Nové Štrbské pleso is a charming little mountain lake tucked away in the High Tatras, just half a kilometre southeast of the famous Štrbské pleso. Although it was created artificially, it blends so seamlessly into the surrounding landscape that it feels entirely natural. If you're looking for a quieter, less crowded alternative to its famous neighbour, this hidden gem is well worth a short detour.

Sitting at an elevation of 1,315 metres above sea level at the mouth of Mlynická Valley, the lake covers just over 2 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 9.6 metres. Its dimensions of roughly 243 by 182 metres make it intimate and easy to walk around. The setting is classically Tatra — spruce forests, alpine meadows and mountain ridges reflected in calm water. In summer the lake shimmers with blues and greens, while autumn brings a spectacular show of golden and russet tones in the surrounding trees. In winter, when the lake freezes and snow blankets the shore, the atmosphere is almost magical.

• Štrbské Pleso village (train station/parking) — flat walking path, approx. 10–15 minutes, easy
• Arriving from Poprad or Tatranská Lomnica — take the rack railway to Štrbské Pleso, then walk

• Located within the Tatra National Park — general park rules apply, including staying on marked paths
• Accessible year-round; best visited between May and October

The lake owes its existence to architect Karol Móry from Banská Bystrica, who in 1905 redirected a stream from Mlynická Valley to flood the marshy terrain here. He then stocked it with trout and added rowing boats — a surprisingly entrepreneurial origin for such a peaceful spot.