Information
Landmark: Starý SmokovecCity: Vysoke Tatry
Country: Slovakia
Continent: Europe
Starý Smokovec, Vysoke Tatry, Slovakia, Europe
Overview
Starý Smokovec, a popular resort town in Slovakia’s High Tatras, sits at the foot of the mountains and welcomes visitors as one of the main gateways into Tatranský National Park.Starý Smokovec draws visitors year-round, with crisp mountain air in summer, snow-dusted peaks in winter, easy access to winding hiking trails, and plenty of ways to get outside and explore.Starý Smokovec sits 1,000 meters above sea level in the Vysoké Tatry municipality, a cluster of mountain towns and villages.Just 12 kilometers from Poprad, it’s easy to reach by car, bus, or the historic Tatra Electric Railway, whose small carriages rattle past pine forests and alpine meadows.Founded in the late 19th century, it’s long been known as a health resort.People flocked here for its crisp mountain air and the sense of well-being it brought, thanks to the pristine surroundings and the climate’s natural therapeutic touch; the name “Smokovec” comes from the Slovak word “smok,” or smoke, likely inspired by the soft mist that sometimes drifts through the valley, and today it’s the perfect jumping-off point for hikes and mountaineering in the High Tatras.From Starý Smokovec, you can ride the funicular up to Hrebienok, a favorite spot perched just above town where pine-scented air greets you the moment you step off.From Hrebienok, you can set out on foot to places like the emerald-green Zelené Pleso or the rushing Tatras Waterfalls.Starý Smokovec makes a great starting point for longer treks into the Tatra Mountains, whether you’re aiming for Gerlachovský Peak-the tallest in Slovakia-or the much-loved summit of Rysy.Mount Kriváň, a proud national symbol, challenges hikers with trails that also begin here.Come winter, the town turns into a lively base for skiing and snowboarding.The resort links to several ski areas, such as Tatranská Lomnica and Štrbské Pleso, where you’ll find long, winding slopes, humming cable cars, and plenty of spots for winter sports.The Tatra Electric Railway, or Tatranská elektrická železnica (TEŽ), winds through Starý Smokovec, linking it with nearby towns such as Poprad and Tatranská Lomnica.It’s a gorgeous way to travel, with winding roads that open to sweeping mountain views.Starý Smokovec still holds its charm as a health retreat, with cozy wellness centers, inviting spas, and hotels where you can soak in therapeutic treatments against the quiet backdrop of the High Tatras.Warm thermal baths steam in the crisp mountain air, and many lodgings cater to guests seeking rest and renewal.For a change of pace, hop on the Hrebienok Funicular, a cable car that climbs from town up to Hrebienok at 1,285 meters (4,216 feet).The funicular offers a simple, scenic ride up into the higher reaches of the Tatras, where trails wind off toward countless hiking routes, and in winter it doubles as the launch point for a lively toboggan run that draws crowds when the snow is thick; just nearby, the Tatra Museum in Starý Smokovec showcases the region’s history, its wildflowers pressed under glass, and the rugged geology that shapes these mountains.The Tatra Botanical Garden, just outside town, offers visitors a chance to wander among vivid alpine blooms while learning about the region’s natural heritage-an ideal stop for anyone curious about its rare mountain ecosystem.The garden helps protect and showcase the rare alpine plants of the Tatras.Starý Smokovec makes a great spot for families, offering gentle hiking paths, nature strolls, playgrounds, and winter fun like sledding and snowshoeing.With its mild weather and close reach to plenty of sights, it’s an ideal place for families-kids can run through pine-scented trails or explore nearby parks.In Starý Smokovec, you’ll find everything from upscale hotels to cozy guesthouses and rustic mountain chalets.Plenty of hotels here offer spa treatments, wellness programs, and jaw-dropping views of the nearby peaks; the Grandhotel Starý Smokovec, one of the area’s most prestigious, stands out alongside sleek modern resorts designed for travelers chasing both thrills and quiet moments.Getting there’s simple-Starý Smokovec sits just a short trip from Poprad, home to a train station and a small airport.Buses run from Poprad to Starý Smokovec, and the Tatra Electric Railway makes getting around the High Tatras easy.You can drive if you like, but many choose the public transport-especially the funicular that glides up the slope with a soft hum.Starý Smokovec is a fantastic spot for outdoor adventurers, nature fans, and families alike.Hike under the warm summer sun, carve fresh tracks through winter snow, or just sit back and take in the crisp alpine air-Starý Smokovec makes an inviting, easy-to-reach base for discovering the High Tatras.Steeped in history and surrounded by rolling green hills, it offers everything from hiking trails to quiet lakeside spots, making it one of Slovakia’s most beloved resorts.
