To Rainer’s Shelter and the Studený Potok Waterfalls

Starý Smokovec – Hrebienok – Studený Potok Waterfalls – Rainer's Shelter – Hrebienok

Starý Smokovec
Rainer's Shelter in Winter
Starý Smokovec
5.9 km

Length of the hiking trail

Lightweight

Also suitable for families

2 hours

Estimated walking time

Waterfalls and the Oldest Mountain Hut in the Tatras

A popular hike from Starý Smokovec connects Hrebienok, the Studený Potok Waterfalls, and Rainerova Chalet. You can take the ground cable car up to Hrebienok and from there continue on foot through the forest, passing Bilíkova Chata, the waterfalls, and the cascades of Studený Potok. The route is short and does not involve any strenuous high-altitude climbs, though in places it leads over rocks, steps, and uneven terrain. The nature trail around Hrebienok has nine stops and is approximately four kilometers long.

The destination of the hike is Rainer’s Chalet on the Starolesnianska Meadow. Ján Juraj Rainer had the oldest and smallest chalet in the Tatras built in 1863. Inside the lodge, you’ll find light refreshments and an exhibition dedicated to mountain porters, old mountaineering equipment, and skis. It does not offer lodging.

Elevation gain of approximately 150 m
Rainer's Cabin at an elevation of 1,301 meters above sea level
9 educational stops
Suitable for families with children
What can you experience and see along the route?
Hrebienok above Starý Smokovec
Bilík's Cabin
Waterfalls and Cascades of Studený Creek
Wooden bridges and lookout points
Starolesnianska Glade
Rainer's Shelter
Exhibition of Mountain Porters
Educational Stops About the Tatra Mountains' Nature

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What do you need to know before you arrive?
The hiking trail begins at Hrebienok
There is a fee for the ground cable car from Starý Smokovec
Sturdy athletic shoes or lightweight hiking boots are suitable
The rocks near the waterfalls may be wet and slippery
The section along the waterfalls is not suitable for standard strollers
Before you go, check the cable car's operating status and any current closures

Please read this before your visit

The time does not include the cable car ride

The 90 minutes mentioned refers to the hiking route from Hrebienok, past the waterfalls and Rainer's Shelter, and back to Hrebienok. Waiting time for the cable car, the trip from Starý Smokovec, and breaks at the waterfalls and the mountain hut are not included.

Current Route Change

As of June 1, 2026, the green-marked trail from Bilíková Chalet through the Studený Potok Waterfalls to Rainerova Chalet is open. However, the red-marked section of the Tatra Highway between Hrebienok and the junction above Rainerova Chata is closed for repair work. Therefore, the standard loop cannot currently be completed, and hikers must return from Rainerova Chata via the waterfalls and Bilíkova Chata. The current route may vary in length and duration.

Strollers and Wheelchair Access

Barrier-free access to Rainerova Chata typically follows the wider red-marked trail from Hrebienok. Since this section is currently closed, the green trail along the waterfalls cannot be considered an alternative accessible route—it runs over rocks, stairs, and uneven terrain.

Along the forest trail beside the Tatra waterfalls

The hiking portion of the trip begins at Hrebienok. The standard route follows the green hiking trail toward Bilíková Chalet and then passes by the various waterfalls and cascades of Studený Creek. The trail gently descends and ascends, alternating between forest sections, stone steps, tree roots, and small bridges.

Beyond the waterfalls, the trail leads to the Starolesnianska clearing and Rainer’s shelter at an elevation of 1,301 meters above sea level. Under normal conditions, visitors return to Hrebienok via the red-marked Tatra Main Trail. However, during the current closure, visitors must return via the same green-marked trail through the waterfalls.

Route Markings

Green Trail
Hrebienok – Bilíkova Chalet – Studený Potok Waterfalls – Rainerova Shelter

Red Trail
Rainerova Hut – Crossroads above Rainerova Hut – Hrebienok
Currently closed section

Return via the same route:
Rainerova útulňa – Studený potok Waterfalls – Bilíkova chata – Hrebienok
Follow the same green-marked trail

Checkpoints along the route

Starý Smokovec

Hrebienok

Bilíkova Chalet

Studený Potok Waterfalls

Starolesnianska Glade

Rainer’s Shelter

Hrebienok

Elevation profile of the trail from Starý Smokovec to the Studený Potok waterfalls

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Didn't find what you're looking for? Explore other family-friendly trails, nature trails, and hidden natural gems in the High Tatras that you can easily enjoy even with the youngest children.

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Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the High Tatras region.

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    The High Tatras have something to offer all year round. The best time for high-altitude hiking is from June to October, when the hiking trails at higher elevations are open. Fall brings more stable weather, pleasant temperatures, and beautiful views. Winter is ideal for skiing, winter walks, and visiting locations that are accessible year-round. Before setting out on a trip, always check the current weather conditions and any trail closures.

    You do not need a special permit for regular hiking on marked trails. However, you must comply with TANAP’s visitor regulations and seasonal closures, and you may only hike on open trails. Special rules apply, for example, to rock climbing, ski mountaineering, hiking off marked trails, or bringing a dog into the park.

    You can easily reach the main Tatra resorts by train. The Tatra Electric Railways connect Poprad, Starý Smokovec, Štrbské Pleso, and Tatranská Lomnica. A cog railway runs from Štrba to Štrbské Pleso. You can also take advantage of regular bus routes and seasonal shuttle services in the region.

    You can park in designated parking lots in the various Tatra villages. During peak periods, we recommend using the P+R park-and-ride lot at Eurocamp in Tatranská Lomnica and continuing by shuttle bus. From this parking lot, you can take public transportation to destinations such as Tatranská Lomnica, Tatranské Matliare, Biela Voda, or the Belianska Cave.

    For hiking, choose sturdy hiking boots with non-slip soles that stabilize your feet and protect them on rocky or wet terrain. Your gear should also include weather-appropriate clothing and a rain jacket. Sandals and regular city shoes are not suitable for more demanding hikes.

    When a storm is approaching, leave peaks, ridges, saddles, mountain passes, and open areas as soon as possible. Descend to lower elevations, avoid standing near isolated trees or metal objects, and keep your distance from other members of your group. If possible, take shelter in a mountain hut or a safe building. The best prevention is to check the weather forecast, set out early in the morning, and shorten or cancel your hike in a timely manner if conditions take a turn for the worse. Safety must take precedence over reaching your destination.