Malá Studená dolina — the 'Little Cold Water Valley' — is one of the most rewarding hikes on the Slovak side of the High Tatras, and has been turning heads since 1859 when the celebrated explorer Heinrich Barth declared it one of the most beautiful mountain valleys in the world. Arranged in terraces and opening towards the east, it takes you through three dramatically different landscapes in a single day out.

The lower section is a forest walk alongside the rushing Malý Studený potok stream, with the impressive Obrovský vodopád (Giant Waterfall) greeting you at the valley's entrance. Higher up, the trees give way to dwarf pine and alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer. The crown jewel is the upper basin — Päť spišských plies, the Five Spiš Lakes — five glacier-carved tarns with a striking turquoise shimmer. Autumn paints the hillsides in deep golds and reds, while winter wraps the valley in a pristine silence beloved by ski tourers.

• Starý Smokovec (Old Smokovec) — green trail via Zamkovského chata to Téryho chata: approx. 1 h 45 min up, moderate difficulty
• From Téryho chata to Sedielko (Ice Pass): approx. 1 h 30 min up, demanding
• From Téryho chata via Priečne sedlo to Veľká Studená dolina: approx. 1 h 30 min to the pass, one-way yellow trail, demanding

• The valley is within the Tatra National Park (TANAP) on the Slovak side — national park rules apply.
• Zamkovského chata (1475 m) and Téryho chata (2015 m) both offer accommodation and meals — book ahead in summer.
• Some maps incorrectly label this valley as 'Studená dolina' — it is a distinct valley, so double-check before you set off.

Near the top of the valley, tucked under the crags of Baranie rohy at around 2207 m, lies Baranie pliesko — the highest-altitude lake in the entire Tatra Mountains, a tiny tarn that sometimes disappears completely in dry years. A beautiful little secret worth the climb.