The High Tatras are not only a paradise for hikers, but also an increasingly popular destination for cycling enthusiasts. In the area around Starý Smokovec, you’ll find dozens of kilometers of high-quality paved roads, mountain bike trails, and easy routes suitable for recreational cyclists and families with children. Cycling offers a unique way to explore the Tatra villages, mountain forests, and stunning panoramas without the crowds of tourists.
One advantage of cycling in the High Tatras is the excellent accessibility of the trails directly from Starý Smokovec, from where you can head toward Štrbské Pleso, Tatranská Lomnica, Nová Lesná, or all the way to Poprad. Most routes follow well-maintained roads with stunning views of the Tatra peaks, and along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to grab a bite to eat or stop at interesting attractions.
This circular bike route from Starý Smokovec is one of the more challenging short rides. From Chamois Apartments, you’ll head up toward Hrebienok, from where the route continues to Rainer Hut. You can also visit Bilik Hut. This is a more technical mountain route with a significant climb, forest sections, and spots where you may need to push your bike for a short distance.
Surface type: asphalt, paved roads, forest and rocky sections, with more technical terrain in places
Difficulty: difficult
Suitable for: more experienced cyclists, mountain bikes, e-bikes
This easy bike route is ideal for a leisurely ride along the Freedom Trail. From Starý Smokovec, head toward Tatranská Lomnica, where you can relax at Relax Park Lake, enjoy the pleasant surroundings, or take a break at one of the local cafés. Those looking for fun will also enjoy a ride on the Tatrabob, one of the most popular attractions in the High Tatras. After your break, take the same route back to Chamois Apartments, with beautiful views of the Tatra peaks accompanying you throughout the ride.
Surface type: asphalt, bike path, paved roads
Difficulty: easy
Suitable for: Families with children, Recreational cyclists, Gravel bikes, Road bikes, E-bikes
The ride to Štrbské Pleso is one of the most popular road bike routes in the High Tatras. Starting from Chamois Apartments, it follows the legendary Road of Freedom through Tatra villages all the way to the highest-altitude village in the High Tatras. You can expect a gentle climb, high-quality asphalt, and stunning views of the Tatra peaks and the Poprad Basin along the entire route. Upon arrival at Štrbské Pleso, you can relax by the lake, grab a bite to eat, or take a stroll along the promenade before heading back to Starý Smokovec.
Surface type: asphalt, bike path, short paved sections, cobblestones, gravel in places
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Suitable for: Road cyclists, gravel bikes, e-bikes, and recreational cyclists in good physical condition
If you’re looking for a real mountain challenge, the route to Cottage at Green Lake is one of the most beautiful cycling trips in the High Tatras. Starting from Chamois Apartments, the route passes through Tatranská Lomnica and Biela Voda, then continues with a long climb to one of the most famous mountain huts in the Tatras. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks, forest sections, and the iconic setting of Green lake, which is the perfect place to rest before heading back.
Surface type: Asphalt, paved forest roads, gravel sections, coarse rocky surface, uneven mountain terrain in places
Difficulty: Hard
Suitable for: Experienced mountain bikers, e-bikes, cyclists in very good physical condition
If you want to combine the Tatra Mountains’ nature, a city, and history in a single trip, this loop is a great choice. From Starý Smokovec, take Road II/534 on a pleasant descent to Poprad, where you can take a break, enjoy a coffee, or do some shopping. From there, continue to historic Spišská Sobota, one of the best-preserved urban heritage reserves in Slovakia. The return route leads uphill through Veľký Slavkov, Nová Lesná, and Horný Smokovec all the way to Chamois Apartments. The route offers magnificent views of the southern panorama of the High Tatras.
Surface type: asphalt
Difficulty: moderate
Suitable for: recreational cyclists and e-bikes
This easy bike route is ideal for a leisurely trip along the Freedom Trail. From Starý Smokovec, you’ll head toward Nová Polianka, accompanied throughout the ride by beautiful panoramic views of the High Tatras. The route runs mostly on well-maintained asphalt with minimal elevation gain, so even less experienced cyclists will enjoy the ride. After a short break in Nová Polianka or a visit to the Pedal Planet gallery, you’ll return to Chamois Apartments via the same route.
Surface type: asphalt, bike path, paved roads
Difficulty: easy
Suitable for: Families with children, Recreational cyclists, Road bikes, Gravel bikes, E-bikes
The climb to Silesian House is one of the most challenging paved bike routes in the High Tatras. From Starý Smokovec, you’ll follow The road of Freedom to Tatranská Polianka, where the iconic ascent along the mountain road to the Silesian House begins. The reward for this challenging climb is unique views of the Velická Valley, Velické Pleso, and the majestic peaks that create one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in the Tatras. The return trip follows the same route back to Chamois Apartments.
Surface type: asphalt, paved sections, cobblestones
Difficulty: difficult
Suitable for: Road cyclists, gravel bikes, e-bikes, experienced cyclists in very good physical condition
A bike trip to Belianska Cave is a great choice for those who want to combine exercise with a visit to one of the High Tatras’ most significant natural attractions. The route leads from Starý Smokovec through Tatranská Lomnica and Tatranská Kotlina, offering beautiful views of the Tatra peaks and surrounding forests throughout the ride. The destination is Belianska Cave, the only accessible cave in the High Tatras, known for its rich stalactite and stalagmite formations. After the tour, you’ll return via the same route to Chamois Apartments.
Surface type: asphalt, paved roads, short gravel sections, bike paths in some places
Difficulty: moderate to moderately difficult
Suitable for: Road cyclists, gravel bikes, e-bikes, recreational cyclists in good physical condition
The bike trip to Poprad lake is one of the most beautiful mountain routes in the High Tatras. From Starý Smokovec, the route follows the Road of Freedom through Vyšné Hágy, from where it continues along an asphalt road to Poprad lake. Along the way, you can also visit the popular Majláthova Chalet and enjoy unique views of the Tatra peaks and surrounding valleys. After a break at the lake, you’ll return via the same route back to Chamois Apartments.
Surface type: asphalt, paved roads, short gravel sections, bike paths in some places
Difficulty: difficult
Suitable for: Road cyclists, gravel bikes, e-bikes, experienced recreational cyclists
If you’re looking for a real cycling challenge, this grand loop around the High Tatras is among the most beautiful full-day routes in the region. Starting in Starý Smokovec, it leads through the Tatra Basin and the picturesque village of Ždiar all the way to Zakopane, Poland, a popular center for tourism, culture, and relaxation at the foot of the Tatras. From there, it continues through Orava, Zuberec, and around Liptovská Mara to Liptovský Mikuláš, then through the historic village of Pribylina, Štrbské Pleso, and back to Starý Smokovec. Throughout the ride, you’ll be accompanied by ever-changing panoramic views of the High Tatras from various angles, making this route an unforgettable cycling experience. Due to its length and the number of climbs and descents, this route is intended for experienced cyclists in excellent physical condition with sufficient endurance.
Surface type: asphalt, paved roads, short gravel sections, bike paths
Difficulty: very difficult
Suitable for: Road cyclists, gravel bikes, e-bikes, experienced and competitive cyclists
After a day spent on the bike, a good rest is just what you need. Chamois Apartments in Starý Smokovec offer the ideal base for cyclists—located in the heart of the High Tatras, with the most beautiful bike trails literally at your fingertips. Upon your return, you can treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation and recharge your batteries for further exploration of the Tatra Mountains’ natural beauty.