Tatra National Park, Slovakia
High Tatras guide · Updated 5 October 2026

Studenovodské Waterfalls: A Short Walk from Hrebienok

Quick answerPrivate transfer with KiwitaxiFamilies and airport arrivals
Book a transfer on Kiwitaxi

We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Starting point
Hrebienok, above Starý Smokovec
Difficulty
Easy to moderate walk
Season
Best in summer and early autumn
Rules
Stay on marked trails in the national park

The Studenovodské waterfalls are an easy mountain walk from Hrebienok, and the most practical way to reach the start is the train from Poprad to Starý Smokovec, but if you carry luggage a pre-booked Kiwitaxi transfer is Taply's top pick. The falls are listed among the most popular waterfalls in Tatra National Park.

They sit along the Studený stream, with a large fall and a long cascading fall described in Czech sources. The walk suits families more than long hikes do, and it adds a mountain feel without a full day on high trails.

This page covers ranked ways to get there, what to expect and the seasonal limits.

Top picks at a glance

1
Private transfer with KiwitaxiBest overall
Check prices
2
Train and funicularCheapest
Official site
3
Rental car with EconomybookingsBest for flexibility
View
4
Walk from Starý SmokovecBest for hikers

Key takeaways

  • The waterfalls are reached on foot from the Hrebienok area above Starý Smokovec.
  • The walk is shorter and easier than the big lake hikes.
  • Stay on marked trails, as the area is inside Tatra National Park.
  • Check TANAP and the funicular operator for current status and hours.
  • Combine the walk with a hut stop for food.

Best ways to reach the Studenovodské waterfalls, ranked

  1. Our top pick
    1

    Private transfer with Kiwitaxi

    Best overall

    Best for: Families and airport arrivals

    Kiwitaxi offers private transfers between cities and airports. Book a car from Poprad-Tatry airport to Starý Smokovec for an easy start without timetable stress.

    • Door to door
    • Good with children
    • Fixed price
    • More expensive than the train
    Book a transfer on Kiwitaxi
  2. 2

    Train and funicular

    Cheapest

    Best for: Budget travellers

    From Poprad take the Tatra Electric Railway to Starý Smokovec and continue by funicular or on foot toward Hrebienok. Check the operator sites for hours and fares.

    • Low cost
    • Scenic
    • No parking
    • Fixed timetable
    Official website
  3. 3

    Rental car with Economybookings

    Best for flexibility

    Best for: Road trippers

    Economybookings is a car rental broker that compares offers from several suppliers. Check the deposit, insurance excess and mileage terms before you book.

    • Flexible
    • Parking at busy times
    Compare cars on Economybookings
  4. 4

    Walk from Starý Smokovec

    Best for hikers

    Best for: Active visitors

    If you are fit, you can walk up the forest paths rather than take the funicular. Check the marked route and current status on TANAP.

    • Free
    • More of the forest
    • Takes longer
    • Uphill

What the waterfalls are

The Studenovodské waterfalls (Studenovodské vodopády) are a series of cascades on the Studený stream. Czech Wikipedia describes the Great Studený waterfall and the Long Studený waterfall as the best known. We could not verify exact heights, so check on-site signs if numbers matter.

How to get there

The usual route starts at Hrebienok, a viewpoint and path hub above Starý Smokovec. A funicular and marked paths link the two, so check the operator for hours and fares. From Hrebienok, marked trails lead to the waterfalls. Wear shoes with grip, as paths can be wet and slippery near spray.

For transfers from the airport see Poprad airport to the High Tatras.

Seasons and trail rules

The best time is summer and early autumn, when water flow and paths are easier. In Tatra National Park many higher trails are closed from 1 November to 15 June, and shorter paths can be icy outside summer. Check the TANAP website and the funicular operator before you go. Do not leave the marked path.

Tips for families

The walk is among the easier ones in the range, but the paths are uneven, so strollers are a poor idea. Bring a rain jacket and a warm layer. Plan food at a hut or in the resort, and check menu prices first. For more family ideas see High Tatras with kids.

Combining with other stops

Add a day at Lomnický štít or a lake walk at Štrbské Pleso. For longer hikes read best hikes in the High Tatras. If you need a base, Poprad is the budget choice and the resorts are closer to the trails. For cover on mountain days see hiking insurance.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Studenovodské waterfalls?

In the High Tatras, reached by marked trails from the Hrebienok area above Starý Smokovec.

Is the walk suitable for children?

Many families do it, but paths are uneven. Check the current route before you go.

Are the waterfalls open in winter?

Trail status changes by season. Check TANAP and the funicular operator.

How do I get to Hrebienok?

By funicular or on foot from Starý Smokovec. Check the operator site for hours.

Do I need a guide?

No on the marked paths, but stay on them and check conditions.

Photo: Tatra National Park, Slovakia · Piotr J · CC BY 2.5

Related guides

High TatrasHigh Tatras Travel GuidePlan a trip to the High Tatras in Slovakia: main resorts, how to get there, when to go, what to book and how to stay safe on the mountain trails.High TatrasThings to Do in the High TatrasThe best things to do in the High Tatras, from cable cars and lake walks to waterfalls, thermal pools and winter sports, with booking tips and seasons.High TatrasBest Hikes in the High TatrasThe best hikes in the High Tatras, from easy lake walks to high-mountain routes. Seasons, trail closures, safety, gear and how to get to the trailheads.High TatrasHigh Tatras with kids: easy walks, cable cars and funHigh Tatras with kids: easy walks, cable cars, lakes, playgrounds and aquaparks, plus how to get there with a family and what to book.High TatrasŠtrbské Pleso: Lake, Hikes and SkiingVisit Štrbské Pleso in the High Tatras: how to get there, the best walks, Popradské pleso, skiing, where to stay and what to book before you go.EssentialsHiking insurance for the High Tatras: what you needHiking in the High Tatras? Slovak mountain rescue (HZS) charges for rescues unless you are insured. See what cover to buy and what to check first.

More High Tatras guides

See all
High TatrasBest aquaparks in Slovakia: where to goBest aquaparks in Slovakia: Tatralandia, AquaCity Poprad, Thermal Park Bešeňová, Thermal Park Vrbov and Aquapark Oravice compared.High TatrasCycling in Slovakia: best routes and where to rent a bikeCycling in Slovakia: the best routes from the Danube path to the High Tatras, where to rent a bike, rules for trails and when to ride.High TatrasDemänovská Caves: Cave of Liberty and Ice CaveVisit the Demänovská caves in the Low Tatras: what the Cave of Liberty and Ice Cave offer, how to get there from Liptovský Mikuláš and Poprad, and tips.High TatrasE-bike in the High Tatras: routes, rules and rentalE-bike rental and routes in the High Tatras: where bikes are allowed, the Štrbské Pleso to Popradské pleso ride, rules, season and booking tips.High TatrasHigh Tatras in WinterPlan a winter trip to the High Tatras: ski resorts, snowshoeing, cable cars, how to get there in snow, what to pack and which trails are closed.High TatrasJasná and the Low TatrasVisit Jasná in the Low Tatras: ski season, Chopok, summer hiking, Demänovská caves, how to get there from Poprad or Bratislava and where to stay.