Starý Smokovec Chapel

A Neo-Romanesque chapel with a rich pilgrimage tradition

Starý Smokovec
rkctatry.sk
Starý Smokovec
1836

The Period of the Chapel's Construction

The first brick building

Built in the Neo-Romanesque style

June 29

The Period of the Chapel's Construction

The chapel toward which pilgrims from the Tatra Mountains were heading

The chapel was commissioned in 1836 by Dominik Biacovský, provost of the Spiš Chapter. Originally dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, it was the first brick chapel built in the Neo-Romanesque style and administratively belonged to the parish of Mlynica.

Every year on June 29, a large pilgrimage of the faithful from the villages beneath the Tatra Mountains made its way there. The tradition continued until the early 1950s, when pilgrimages were banned. Today, the chapel is open during the day and offers a peaceful space for prayer and quiet reflection.

Open during the day
A Place for Silent Prayer
Neo-Romanesque architecture
What We Offer
Silent Prayer
Open daily
Pilgrimage Tradition

Discover more of the region's cultural and historical treasures

Explore the museums, galleries, religious sites, and traditions that together make up the rich cultural heritage of this exceptional region.

St. George’s Church

St. George’s Church
Roman Catholic Church of St. Egidius

Roman Catholic Church of St. Egidius
Roman Catholic Church of St. Helena

Roman Catholic Church of St. Helena
Roman Catholic Church of St. John the Evangelist

Roman Catholic Church of St. John the Evangelist
Wooden Articular Evangelical Church in Kežmarok

Wooden Articular Evangelical Church
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.