From Štrbské Pleso to Bystrá Lávka and back

This physically, but also technically strenuous hike will take you to two beautiful glacial valleys pass one of the most stunning waterfalls in the High Tatras – the Skok Waterfall in the valley of Mlynická dolina.

Begin

From Štrbské Pleso follow the yellow waymarked trail.

The nice trail will take you through a forest of dwarf pines mixed with high limba pine trees. Walk for an hour and a half until you arrive at a massive rock ledge over which the impressive, 25-metres high Skok Waterfall flows. Pass the waterfall on a path secured with mounted chains. The rocks are very smooth and slippery here. Once up at Pleso nad Skokom (lake at 1,801 m above sea level), rest a little before carrying on through the picturesque Mlynická dolina.

Mountain lakes and majestic peaks

The ridge of Bašta with its highest peak Satan (2,421.5 m above sea level) is in front of you on the right. On your left, there is the ridge of Solisko, which you will walk around. The trail goes on pass other rock ledges on the left along the lakes of Kozie plesá and Capie pleso.

Climb to the top

At the lakes, the trail turns sharply to the left to the saddle of Bystrá lávka. It’s a two-hour walk from the Skok Waterfall. When climbing up to the saddle, admire spectacular views of the valley with Capie pleso and Okrúhle pleso. This mountain lake is still partly covered by ice in mid-July. The lakes are overseen by Štrbský štít (2,381 m above sea level), as well as by Vysoká (2,560 m above sea level). After you reach Bystrá lávka at 2,300 metres above sea level, an unusual, eastern view of the border ridge of Kriváň will appear in front of you.

Return – via the lakes of Wahlenbergove plesá to the valley of Furkotská dolina

Continue in a steep descent to Vyšné Wahlenbergovo pleso. With its 2,157 metres above sea level, it is the second highest located mountain lake in the High Tatras, right after Modré pleso (2,189 m.above sea level) closing the valley of Malá Studená dolina. On the right from Wahlenbergovo pleso tower the peaks of Furkotský štít, Ostrá and Kozí chrbát. All three are very sharp and create a massive rock wall, unconquerable by mortals. Walk down among massive boulders to the lake of Nižné Wahlenbergovo pleso, and then to the valley of Furkotská dolina. The trail becomes less steep here. From the saddle, walk for two hours to the blue and yellow trail junction.

Chata pod Soliskom

As the yellow trail continues down the valley, turn left and walk up to the upper chair lift station at the chalet of Chata pod Soliskom. Take in the breathtaking views of the Štrbské Pleso valley and the end of the basin of Liptovská kotlina.

Return

From Solisko follow the blue trail under the chair lift all the way down to Štrbské Pleso.

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