Museum of Tatra Cinematography and Photography

The story of the Tatra Mountains captured through the lens of a camera and a video camera

Starý Smokovec
muzeumtatry.sk
Villa Alica_Museum of Cinematography
Starý Smokovec
Since 2015

Private Museum at Villa Alica

Since 1870

The Beginnings of Photography and Film in the Tatra Mountains

Year-round

An exhibition dedicated to the changes in the Tatra Mountains

A museum that has frozen time beneath the Tatra Mountains

The Museum of Tatra Cinematography and Photography is located in the renovated log-cabin Villa Alica in Starý Smokovec. Since June 2015, it has been showcasing a period when images of the Tatra Mountains were not taken at every turn, and photographers and filmmakers documented their transformations through patient work.

The year-round exhibition presents the life and atmosphere of the Tatra Mountains as captured since 1870, as well as the development of photographic technology from the late 19th century. A separate section is dedicated to prominent figures in Tatra photography and film, including Karol Divald Sr., Juraj Weincziller, and Milan Legutky.

Historical Photography Techniques
Notable Figures in Tatra Cinema
The Renovated Villa Alica
What We Offer
Historical Photographs
Film Footage
Old Cameras
Camera Equipment
Personal Exhibits
The Tatra Mountains in the Background: A View from Above

Must-See Places. Discover them one by one

Every corner of the High Tatras and the surrounding area has its own story. Discover the places that shape the character of the region.

Bystré Lakes

Bystré Lakes

8 1040 6 hours 30 minutes Stredne náročná
Litvorové Lake

To the Litvorové pleso in the Bielovodská Valley

12.3 900 5 hours Náročná
Quiet Valley_Maličký

To Kasprov Hill Through the Quiet Valley

16.05 1051 6 hours 15 minutes Náročná
Through the Veľká Studená Valley to the Zbojnícka Chalet

Through the Veľká Studená Valley to the Zbojnícka Chalet

11.8 680 4 hours 45 minutes Stredne náročná
A hike through the Velická Valley to the Sliezsky House

A hike through the Velická Valley to the Sliezsky House

6.7 698 1 hour 4 minutes Ľahká
Téry's Cabin_Winter_Maličký

Across the Priečne sedlo through two Tatra valleys

17.3 1039 7 a.m. Veľmi náročná
Štrbské Pleso_Winter

Along the forest trail from Štrbské Pleso to Jamské Pleso

4.8 126 1 hour 30 minutes Ľahká
Through the Tatra Forest to Popradské Pleso

Through the Tatra Forest to Popradské Pleso

4.13 210 2 hours 30 minutes Stredne náročná
About the Great Hincovo Mountain Lake

About the Great Hincovo Mountain Lake

8.1 672 3 hours 30 minutes Stredne náročná

The Tatra Mountains wake up differently every day

Current conditions, upcoming events, and editorial recommendations. Everything you need to know before heading to the Tatras.

Webcams
Most sidewalks are open
The chairlifts are in operation
The bike trails are open

Hrebienok

The Perfect Weekend Getaway

Editor's Pick

Štrbské Pleso

The Best Time to Visit

Editor's Pick

Taste the dishes

At mountain huts throughout the region

Editor's Pick

Nature Trail

A short route suitable for children

Editor's Pick

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.