Lakes and dams Kravany (okres Poprad)

There is probably no tourist in Slovakia who does not know the beautiful lake Štrbské pleso. However, not everyone knows that approximately half a kilometer southeast of it, below the mouth of the Mlynická dolina valley, lies the lake Nové Štrbské pleso. Cadastrally, it falls under the village of Štrba, in the Poprad district. It covers an area of 2 hectares at an altitude of 1,315 m above sea level, with its maximum depth reaching 9.6 m.

However, it is not a natural tarn. It was artificially created in 1905 from the former Štrbské mozgroviska, a silty tarn. The architect Karol Móry is considered its creator. The lake is densely overgrown with peat, which forms small islands on it. These need to be cleaned regularly. However, it is also home to many species of fish that thrive here. When you add all the surrounding trees and amazing views of the majestic Tatra peaks, a perfect spot is born.

The hike to Nové Štrbské pleso can be considered a gentle walk. If you arrive at the Štrbské Pleso railway station, after crossing the tracks of the rack railway, a path will lead you to the tarn. Before you know it, after approximately 5 minutes of walking, you are at the water. If you arrive by car, from the park-and-ride lot at Štrbské pleso, walk under the railway bridge directly to the tarn. From this side, it will take you 10 minutes on foot. It is so close, yet so few people know about it. Bench seating has been built around it for a pleasant rest; looking at the water surface can calm even the most troubled thoughts.

The surroundings probably do not need a special introduction, but there is always someone who has not yet discovered the beauty of the Vysoké Tatry. Book accommodation near Nové Štrbské pleso, for example on the page accommodation Štrbské Pleso, and come explore! Take a hiking trail to Popradské pleso, to the Skok waterfall, or to Kriváň. Take the cable car to Predné Solisko or the tram to Starý Smokovec, and from there to Hrebienok, to Tricklandia, or to Tatranský ľadový dóm Hrebienok. And that is just a small sample. Bring your family, children, and friends along, and experience for yourself what this beautiful piece of Slovakia has to offer.

The Štrbské pleso lake, hidden in the Vysoké Tatry mountains, is among the most famous Slovak tarns. It was named after the village of Štrba, as it lies within its cadastral territory. Thanks to its good accessibility and well-developed infrastructure, it is attractive to families with children, hikers, cyclists, and active seniors.

The second largest tarn in Slovakia lies at an altitude of 1,346.6 m above sea level, covering an area of almost 20 hectares and reaching an impressive depth of up to 26 meters. Due to its unique nature and fresh mountain air, the tarn has become a popular place for relaxation. Recreational boating on the tarn began as early as the 19th century, and you can try this attraction for yourself to this day.

Riding the cog railway from Štrbské Pleso to the village of Tatranská Štrba is undoubtedly an experience as well. The lake itself is the starting point for many hiking trails, while a short walk will lead you to Symbolický cintorín or Popradské pleso. Families with children and seniors alike will enjoy a walk along Náučný chodník Štrbské Pleso, which offers interesting information about the history of the village as well as the surrounding flora and fauna. Visitors of all ages will have a great time in the nearby Fun Park Štrbské pleso. Try snowtubing, snowrafting, snowball, or authentic Tatras curling. In the summer, Veveričí lanový park will test your skills.

More seasoned hikers will enjoy a hike to Veľké Hincovo pleso or Batizovské pleso. Those who wish to conquer surrounding peaks can set off on a full-day hike to the symbol of Slovakia – Kriváň, or an 8-hour hike to the popular Rysy. Cyclists will also find plenty to love. A 19 km long cycle route is established from the village of Štrbské Pleso, leading alongside the Štrbské pleso lake all the way to the Popradské pleso tram stop.

An interesting fact is that local residents wanted to drain the tarn in 1860 to gain valuable pastures; fortunately, these plans were never realized. It was right on Štrbské pleso, which is covered in ice for 155 days of the year, that the European Hockey Championship took place in 1925.

Štrbské pleso offers a truly diverse range of experiences and attractions, whether through hiking, relaxing in nature, nearby skiing opportunities, or exploring surrounding villages and their history. Therefore, it is best to spend at least a few days in this mountain location. On our portal, we offer a wide selection of accommodation near the Štrbské pleso lake, as well as in the Vysoké Tatry area itself.

Velické pleso is a sparkling gem and at the same time the largest tarn in Velická dolina valley in the Vysoké Tatry mountains. The lake, covering an area of 2.241 ha with a depth of 4.5 m, is situated at an altitude of 1,663 m a.s.l., near the mountain hotel Sliezsky dom. Velické pleso was formed after the retreat of a glacier, leaving a smaller moraine above it. The lake was also visited by Pope John Paul II, who prayed on July 3, 1995, in a gazebo built specially on its shore.

