The High Tatras

The High Tatras take 3–4, covered from a single base, Starý Smokovec, where the TEŽ train runs both ways across the region. The gateway is Poprad (TAT airport / ZSSK main station), about 40 min by TEŽ train to the base, ticket €4 (€5 at the counter).

The gateway to the region is Poprad (TAT airport / ZSSK main station), and from there it's TEŽ train (Tatra Electric Railway), about 40 min, ticket €4 (€5 at the counter). The train stops at Starý Smokovec, which is why it's the base for the rest of the trip: it's the only station on the line with trains running both ways, it has its own funicular up the hill, and it's held the Tatras' oldest tourist centre since 1871. Distances from there to the rest of the region: Poprad–Starý Smokovec 19.4 km · Starý Smokovec–Tatranská Lomnica 5.9 km · Starý Smokovec–Štrbské Pleso about 9.7 km.

The first direction runs straight out of the base, uphill, on the Hrebienok funicular. The ride takes 5–7 min ride, open summer 7:00–19:00, winter 8:00–16:30, year-round with no closing day. From Hrebienok a trail leads to the Cold Stream Waterfalls, 30 min from Hrebienok, entry free — part of Tatra National Park (TANAP), where hiking is free (hiking), only the museum and parking are charged.

The second direction runs by train to the south, to Štrbské Pleso, a mountain lake with a walk of 1–2 h around it, free (walking). From there, trails continue south to the region's other lakes, for anyone staying longer than three or four days.

The third direction runs by train to the north, to Tatranská Lomnica, where a chain of cable cars starts up towards the highest peaks. The first stop is Skalnaté Pleso, a viewpoint halfway up; booking is recommended, and it closes spring maintenance, mid-Apr–May (same as Lomnický štít). From there a second cable car reaches Lomnický štít, Slovakia's second-highest peak reachable without climbing: booking is mandatory (limited capacity) because of limited capacity, the stay at the summit is 50 min stay at the summit, and the cable car closes spring maintenance, mid-Apr–May (e.g. 14 Apr–23 May 2025). The fare for both rides changes day to day, by how many seats are free, so it isn't written in advance.

Which of the three directions makes sense depends on the season: Jun–Sep for hiking; Dec–Mar for skiing. Outside that window the cable cars and trails still run, just with shorter hours or spring maintenance, as with Lomnický štít and Skalnaté Pleso.