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Lake and cable-car station · Tatranská Lomnica, Prešov
Skalnaté pleso
A glacial lake at about 1,751 meters, at the foot of Lomnický štít, with the intermediate station of the cable cars, an astronomical observatory and trails along the Magistrála Tatranská.
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 Skalnaté pleso
Skalnaté pleso is a glacial lake at about 1,751 meters of altitude, in a rock amphitheater below Lomnický štít. It is the intermediate station of the cable cars that ascend from Tatranská Lomnica and the point where the gondola is exchanged for the cabin that continues to the summit.
The lake’s shore is ringed with rocks and dwarf pines, with views of the wall of Lomnický štít and, below, the Poprad valley. Near the water is an astronomical observatory of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, known for comet discoveries in the 20th century; the building is not open for regular visits.
From the lake departs the chairlift that rises, in summer, to Lomnické sedlo, a col at about 2,190 meters, and the Magistrála Tatranská, which continues west to Hrebienok, a section of several hours over open slopes. There are also trails that descend on foot to Tatranská Lomnica.
In winter, the lake area is part of the Tatranská Lomnica ski runs, and the lake freezes and becomes covered with snow. Above it, the trails are closed between November and mid-June.
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
One to two hours for the lake and surroundings; half a day for the hike along the Magistrála to Hrebienok.
Best time
June to September, in the morning, with a greater chance of clear skies. In winter, for skiing. On low-cloud days, the lake may be inside the mist.
How to get there
By gondola from Tatranská Lomnica, with an intermediate stop at the Štart station. On foot, the ascent from Tatranská Lomnica takes about two and a half hours.
Tip
If tickets for the Lomnický štít summit sell out, the gondola to Skalnaté pleso already offers a good view. In the summer season, the hike along the Magistrála to Hrebienok allows you to descend by funicular to Starý Smokovec.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Skalnaté pleso
How to get to Skalnaté pleso?
By gondola from Tatranská Lomnica, or on foot, about two and a half hours’ ascent via the trail.
Is it possible to go from Skalnaté pleso to Hrebienok on foot?
Yes, via the Tatranská Magistrála, in several hours of walking, during the season when trails are open. From Hrebienok, the funicular descends to Starý Smokovec.
Can the Skalnaté pleso observatory be visited?
No. The astronomical observatory next to the lake is a research center and does not receive general visitors.