Detailed route descriptions
Step by step
Easy
≈ 1 h 30 min
Family-friendly
1 · Obrovský vodopád on the Studený potok
A popular hike through the heart of the High Tatras for easygoing hikers. Start from Villa Severka, from where you can comfortably reach the valley station of the Hrebienok funicular. After the ride up — or on foot — a panoramic view of the Tatra peaks opens before you. The route follows the iconic Tatra Magistrála trail:
- 20 min Rainerova chata — the oldest hut in the Tatras, with an exhibition on the Tatra porters
- 10 min Junction to the Veľká Studená Dolina (along the red trail)
- 30–40 min Obrovský vodopád on the Studený potok — an impressive waterfall full of power and beauty
- 10–15 min Zamkovského chata — a well-earned rest and refreshments with a view
Return to Hrebienok along the same route, then about 1 h 10 min back to Villa Severka. Total time roughly 1 h 30 min if you use the funicular. An ideal route for families with children and hikers of all ages.
Easy
≈ 2 h 35 min (one way)
2 · Sliezsky dom & Velické pleso
A hike into the heart of the Velická Dolina, to the picturesque Velické pleso tarn and the Sliezsky dom mountain hotel (1,670 m a.s.l.):
- yellow Villa Severka – Nový Smokovec – Sliezsky dom: an easy hike along the foot of Slavkovský štít
- yellow Velické pleso — a crystal-clear tarn beneath Gerlachovský štít, ideal for a rest and a picnic
- green Velická Poľana — descent to Tatranská Polianka
Return: from Tatranská Polianka comfortably by the Tatra Electric Railway (TEŽ) back to Starý Smokovec. Wonderful views of Slavkovský and Gerlachovský štít; suitable for all ages.
Moderate
6 h
3 · Téryho chata
Route: Hrebienok – Malá Studená Dolina – Téryho chata – Spišské plesá. From Villa Severka, start with the funicular ride up to Hrebienok (or on foot, +40 min). Follow the red trail to Zamkovského chata and from there the green trail into the Malá Studená Dolina. After 1 h 40 min you reach Téryho chata (2,015 m a.s.l.), the highest year-round hut in the Tatras. The Spišské plesá (tarns) are nearby. The return along the same route takes about 2 hours.
Moderate
6 h 15 min
4 · Zbojnícka chata
Route: Hrebienok – Veľká Studená Dolina – Zbojnícka chata – Zbojnícke plesá. From Hrebienok follow the red trail to the junction below Rainerova chata, then turn onto the blue trail to Zbojnícka chata (1,960 m a.s.l.), open year-round. Nearby are the Zbojnícke plesá (tarns) hidden in a rocky cirque with beautiful views; the largest is Prostredné Zbojnícke Pleso (tarn 1,958 m a.s.l.).
Difficult
≈ 9 h
2,429 m a.s.l.
5 · Východná Vysoká — a summit for the bold
- yellow Villa Severka – Sliezsky dom: a pleasant walk through the Velická Dolina (approx. 2 h 45 min)
- green Sliezsky dom – Poľský hrebeň: past the Velický Vodopád (waterfall) and Dlhé Pleso (tarn)
- ridge Poľský hrebeň – Východná Vysoká: a moderate ridge walk (approx. 50 min)
- return via the Prielom saddle, the Veľká Studená Dolina and Zbojnícka chata to Hrebienok, then back by funicular
warning A demanding hike — it requires good fitness and high-mountain experience. Bring sturdy footwear, suitable clothing, plenty of fluids and food. Check the weather conditions before setting out.
