Information
Landmark: Hrebienok Cable CarCity: Vysoke Tatry
Country: Slovakia
Continent: Europe
Hrebienok Cable Car, Vysoke Tatry, Slovakia, Europe
Overview
The Hrebienok Cable Car (Slovak: Lanovka na Hrebienok) carries visitors high into the High Tatras, gliding up from near the lakeside town of Štrbské Pleso.The cable car carries visitors up to the Hrebienok plateau, where crisp mountain air greets them along with sweeping views of jagged peaks, and from there they can set off on hiking trails, glide down ski slopes, or explore the area’s natural wonders.Just above the bustling center of Starý Smokovec in Slovakia’s High Tatras, a bright red funicular glides up the slope to Hrebienok, a mountain plateau perched at about 1,285 meters (4,216 feet).The ride is smooth, the windows wide, and the air smells faintly of pine.As you climb, the peaks come into view-Lomnický štít sharp against the sky, Gerlachovský štít looming massive, and graceful Kriváň standing apart.In winter, snow muffles the peaks; in summer, wildflowers spill down the slopes, and that’s when the cable car draws the most visitors.You can hop on easily from Starý Smokovec, the bustling resort and transport hub of the High Tatras.Hrebienok makes an ideal launch point for mountain adventures-whether you’re lacing up for a hike, carving fresh ski tracks, or just taking in the sweep of snowy peaks.The cable car was built with the landscape in mind, offering a low-impact, sustainable ride to high altitudes without the grind of a long climb.At the summit, you can set off on trails leading to Zbojnícka Chata, the shimmering Glacier Lakes, or the roar of Studenovodské Falls.These hikes lead to breathtaking vistas and let you wander among the region’s varied plants and wildlife, from bright moss on the rocks to darting mountain birds.In winter, Hrebienok turns into a hub for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and the thrill of sledding down crisp, snowy slopes.Snow blankets the area most of the season, perfect for anyone eager to race down a frosty slope or carve fresh tracks.The cable car whisks you straight to the ski slopes and the snowy hills beyond.At the top, you can duck into a warm mountain hut, wrap your hands around a steaming mug of cocoa, and savor hearty Slovak dishes after a long day on the trails.The huts give off a warm, inviting glow-perfect for pausing with a mug of hot tea.Hrebienok sits within Tatra National Park, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve.The park teems with life-marmots darting between rocks, chamois on distant slopes, and golden eagles circling high overhead-and the cable car whisks visitors straight into these untouched landscapes.The first Hrebienok Cable Car began running in 1908, making it one of the region’s oldest.Over the years, the system’s been upgraded to boost efficiency, enhance safety, and make passengers more comfortable-right down to smoother rides and quieter cars.Today, it’s still a cornerstone of tourism in the High Tatras, with the cable car running year-round-though its schedule shifts with the season and even the day’s weather, like when sudden mountain fog rolls in.Check the official schedule before you plan your trip.You can buy Hrebienok Cable Car tickets right at the base station in Starý Smokovec, where the scent of pine drifts in from the surrounding hills.Ticket prices shift with the season-winter or summer-and with what you buy, whether it’s a single ride, round trip, or a group pass.You can reach the cable car from Starý Smokovec in minutes, either on foot or by hopping on the local bus.It’s also part of the High Tatras public transport network, so visitors can hop on and reach it with ease.Nearby, the town of Starý Smokovec bustles with cafés and cobbled streets, welcoming travellers as the main gateway to the mountains.Visitors can choose from cozy lodges, local restaurants serving hearty soups, and plenty of amenities, with Štrbské Pleso-a shimmering mountain lake perfect for boating, hiking, or snapping photos-just a short trip away, and Tatranská Lomnica close by, offering access to Gerlachovský štít, Slovakia’s highest peak, along with scenic cable car rides and outdoor adventures, making the Hrebienok Cable Car a must-do in the High Tatras.Whether you love exploring the wild, chasing fresh powder on the slopes, or just craving a quiet break, the cable car whisks you straight to alpine views where pine-scented trails and endless outdoor adventures await.Blending rich history with modern comforts and sweeping views of snow-dusted peaks, it’s a place every traveler to Slovakia’s famous mountain range should experience.