It is possible to set off on a hike to Velické pleso from several starting points: Tatranská Polianka, Starý Smokovec, Popradské pleso, or Tatranské Zruby. Although the route to the lake is classified as moderately demanding, the reward is gorgeous nature. For those who do not like walking but prefer pedaling a bicycle, it is good news that Velické pleso is the highest point accessible by bike in the Tatras.

From Sliezsky dom, a green hiking trail leads past the tarn to Poľský hrebeň. From June to October, a popular tourist destination is also the 15 m high Velický vodopád waterfall. Situated in the valley above the tarn are also Kvetnicové pliesko, Vyšné Velické plieska, and Dlhé pleso. At the same time, Velická dolina is the usual starting point for the ascent of Gerlachovský štít, which is permitted only with a mountain guide.

If you are planning to explore Velická dolina, look for accommodation around one of the starting points. A pleasant stay will be provided by cottages in Tatranská Polianka or apartments in Tatranské Zruby. Vysoké Tatry also offer a diverse selection of hotels and guesthouses. Just choose according to whether you are a family with young children or seniors, or whether you prefer comfort or lower accommodation prices.

In Mengusovská dolina, you will find the fourth largest lake in Slovakia – Popradské pleso. Popradské pleso covers an area of almost 7 hectares, is situated at an altitude of 1,494 m above sea level, and reaches a depth of 17 meters. It is just as sought after as the other tarns in Vysoké Tatry.

The tarn was formed in the last ice age after the retreat of glaciers by water flowing in from surrounding peaks and valleys. The path to it is suitable for any determined person, as this route can be managed even by wheelchair users – access is also provided via a paved asphalt road. Find nearby accommodation for families with children, large groups of friends, cyclists, vital seniors, or couples in love, and enjoy Popradské pleso.

In the 18th century, Popradské pleso was also referred to as Rybie pleso. Why? As the only one located on the southern side of the Tatry, it provided a home to the brown trout. In 1879, the first tourist mountain hut was built here, Chata pri Popradskom plese, also known as Chata kpt. Morávku. An interesting feature of Popradské pleso is also Symbolický cintorín (the Symbolic Cemetery for the Victims of the High Tatras), located in a Swiss pine grove under Ostrva. Here, they also honored 13 victims of a 1974 avalanche.

In addition to the blue hiking trail, you can also choose other difficulty levels for your hike to Popradské pleso. It depends entirely on you whether you select the station Popradské Pleso, Štrbské Pleso, or Sliezsky dom as your starting point.

If you plan to stay in the Tatry longer, we definitely recommend choosing from our selection of accommodations, which includes hotels near Popradské pleso, or private cottages near Popradské pleso. Or would you rather opt for charming guesthouses in Popradské pleso? The decision is yours. Our offer is truly diverse; all you need to do is book.

Palcmanská Maša is located in Slovenský raj and is its largest water reservoir. The village of Dedinky spans the shores of the dam. Although tourists are primarily interested in the recreational use of the reservoir, its main purpose is collecting water for the Dobšiná hydroelectric power plant and regulating the flow of the Hnilec river. Over time, Palcmanská Maša also acquired environmental importance. Fish farming facilities are located here, and this environment fed by the waters of Hnilec and mountain streams enables the breeding of brook trout and rainbow trout. This is also why the water reservoir is a popular fishing grounds.

In summer, the dam is especially popular for water sports and boating. Swimming is also possible, but you should keep in mind that it is one of the coldest reservoirs in Slovakia. Thanks to its popularity among tourists, accommodation and restaurant facilities were gradually established in the area, so during your stay near Palcmanská Maša, it will be easy for you to secure a quick snack as well as a full lunch. In the village of Dedinky, boat, paddleboat, and classic bicycle rentals are available for those who want to get to know the surrounding area better.

Whether on a bicycle or on foot, tourists have a wide choice of diverse routes to set off on from the water reservoir. The long loop trail around the dam is 10 km long, starting in the village of Dedinky, passing through Stratená píla, Stratená, the Pod Čižmou intersection, Dobšinská Maša, and back to Dedinky. In the village of Stratená, a wheelchair-accessible educational trail called Stratenský kaňon has been established.

During a stay in this area, a walk to Zejmarská roklina with Nálepkove vodopády waterfalls is recommended. You can also admire other waterfalls in the vicinity, including Korytový vodopád, Dúhový vodopád, or Závojový vodopád. Do not miss a visit to Dobšinská ľadová jaskyňa, while the more adventurous can tackle Ferrata Kyseľ. If you are heading to Národný park Slovenský raj for skiing, in the immediate vicinity of Palcmanská Maša you will find several ski resorts: Dedinky, Mlynky - Biele Vody, or Kruhová - Gugeľ.

People do not visit Slovenský raj for just one-day trips; it is recommended to stay longer and explore as much as possible. Therefore, you will need comfortable accommodation where you can lay your head after a day of hiking. You don't have to go far from Palcmanská Maša for accommodation at all. In the village of Dedinky, several apartments and cottages are available, while Mlynky also offers guesthouses or private accommodation.