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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
335 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
9.6 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Physical DIFF
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead

Popradské Pleso

High Tatras Popradske Pleso
Measurement:

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Table of contents

The Popradské Pleso hike is one of the most popular hikes in the High Tatras. It will take you through a beautiful pine forest where you will pass some amazing vistas with stunning views overlooking Solisko Mountain ridge and Ostrva Mountain. The trail will then descend to the magical shores Popradské Lake, where you will find the charming Majláthova Mountain hut. Here, you can enjoy some traditional food and a cold beer before you head back.

Route Description for Popradské Pleso

The Popradské Pleso hike is often viewed as the first part of a much longer trail, but it’s a great trail in itself, especially for families with younger children. If you want to avoid the crowds, be sure to attempt this hikeo on a midweek day, as the trail will become very busy on sunny weekends and finding a parking spot might be challenging.

This hike is very popular and it’s no wonder why. It takes you through a beautiful forest up onto a path with some wonderful overlooks. You will be able to see the Solisko Mountain ridge on your left and the Ostrva Mountain peaks on your right. The hike is not hard and takes you to a mountain hut by the Popradské Lake, where you can enjoy your afternoon trying the traditional Tatras cuisine and refreshing drinks.

The Popradské Pleso hike starts from Štrbské Pleso, where you need to follow the red trail to “Popradské Pleso”. The trail begins with an easy ascent next to a pine forest, where you will have some views of the skiing complex buildings.

After approximately 1.0 km you will get into the pine forest, which is a very pleasant walk in the shade, especially if it’s a hot day. You will then reach a cross-point. Take the red one which leads to your left.

Continue the hike on a steep but safe ridge, where you will pass a few huge rock boulders. Right after that, you will be able to peek through some trees to get a glimpse at the Predna Ostrva Mountain and the landscape around it. You will see the beautiful pine tree forests everywhere, which is a protected natural habitat for many of the High Tatras animals, including the European brown bears.

Not far after, you will have an even better opportunity to see the Predna Ostrva and the Ostrva mountains. Here, the trail will narrow down and shortly become a path made of fallen rocks. Be careful where you put your feet, some of the rocks are moving out of their spot quite a bit. Further along the Popradské Pleso hike, you will start to descend and come up to a small wooden bridge that crosses a beautiful stream.

Follow the trail into the forest again, where you will finally come to a crossroad. Go down to the Popradské Lake, as the trail that goes to the left continues further to Mount Rysy. Next to the charming waters of the lake, you will find the Majláthova Mountain hut, where you will be able to buy refreshments like traditional Slovak garlic soup, ice cream and beer. You can walk around the lake and enjoy a relaxing time at this magical location.

After a break here, go back the way you came from and enjoy the mountain views from the opposite side. You will see a few nice picture opportunities you missed before.

Find more amazing hikes in the High Tatras

Insider Hints for Popradské Pleso

  • Make sure you have cash, as the mountain huts won’t accept credit card payments.
  • You can go back along the blue trail towards the Popradské Pleso electric train stop if you don’t want to go the same way back. From there, just catch an electric train towards your destination.

Getting to the Popradské Pleso Trailhead

Go to Štrbské Pleso and follow the signage to get onto the red trail, leading to Popradské Pleso. The Popradské Pleso is a major crossing point for many other hikes, so the signs are pretty easy to spot.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    15th June - 31st October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    No

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes

  • Family friendly:

    Yes

  • Route Signage:

    Good

  • Crowd Levels:

    High

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Popradské Pleso Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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