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Lake and trail · Štrbské Pleso, Prešov
Popradské pleso
A glacial lake at about 1,494 meters in the Mengusovská valley, a one-and-a-half-hour hike from Štrbské Pleso, with a mountain hut on its shore and, nearby, the Symbolic Cemetery of Tatra victims.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Popradské pleso
Popradské pleso lies at about 1,494 meters elevation in the Mengusovská valley, surrounded by stony slopes and dwarf pines. It is the destination of one of the most frequented trails in the High Tatras because the route from Štrbské Pleso has a moderate ascent and remains open year-round below the park’s seasonal closure limit.
The most used trail leaves Štrbské pleso along the Magistrála Tatranská, the high trail that crosses the range east–west, and reaches the lake in about an hour and a half. Another option climbs the closed-asphalt road from the Popradské pleso train stop on the electric line. On the shore of the lake there is a mountain hut with a restaurant.
About 20 minutes from the lake, on the slope of Ostrva, is the Symbolic Cemetery (Symbolický cintorín), created in 1936 by painter Otakar Štáfl. Painted wooden crosses and plaques remember people who died in the mountains, among a pine grove. It is a place of silence, visited by hikers.
From the lake, trails climb to the Mengusovská valley and Rysy, the most sought-after peak of the range, and to Hincovo pleso. Those higher sections follow the park’s seasonal closures, from November 1 to June 15.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Three to four hours round-trip from Štrbské Pleso, with time for the lake and the Symbolic Cemetery.
Best time
From June to October, when the trail is dry and the days are long; set out early to avoid summer afternoon thunderstorms. In winter the path to the lake remains open, with snow and ice: wear appropriate footwear.
How to get there
On foot from Lake Štrbské pleso via the Magistrála Tatranská, in about an hour and a half; or from the Popradské pleso train stop, along the road closed to cars, in about an hour.
Tip
Go up via the Magistrála and return along the road to the train stop, so you don’t repeat the same route. Bring water, a waterproof jacket and a snack; mountain weather changes quickly.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Popradské pleso
How long is the trail from Štrbské Pleso to Popradské pleso?
About an hour and a half one way along the Magistrála Tatranská, with a moderate climb. The return trip takes slightly less time.
What is the Symbolic Cemetery of the Tatras?
A memorial created in 1936 by painter Otakar Štáfl, near Popradské pleso, with painted wooden crosses and plaques commemorating people who died in the mountains.
Is the trail to Popradské pleso open in winter?
Yes, up to the lake and the mountain hut. Trails that continue above it are closed from November 1 to June 15.
Is there a place to eat at Popradské pleso?
Yes, the mountain hut on the lake shore has a restaurant. Check opening hours beforehand, especially outside the summer season.