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Post-Conference Mountain Adventure
Extend your conference experience with a scenic trip to the breathtaking High Tatras! Join us for an afternoon exploring the famous waterfalls of the High Tatras – Vodopády Studeného potoka – and visiting the oldest mountain hut, Rainerova chata. This hike combines a relaxed social experience with the chance to immerse yourself in pure mountain nature—cascading waterfalls, alpine forests, and rugged mountain scenery await you.
Route Details:
- Distance: ~3km
- Elevation: +100 m / -100 m
- Difficulty: Easy – suitable for beginners with basic fitness
- Map of the route: https://mapy.com
Itinerary
| 14:10-14:45 | Meet in front of Academia Hotel and walk about 25 minutes to the train stop Stará Lesná |
| 14:45-15:30 | Take the train to Starý Smokovec, then walk to the cable car station |
| 15:30-15:40 | Ride the cable car up to Hrebienok |
| 15:40-17:00 | Enjoy the hike through waterfalls and mountain scenery |
| 17:00-18:00 | Return journey: hike down on foot or take the cable car back to Starý Smokovec, then continue by train to Stará Lesná and walk back to the venue. |
| 18:00-19:00 | Estimated return to the venue |
Estimated Costs:
- Train (one-way): 4 €
- Cable car up: 14 €
- Cable car up & down: 16 €
Tips:
- Train tickets can be purchased beforehand via the “Ideme Vlakom” app (Google Play / Apple App Store).
- Buy cable car tickets online in advance to guarantee availability and get a discounted price. Select the route “Starý Smokovec – Hrebienok”.
Important Notes:
- Clothing & Gear: Wear proper hiking shoes and bring a jacket, as mountain weather can change quickly. We also recommend bringing water and snacks.
- Your Guide: David Zimčík (from the Marcela Buchtová laboratory)
- Insurance: While this is one of the easiest hikes in the High Tatras, we recommend mountain insurance (e.g., via Union Insurance).
- Safety: In case of emergency, contact your guide, who will assist and call Mountain Rescue (+421 18 300) if necessary.
- Weather Policy: If the weather forecast is unfavorable, the hike will be cancelled and the update shared before the end of the conference.
- Express Your Interest: If you plan to join the hike, please indicate this during your conference registration.
Explore High Tatras region
Hiking
For hiking enthusiasts, the High Tatras offer a variety of exciting mountain trails that meander through untouched nature. Whether you prefer easy paths or more challenging climbs, there’s an adventure for every type of hiker.
When planning your hike, please consider your fitness, the elevation gain and distance of your hike according to the time available. Starting your hikes early in the day is advisable to avoid potential afternoon weather changes. Additionally, for added safety, ensure you have mountain insurance (link provided below).
Recommended Hikes Near Stará Lesná:
- Hike to Studenovodské Waterfalls and Rainerova Chata: Discover the beauty of the oldest standing hut in the High Tatras. You can extend this hike to Zamkovského Chata. To reach the starting point, you may either hike from Starý Smokovec (1 hour) or take the funicular to Hrebienok. Map to Starting Point
- Hike to Zbojnícka Chata: Map
- Hike to Téryho Chata: Map
- Hike to Chata pri Zelenom Plese: Map
For more hiking options, please, visit Region Tatry.
Safety Information:
- Mountain Insurance: Union Insurance
- Mountain Rescue Phone Number: (+421) 18 300
Biking
For biking enthusiasts, the High Tatras region offers over 300 kilometers of marked cycling routes, showcasing various difficulty levels alongside breathtaking scenery. Depending on your preferences, consider the following routes:
- 007 – Podtatranská Magistrála
- 2879 – Poprad to Horný Smokovec
- 2866 – Cesta Slobody to Popradské Pleso
For more cycling options, please visit Region Tatry Cycling Routes.
Wellness
The High Tatras region is renowned not only for its breathtaking mountain landscapes but also for its rich tradition of wellness and relaxation activities. Here are several wellness destinations you can explore during your visit:
- Aquacity Poprad: Enjoy a fun thermal water park with different wellness treatments and activities. Learn more here.
- Horizont Hotel: Take advantage of a variety of massages and wellness services to help you relax. Explore their offerings.
- Kontakt Hotel: Relax in a calm environment with various wellness services. Visit their site.
- Bešeňová: This popular thermal resort has many pools and wellness treatments for relaxation. Discover more.
For additional wellness options, please check Region Tatry Wellness and Spa.