Dlhé pleso — the Long Tarn — is one of the most striking alpine lakes in the Slovak High Tatras, resting at 1886 m above sea level in the remote Staroleśná Valley. Its elongated shape, stretching like a mirror between steep rocky slopes, gives it an instantly recognisable character. If you are looking for raw, unspoiled mountain scenery away from the crowds, this is the place.

The lake sits in a basin known as the Long Hollow, beneath the northern flanks of Skrajná Novoleská Turňa (2358 m). Scree slopes sliding down from the peak surround the tarn, lending the area a rugged, almost otherworldly atmosphere. The water is crystal clear and cold, perfectly reflecting the ridgelines above. In spring, patches of snow linger in the gullies; in autumn the rocks glow with warm tones. Measuring around 274 m in length and up to 60 m wide, with a depth of over 7 m, it is one of 27 tarns in the Staroleśné group — a remarkable collection of high-mountain lakes.

• Waterfalls of Studený potok / Rainerova chata — blue trail, following Staroleśný potok stream past the tarn towards Zbojnícka chata hut, approx. 2 h 15 min (↓ 1 h 45 min), moderate difficulty
• From Zbojnícka chata onwards to Roháčka pass — approx. 1 h 15 min (↓ 55 min)

The tarn's old German name, Genersich-See, honours Christian or Samuel Generisch, early explorers and enthusiasts of the Tatra Mountains — a small historical detail that adds depth to every visit here.