Tips for cycling trips in the High Tatras

If you are looking for a combination of active movement and unforgettable views, cycling trips in the High Tatras are the right choice.

The High Tatras offer a unique mixture of mountain nature, fresh air and more than 300 kilometres of cycle routes, attracting everyone – from leisure riders to those seeking a real sporting challenge. By bike, you can discover quiet forest paths, mountain settlements and stunning views of the Tatra peaks, which will accompany you along every kilometre.

Whether you want to enjoy a relaxed ride along the Tatra arterial route, take a family trip to the mountain lakes or challenge yourself with tough climbs, the Tatras have something for you..

1. . Tatranská vrchárska koruna (Tatra mountain crown) – 4 cycling challenges in the High Tatras

The so-called Tatra mountain crown is among the legendary cycle routes of Slovakia. Covering around 90 kilometres with an altitude difference of roughly 2,300 metres, it links four major ascents in the Tatras, testing both endurance and cycling skills: Popradské pleso (tarn), Sliezsky dom (mountain hotel), Hrebienok and Štart.

Each climb has its character – from the moderate but tourist-frequented ascent to Popradské pleso, through the steep and demanding climb to Sliezsky dom, to the shorter but intense ascents to Hrebienok and Štart.

The route is intended for road bikes and experienced riders looking for a mixture of physical challenge, spectacular views and the atmosphere of the Tatras. It is recommended to start in the foothills so the body has time to warm up before the first climb.

1. Popradské pleso, Tatra Electric Railway stop → Popradské pleso – 3.9 km, altitude difference 258 m, gradient 6%
2. Tatranská Polianka → Sliezsky dom – 6.9 km, altitude difference 670 m, gradient 10%
3. Starý Smokovec → Hrebienok – 2.4 km, altitude difference 226 m, gradient 9%
4. Tatranská Lomnica → Štart – 2.9 km, altitude difference 250 m, gradient 9%
   

Climbs: Popradské pleso – Sliezsky dom – Hrebienok – Štart

Route: Štrba – Vyšné Hágy – Tatranská Polianka – Tatranská Lomnica – Štrba 

2. Former medieval settlement of Šoldov

Route: Štrbské Pleso – railway station – old road of Tatranská Štrba – Štrbské Pleso – Tatranský Lieskovec – Šoldov and back

Length: 18 km, altitude profile in the direction of Šoldov ↗ 494m ↘ 494m

About Šoldov:
On the edge of the village of Štrba in the foothills of the Tatras, there lie the remains of the former medieval settlement of Šoldov. Shrouded in mystery, it is barely mentioned in historical records. It is believed to be very old, older than all other surrounding villages in the area. Alongside houses, there was also a small church and possibly even a Benedictine monastery.

Šoldov is an important archaeological site with valuable finds. Human skeletons over 200 centimetres tall were discovered there, which is an extraordinary height for that period. Perhaps this gave rise to the legend that giants once lived there. Today, the area of partly reconstructed remains includes a memorial, an information board and a small resting site. 

3. Poprad town centre – Kvetnica

Route: Poprad cycle arterial route (red 008) – Poprad shooting range (blue 2872) – Kvetnica circuit (yellow 8914)
Length 14 km, altitude profile ↗ 307m ↘ 247m

KVETNICA

A district of Poprad and a recreational area in the Kozie chrbty mountain range. Here you’ll find:

• A park with a pond and the Church of St. Helen
• Kvetnica educational trail – 9 stops introducing the forest vegetation zones of Slovakia on a small area of Poprad municipal forests, the Zámčisko archaeological site and the Hranovnícka dubina national nature reserve
• Hiking trails
• A game reserve with mouflons and wild boars
• Two quarries with mineral findings, especially agates around 250 million years old; one of the quarries is flooded and used for recreation
• Old mining tunnels – St. Helen tunnel and Silver tunnel

BIKE & HIKE – Combining cycling and hiking in the Tatras

Would you like to enjoy the very best of both worlds – cycling and hiking? The region of the High Tatras offers perfect conditions for “bike & hike” trips, combining cycling with walking tours into mountain valleys, to waterfalls or to traditional mountain chalets.

“Bike & hike” routes allow you to cover longer or less interesting stretches by bike, then continue on foot where cycling is no longer possible – for example, in alpine terrain or protected natural areas.

Suggested “bike & hike” trips in the Tatras:

1. Starý Smokovec – Hrebienok – Waterfalls of Studený potok (brook)

• By bike: From Starý Smokovec, a gentle ascent along an asphalt road up to Hrebienok (or take a funicular).
• On foot: From Hrebienok to the waterfalls of Studený potok, with the option to continue to Rainer’s hut.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderately demanding.
• Ideal for: Leisure hikers

2. Tatranská Polianka – Sliezsky dom

• By bike: Asphalt road from the Tatranská Polianka stop up to Sliezsky dom (steep climb).
• On foot: Walk around Velické pleso (tarn) and Velický vodopád (waterfall), with the possibility to continue along the hiking trail towards Poľský hrebeň (saddle) or Mt Východná Vysoká.
• Difficulty: Moderately difficult (much easier with an e-bike).
• Ideal for: Experienced cyclists who want to experience the alpine environment.

3. Štrbské Pleso – Popradské pleso (tarn)

• By bike: From Štrbské Pleso along the asphalt road towards Popradské pleso.
• On foot: From the turn-off to the Symbolic cemetery, continue to Popradské pleso and back, with options to extend to Mt Ostrva or Mt Rysy.
• Difficulty: Moderately demanding, suitable also for e-bikes.

4. Podbanské – Tichá dolina or Kôprová dolina (valleys)

• By bike: Through Tichá dolina and Kôprová dolina as far as the end of the asphalt roads in the valleys.
• On foot: Continue along the hiking trails towards Kmeťov vodopád (waterfall).
• Difficulty: Easy, with beautiful views.
• Ideal for: Nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.