Perched at 1801 metres above sea level, Pleso nad Skokom is a hidden gem sitting right above the spectacular Skok waterfall in the Mlynica Valley. The trail to reach it is an adventure in itself, and the reward — a serene alpine lake with sweeping views — is absolutely worth every step.

The lake measures 158×80 metres and covers 0.735 hectares, nestled on a high valley terrace carved by glaciers. Despite its modest size today, it was once the largest lake in the entire Mlynica Valley, stretching across as much as 3 hectares before a damaged rocky dam caused much of the water to drain away. From the shoreline you can enjoy a lovely view of the Satan Ridge in the Towers Ridge. In spring the snowmelt powers the waterfall just below into a roaring curtain of white water; in summer the surrounding terrain is lush with subalpine vegetation; in autumn the slopes turn warm shades of gold and amber.

• Štrbské Pleso (parking near Hotel FIS) — follow the marked trail up the Mlynica Valley; the ascent past the Skok waterfall is secured with fixed chains — moderate difficulty

• The lake lies within the High Tatras National Park — stay on marked paths at all times.

The lake was named in 1877 by two naturalists from Spišská Nová Ves, Július Geyer and Martin Róth, who came here to conduct zoophenological observations — a charming piece of scientific history hidden in these beautiful mountains.