The High Tatras in 3 days
Three days from the same base: the first uphill to the waterfalls, the second and third north, up the chain of cable cars to the highest peaks, with an optional fourth day south.
- How long
- 3–4
- Day 1
- Hrebienok and the Cold Stream Waterfalls
- Day 2–3
- Skalnaté Pleso then Lomnický štít
The plan works from a base in Starý Smokovec, one direction a day: day one stays close to the base, days two and three run north, since the cable car chain up to Lomnický štít needs a booking and works best unhurried across two mornings. Anyone with a spare day can fit a train south to Štrbské Pleso before heading north.
Uphill from the base
Arrival by TEŽ train, TEŽ train (Tatra Electric Railway), about 40 min from Poprad (TAT airport / ZSSK main station).
Hrebienok, the funicular straight out of Starý Smokovec, a ride of 5–7 min ride.
The trail to the Cold Stream Waterfalls, 30 min from Hrebienok, entry free.
Back down by funicular, the afternoon free in the base.
North, to the viewpoint
TEŽ train to Tatranská Lomnica.
Cable car to Skalnaté Pleso, a viewpoint halfway up; closed spring maintenance, mid-Apr–May (same as Lomnický štít).
Back down the same line to the base.
On to Lomnický štít, by booked slot
TEŽ train to Tatranská Lomnica, then the cable car to Skalnaté Pleso.
A second cable car, on a booked slot, up to Lomnický štít. The stay at the summit 50 min stay at the summit.
Back down the same way to the base, the end of the stay.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
Is a fourth day worth adding?
It is, time permitting — south by train to Štrbské Pleso, 1–2 h around the lake, slotted in before heading north.
Does anything need booking ahead?
Yes, both cable cars to the north — Skalnaté Pleso and Lomnický štít, because of limited capacity.
Ready for The High Tatras?
Where to next
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How well does The High Tatras suit you?
→Six questions: a score for this place and others like it.
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