poachers used to stalk the valley.
Your hike ends where it started, at Hrebienok. From here, you’ll take a funicular and tram back to your hotel and enjoy a well-earned dinner!
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Villa Siesta (or similar)
Today’s trek starts with a tram journey through the Tatras’ most famous settlements to Strbske Pleso (1,347m), Slovakia´s highest village and home to a beautiful glacial lake. The village is one of the most popular destinations in Slovakia as it provides many kilometres of hiking routes and the chance to admire the lake itself.
From here, follow a trail to the crystal-clear mountain lake of Popradske Pleso, one of the biggest in the Tatra range. Enjoy lunch on the terrace of the mountain hotel, and visit the symbolic cemetery which is dedicated to the victims of the Tatra mountains. In the afternoon, descend back to Strbske Pleso and return to Smokovec.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Villa Siesta (or similar)
Once again, today’s trek starts with a tram journey to Strbske Pleso.
From here, you’ll follow a trail to Skok waterfall. The hiking trail is waymarked and leads you along a road to the peace and tranquillity of the pine-forested Mlynicka Valley. From here, a stony path squeezes you through hairpin turns to the foot of the waterfall, which drops 25m from the rocky ledge above. It’s easy to see why these are among the High Tatras’ top ten attractions – the cascading waters are beautiful as they tumble down the mountain into the pools below. This is the perfect place for your picnic lunch, maybe dipping your feet into the refreshing water before returning to Strbske Pleso and then by tram to your hotel in Smokovec.
Optional walk:
Those who want to make this day more challenging can continue through the valleys and pass several smaller glacial lakes; you’ll reach Pod Soliskom Hut, one of the newer mountain chalets in the region. From here, you can enjoy far-reaching views of the Tatras.
Remember that this optional route also involves trekking through sections secured with chains, and you’ll need a head for heights.
Note: according to the national park´s regulations, this optional route is closed until 15 Jun 2020. If you’ll be visiting before 15 Jun, this optional route is not possible to do.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Villa Siesta (or similar)
Your tour ends after breakfast. We wish you a pleasant journey home and we look forward to meeting you again on some of our other walking holidays.
Meals included
Breakfast