Tucked away in the Slovak High Tatras, Zlomisková dolina — the Valley of Rubble — is one of the most raw and untamed corners of the entire mountain range. Massive granite boulders, glacial cirques and hidden mountain lakes make this side valley an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to enter it.

The valley stretches about 2.5 km and covers roughly 4.5 km². Its middle section opens into a surprisingly flat plateau called Zlatomiská Rówień, strewn with the rocky debris that gives the valley its evocative name. Higher up, three glacial cirques branch off: Zmarzła Kotlina, Żelazna Kotlina and Dolinka Rumanowa. The Zmarzły Potok stream flows through the valley, fed by the Zmarzły Staw lake. Several other lakes — Rumanowe Stawy, Smoczy Staw and the tiny Smocze Oka — hide in the side branches. The upper part of the valley can remain buried under snow even in summer, which is why old Zakopane guides once called it the 'Empty Valley'.

• Popradské pleso mountain hut — red-marked Tatras Magistrale trail towards Sedlo pod Ostrvou pass; the valley entrance branches off northward at a marked post, approx. 1:30 h to the pass, moderate difficulty
• From Batizovské pleso via Sedlo pod Ostrvou — approx. 1:40 h, moderate difficulty

• Entry to the valley is permitted only for technical climbers or tourists accompanied by a licensed Tatra mountain guide under favourable weather conditions.
• A signpost at the entrance reads 'Zakaz vstupu do prirodnej rezervacie' — respect the protected nature reserve rules at all times.
• Above the dwarf pine zone, stone cairns mark the route — stay on the path.

The valley's name has been praised for centuries — Polish poet Franciszek Henryk Nowicki wrote in 1888: 'I admire the accuracy of the name given to this valley by the highlanders.' The first recorded tourist visit was in 1860, and the first winter ascent took place as late as April 1903.