We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.
- Altitude
- About 1,285 m
- Reached from
- Starý Smokovec by funicular
- Best for
- Easy walks and families
- Season
- Year-round with maintenance breaks
Hrebienok is a small mountain plateau above Starý Smokovec, reached by a funicular, and the simplest way to get there from the airport is a pre-booked Intui Travel transfer to Starý Smokovec. It sits at about 1,285 metres and gives easy access to forest paths, waterfalls and mountain huts.
It is a good first stop in the High Tatras: little climbing, a short ride and flat trails. In winter it also works as a small ski area.
Top picks at a glance
Key takeaways
- The funicular runs between Starý Smokovec and Hrebienok.
- Hrebienok sits at about 1,285 metres, with easy paths from the top.
- Walks lead to waterfalls and to other Tatra valleys.
- Check the operator for autumn maintenance closures.
- Good option when higher lifts are closed by wind or cloud.
Best ways to reach Hrebienok, ranked
-
Our top pick1
Transfer with Intui Travel
Best door to doorBest for: Arrivals with luggage
Intui Travel is a transfer booking platform. Book a pre-arranged ride from Poprad-Tatry airport or a train station to Starý Smokovec, then take the funicular up.
Book on intui.travel Read our intui.travel review- Simple on arrival day
- Fixed price at booking
- More expensive than rail
- Book ahead
-
2
Tatra Electric Railway and funicular
CheapestBest for: Budget travellers
Take the electric railway to Starý Smokovec, then walk to the funicular station. This is how most visitors do it.
Official website- Low cost
- Easy connection
- Timetables vary by season
-
3
Private transfer with Kiwitaxi
Best for groupsBest for: Groups and families
Kiwitaxi offers private transfers between cities and airports, useful for a group with bags.
Book a transfer on Kiwitaxi Read our Kiwitaxi review- Direct
- Child seats available on request in many cases
- Needs advance booking
-
4
Rental car with Auto Europe
Best for road tripsBest for: Road trippers
Auto Europe is a car rental comparison site. A car lets you combine Hrebienok with other Tatra stops, but you leave it at Starý Smokovec.
Compare cars on Auto Europe Read our Auto Europe review- Flexible
- Good for combined days
- Parking is limited
What Hrebienok is
Hrebienok is a hillside plateau in the Tatras above the resort of Starý Smokovec, connected by the Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok funicular. The area has a mountain hut, a small ski slope and trailheads. It is part of the wider High Tatras described in our High Tatras guide.
Getting there step by step
- Arrive at Poprad, by air via Poprad-Tatry airport or by train.
- Take the Tatra Electric Railway to Starý Smokovec. See the railway guide.
- Walk to the funicular lower station.
- Ride up, then follow signed paths.
You can also walk up through the forest. It is steeper than it looks, so allow time and wear proper shoes.
Easy walks from the top
The most common walk from Hrebienok leads to the Studenovodské waterfalls, one of the best-known short outings in the High Tatras. Read the Studenovodské waterfalls guide. Other paths lead toward Tatranská Lomnica and to the valleys beyond. Paths in the high mountains can be closed in winter and spring, so check the TANAP website.
With kids and in poor weather
The funicular ride is short and children enjoy it, and the trails near the top are broad. Hrebienok is a good plan B when upper cable cars are closed by wind or cloud. See High Tatras with kids and High Tatras cable cars.
In winter
In winter Hrebienok has a small ski area and winter walking paths. Conditions change from year to year, so check the resort site. See High Tatras in winter.
Tips
- Check funicular dates before travelling, especially in autumn.
- Bring layers: it is colder than in the village.
- Eat in the village if you want cheaper prices.
- Combine with Tatranská Lomnica on a second day.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Hrebienok?
It is at about 1,285 metres above sea level.
How do you get to Hrebienok?
Take the funicular from Starý Smokovec, or walk up through the forest.
Is Hrebienok good for families?
Yes. The ride is short and the paths near the top are easy.
Can you ski at Hrebienok?
Yes, there is a small ski area in winter. Check current conditions.
Is the funicular open all year?
It runs most of the year but has a maintenance break, usually in autumn. Check the operator.
Photo: Hrebienok · Bubamara · CC BY-SA 3.0
