Tucked away at 1865 m above sea level in the middle section of Jagnięca Valley in the Slovak High Tatras, Modry Stawek is a small but captivating glacial tarn that rewards those willing to venture off the main trail. Its name means 'Blue Pond', and on a clear day the water lives up to every bit of that promise.

What makes this tarn stand out among similar glacial lakes is its surprisingly well-developed shoreline — unusual for a lake set so deeply into a glacial cirque. A 6-metre-high moraine wall closes it off from below, adding to the dramatic setting. The surroundings are wild and rugged: rocky slopes, mountain silence and open views toward the Tatra ridges. Spring and early summer are the best time to visit, when snowmelt keeps the tarn full and the landscape at its most vivid. Be aware that Modry Stawek is a seasonal water body — during hot summers it can shrink dramatically or even dry out completely.

How to get there

• From the mountain hut at Zelený pleso (Kežmarské) — yellow trail towards Jagnięcy Szczyt (Jahňací štít); the tarn lies a short distance off the trail, approx. 2 h 15 min up, 1 h 35 min down; difficulty: moderate.

Practical information

• The tarn is located within the TANAP national park — follow all park regulations during your visit.
• As a seasonal tarn, it may be nearly dry by late summer; plan your visit for spring or early summer for the best experience.

Interesting fact: the pond has been known by many names across languages — 'Blauer See' in German, 'Kék-tó' in Hungarian — all of them translating to the same 'blue lake', a nod to the striking colour of its water on sunny days.