Easy Hikes in the High Tatras: Beginner Walks and Safety

Easy walks compared

Štrbské Pleso lake loop

A flat path circles the lake, with benches and views of the crest behind. It is the best first walk after arriving, and the one that works in poor visibility. See Štrbské Pleso. If you want more, continue to the next walk.

Hrebienok and the Studenovodské waterfalls

The funicular from Starý Smokovec climbs to Hrebienok at about 1,285 m. From there marked paths lead to the waterfalls. Wear shoes with grip, since spray makes rock slippery. The funicular has maintenance breaks, so check dates. See Hrebienok and Studenovodské waterfalls. It works well as a plan B when the upper cable cars close in wind or cloud.

Popradské pleso

This glacial lake sits right on the Tatranská magistrála trail and is a starting point for many longer hikes. From Štrbské Pleso the walk is about 4 km one way, and you can return on the blue trail to the Popradské pleso stop and ride the train. Near the lake stands the Symbolic Cemetery, a memorial to victims of the mountains. Keep voices low. Do not continue beyond the lake in poor weather or late in the day. See Popradské pleso.

Skalnaté pleso area

The cable car from Tatranská Lomnica reaches Skalnaté pleso at about 1,751 m, where short paths and an educational trail start. It depends on wind and maintenance, so check the operator. Lomnický štít sits higher on a separate lift, see High Tatras cable cars.

Seasons and closures

The Tatra National Park (TANAP) closes higher marked trails above the mountain huts each year from 1 November to 15 June to protect wildlife. Lower paths near the resorts stay open, but can be icy. The dates and sections can change, so check the TANAP website before planning, and see High Tatras in December for winter options. June may still hold snow on the paths. The best window is late June to early October.

Safety basics

• Mountain rescue is 18 300. 112 also works. Save both.
• Check the mountain forecast, not the town forecast.
• Start early. Afternoon storms are common in summer at altitude.
• Wear shoes with grip, carry a rain jacket, a warm layer, water and an offline map.
• Stay on marked trails. The park has rules and fines.
• Check the last train or lift before you leave the valley.
• Turn back if clouds drop or you hear thunder.

New to walking? Read hiking in Slovakia for beginners and hiking insurance for the High Tatras.

What to wear and bring

Shoes with grip matter more than anything else, since rock and wet roots are slippery. Bring a rain jacket, a warm layer, water, snacks, sun protection and a charged phone. Download an offline map, because signal can fail in valleys. Cash is useful for huts and parking. See the Slovakia packing list for a fuller kit list.

Hiking with children

The lake loop at Štrbské Pleso is the easiest option for small children and works with a pushchair. Hrebienok is exciting because of the funicular, but the waterfall paths are uneven. Popradské pleso suits older children at a relaxed pace. Turn back early if someone is tired. More ideas are in High Tatras with kids.

When the weather turns

Mountain weather can change within an hour. If cloud drops or you hear thunder, head down the way you came. Do not wait for the storm to pass on exposed ground. If an easy walk becomes unsafe, stop and call for help early. The cost of an unnecessary call is lower than the cost of a late one.

Combining with other plans

A good easy week pairs one lake walk, one funicular day and one cable car day, with a rest day in between. See things to do in the High Tatras for non-hiking ideas and where to stay in the High Tatras to choose a base.

A simple three-walk week

1. Day 1: the Štrbské Pleso lake loop to test shoes and pace.
2. Day 2: Hrebienok by funicular and the waterfalls, a good plan B in cloud.
3. Day 3: Popradské pleso, ending at the railway stop.

Keep a rest day or a lift day in between. Beginners often try too much on the first day. A short walk finished with energy to spare teaches more than a long one finished exhausted.

Common beginner mistakes

• Wearing trainers with no grip.
• Starting at midday in July, when storms are likelier.
• Not checking the last train or funicular.
• Going beyond the lake or hut because the first stretch felt easy.
• Leaving the marked path for a photo.

Moving up from easy walks

When the easy walks feel comfortable, try a longer valley route with a hut as the turn-back point. Do not jump to ridge routes. Rysy is demanding and not a second-day plan, see Rysy hike. Moderate hikes are covered in best hikes in the High Tatras.

Getting to the trailheads

The Tatra Electric Railway reaches Štrbské Pleso, the Popradské pleso stop, Starý Smokovec and Tatranská Lomnica. Check the last departure before you walk. For a car-free plan read High Tatras without a car.