Barani Stawek is one of the most extraordinary and elusive spots in the entire Tatra Mountains — sitting at 2,207 m above sea level, it holds the title of the highest-lying body of water in the whole Tatra range. Remote, raw, and genuinely off the beaten track, it rewards those willing to make the effort.

The tarn lies nestled in a rocky hollow called Barani Ogród ('Ram's Garden'), at the foot of the south face of Baranie Rogi, deep in the upper reaches of the Valley of Five Spisz Lakes on the Slovak side of the High Tatras. The surrounding landscape is rugged and primeval — sheer rock walls, high-alpine terrain, and a silence rarely broken by passing hikers. The lake itself is seasonal and its size varies dramatically throughout the year. In late spring and early summer, when snowmelt feeds it, it looks its most impressive. By midsummer it can vanish almost completely, leaving just a damp rocky depression as evidence of its existence.

• Valley of Five Spisz Lakes (Slovak side) — no marked trail leads directly to the tarn; access is possible only with a licensed Tatra mountain guide, as part of an ascent of Baranie Rogi via Barania Pass — difficulty: demanding

• No marked tourist trail leads to this tarn.
• Visits are permitted only when accompanied by a licensed Tatra mountain guide.
• The tarn frequently dries out completely in summer — check conditions before planning your trip.
• Located within the Slovak TANAP national park — park regulations apply.

Here is a fun fact to remember: Barani Stawek may technically be the highest lake in the Tatras, but nature occasionally decides it does not exist at all — making each visit feel like a small discovery.