# Easy Hikes in the High Tatras: Beginner Walks and Safety Source: https://taply.sk/easy-hikes-in-the-high-tatras/ (Taply, updated 2026-10-13) The easiest hikes in the High Tatras are the flat lake loop at Štrbské Pleso, the path from Hrebienok to the Studenovodské waterfalls and a walk to Popradské pleso, a glacial lake at 1,494 m. All of them are reachable from a station of the Tatra Electric Railway, and none needs climbing gear. Most higher trails are closed to walkers from 1 November to 15 June, so this is a summer and early autumn list. Hiking in the Tatras is still serious. Weather turns fast, rescue can be billed, and the numbers matter: mountain rescue is 18 300, and 112 works as well. Taply ranks EKTA first because basic policies often exclude hiking in the mountains. For harder routes read [best hikes in the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/best-hikes-in-the-high-tatras/). ## Key points - Start with the Štrbské Pleso lake loop, then Hrebienok, then Popradské pleso. - Higher trails are closed from 1 November to 15 June. - Mountain rescue is 18 300, and 112 also works. - Insurance for hiking is worth checking before you go. - Check the last train or funicular before you walk. ## Quick facts - Easiest: Štrbské Pleso lake loop - Classic: Popradské pleso, 1,494 m - Closures: Higher trails 1 Nov to 15 Jun - Mountain rescue: 18 300 (112 also works) ## Best preparation for easy High Tatras walks, ranked 1. **Hiking insurance with EKTA** (best for Anyone leaving the lake paths): Mountain rescue in Slovakia can be billed to the person rescued, and many standard policies exclude hiking. EKTA is one provider to compare, so read the activity and altitude terms. 2. **Tatra Electric Railway (ZSSK)** (best for Car-free hikers): The railway reaches Štrbské Pleso, Starý Smokovec and Tatranská Lomnica, with a stop at Popradské pleso. Check timetables on the operator site. 3. **Private transfer with Kiwitaxi** (best for Arrivals): Kiwitaxi offers private transfers between cities and airports, useful to reach the resorts with luggage. 4. **Guided activities on Klook** (best for Nervous first-timers): Guided outings may be listed for the region. Check what is on offer for your dates. ## Easy walks compared Walk | Start | Effort | Notes | Štrbské Pleso lake loop | Štrbské Pleso | Very easy, flat | Suits all ages, pushchairs work | Hrebienok and waterfalls | Funicular from Starý Smokovec | Easy to moderate | Wet near spray, no strollers | Popradské pleso | Štrbské Pleso or the train stop | Moderate, uphill | About 4 km from Štrbské Pleso one way | Skalnaté pleso area | Cable car from Tatranská Lomnica | Easy to moderate | Mid station at about 1,751 m, weather dependent | ## 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](https://taply.sk/strbske-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](https://taply.sk/hrebienok/) and [Studenovodské waterfalls](https://taply.sk/studenovodske-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](https://taply.sk/popradske-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](https://taply.sk/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](https://taply.sk/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](https://taply.sk/hiking-in-slovakia-for-beginners/) and [hiking insurance for the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/hiking-insurance-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](https://taply.sk/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](https://taply.sk/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](https://taply.sk/things-to-do-in-the-high-tatras/) for non-hiking ideas and [where to stay in the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/where-to-stay-in-the-high-tatras/) to choose a base. ## A simple three-walk week - Day 1: the Štrbské Pleso lake loop to test shoes and pace. - Day 2: Hrebienok by funicular and the waterfalls, a good plan B in cloud. - 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](https://taply.sk/rysy-hike/). Moderate hikes are covered in [best hikes in the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/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](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-without-a-car/). ## FAQ **What is the easiest hike in the High Tatras?** The flat loop around Štrbské Pleso lake. The Hrebienok waterfalls walk is the next easiest, using a funicular for the climb. **Are trails in the High Tatras closed in winter?** Higher marked trails are closed from 1 November to 15 June. Check TANAP for current sections before you go. **What number do I call for mountain rescue?** 18 300 is the mountain rescue number. 112 also works for emergencies. **Is Popradské pleso suitable for beginners?** Yes, for walkers with normal fitness. It is about 4 km one way from Štrbské Pleso and mostly uphill, so allow a half day. **Do I need insurance for easy hikes?** Check your policy. Rescue can be billed, and many basic policies exclude mountain hiking. **Can I hike without a car?** Yes. The Tatra Electric Railway, the funicular and the cable car reach the easy walks. See the car-free guide.