Lomnický Štít peak (source: Jana Liptáková)
Only a few can imagine what a diverse life Lomnický Štít peak in the High Tatras conceals. At a height of 2,634 metres above sea level, astronomers observe the sun, physicists study cosmic rays, meteorologists monitor the weather while visitors enjoy the panoramic view of the High Tatras and beyond. Some can even spend the night here.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Alena Novotná from the Czech city of Ostrava. She was leaning towards the handrails at the very edge of the lookout platform and admiring the view on a cloudless bright orange sunset in late March. A night stay in one of the two highest hotel rooms in Slovakia was a Christmas present by her parents. Reserved some six months in advance, it was a matter of luck whether the weather would be good enough.
When the last cable car took down the visitors and the sun went down, the Czech couple lay down on the floor of the observation deck and watched the starry sky.
“It’s like you can extend your hand and touch the stars,” said Novotná. “You can’t see such a sky in Ostrava due to the luminous smog.”
A stay at Lomnický is not a cheap adventure. The price for one night at Lomnický Peak for two people starts at €599 depending on the date and the room chosen, either classic or comfort. For that price, visitors get a room with a telescope to watch the night sky, a welcome drink, a four-course dinner, a bottle of wine, breakfast at Skalnaté Pleso after sunrise and the cable car trips. Another perk is the view – with good visibility, the peak has a view that goes on for about 300 kilometres.
Inhabited Lomnický
The top of Lomnický has been inhabited since the 1940s, when the cable car from Skalnaté Pleso up to its peak was put into operation in 1941. At the time of construction, it was unique in the world among personal cable cars with a track length of almost six kilometres until 1956. It also overcame the biggest height difference only with one change, 1,715 metres.
