Czarny Staw Kieżmarski is one of those High Tatra gems that stays with you long after you leave. Nestled at 1,580 m above sea level in the upper part of the Kežmarská Valley, this dark, mirror-still lake sits beneath a towering 900-metre north face of Malý Kežmarský štít — a setting that feels almost otherworldly.

The lake is a moraine lake, oval in shape, with calm dark waters that perfectly reflect the surrounding rocky walls and sky above. Its neighbours — Zielony Staw Kieżmarski and Mały Staw Kieżmarski — are just a short walk away, making the whole area a rewarding destination for anyone who loves mountain lakes. In early autumn, when the air turns crisp and the crowds thin out, the atmosphere here is simply magical. Even in summer it feels secluded and peaceful compared to busier Tatra spots.

• From Lomnický štít lake — red trail (Tatra Magistrale), via Rakuský prechod, passing Czarny Staw Kieżmarski; approx. 2 h 05 min one way, return approx. 2 h 55 min; difficulty: moderate.
• From the Zelené pleso mountain hut — red trail, approx. 35 min each way; difficulty: easy.

• The lake lies within the TANAP national park — park rules apply, including staying on marked trails.
• Seasonal access — check current trail conditions before setting out, as snow can persist into late spring.

The German and Hungarian names of the lake honour Thomas Mauksch, a Spiš-German naturalist who studied the Tatra wilderness — a charming reminder that these mountains have long inspired curious minds.