Starý Smokovec: Culture, Winter and Hrebienok

Starý Smokovec combines the history of the Smokovce settlements with specific experiences around Hrebienok, Jakubkova lúka and the High Tatras. When you choose accommodation in this town, you will encounter not only winter and cycling activities, but also exhibitions, educational trails and historical evidence that make the character of the destination tangible.

Culture and History of the Smokovce Settlements

The Museum of Tatra Cinematography and Photography is open year-round. Its exhibition documents the life, atmosphere and changes of the High Tatras through photography and film, and also focuses on the work of film and photography personalities in the region since 1870. A separate section shows the development of photographic technology since the end of the 19th century. This makes it possible to view the landscape not only as a destination for excursions today, but also through its documented visual history.

The “History of the Smokovce Settlements” educational trail leads through Starý and Nový Smokovec and provides information about the history of the Smokovce settlements at seven stations. It is accessible year-round. Another historic route begins near the center of Starý Smokovec: the Stations of the Cross follows the path to Pekná vyhliadka. The two options emphasize different aspects—the educational trail places the development of the settlements in context, while the Stations of the Cross connects a specific route with a religious destination.

The origins of the town can also be traced through individual dates. Local mineral springs with acidic water were one factor contributing to the establishment of Starý Smokovec. In 1793, Count Štefan Csáky of Iliačovce had the first log cabin built; the first masonry chapel in Starý Smokovec was built in 1836.

Hrebienok, Winter and Cycling Route

In winter, the Jakubkova lúka ski area operates in the center of Starý Smokovec. The ski slopes are marked blue, are considered particularly easy and are suitable for everyone. This describes a clearly defined winter sports area directly in the center of the town, without equating it with larger ski resorts.

The funicular from Starý Smokovec is available for the journey to Hrebienok: it reaches Hrebienok in seven minutes and overcomes an elevation difference of 255 m. Hrebienok is also the destination of cycling route 2864. The route is approximately 2.8 km long, has around 270 m of elevation gain, runs on asphalt and is suitable for road bikes, trekking bikes and mountain bikes. The approximate figures for the length and elevation gain are intentionally retained.

Further Documented Experiences

Rainerova chata can be reached from Starý Smokovec via Hrebienok. The hut houses an exhibition on the history and present day of mountain porters, as well as a collection of old climbing equipment, old skis and numerous documentary photographs. The Mini-Sherpa Museum presents artifacts and stories about the importance of porters in the High Tatras. In this way, a specific route via Hrebienok and two different approaches to the history of mountain carrying complement each other.

For comparison with other destinations, you can then view Tatranská Polianka, Horný Smokovec, Štrbské Pleso, Tatranska Kotlina and Tatranska Lomnica.

For the overview of the wider destination: Vysoké Tatry.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Stary Smokovec - Slovakia.