Popradzki Staw — known in Slovak as Popradské pleso — is one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the High Tatras, sitting at 1,494 m above sea level in the Mengusovská Valley. With its striking yellow-green water, dramatic surrounding ridges and a cosy mountain hut right on its shore, this place feels like a true alpine gem. Whether you arrive in midsummer or deep winter, it never fails to impress.

The lake covers nearly 7 hectares and reaches a depth of 17 metres. In summer the water warms to around 16°C and the surface mirrors the peaks of Ostrva and Kôpky perfectly. Come autumn, the nearby grove of Swiss stone pines glows with golden light, and in winter — from around 11 November until late May — the lake freezes over completely, transforming the valley into a silent, snow-covered world. The atmosphere here is calm and unhurried, making it a favourite spot for both casual walkers and seasoned hikers.

• From Popradské Pleso railway station — blue trail, approx. 10 minutes, easy
• From Popradské Pleso railway station via the Symbolic Cemetery — yellow trail, approx. 30 minutes, easy
• From Štrbské Pleso — red trail (Tatranská Magistrála) to Trigan junction, approx. 30 minutes, then red trail approx. 35 minutes (summer route) or green trail approx. 45 minutes (winter route), moderate
• From Sliezsky dom — red trail via Batizovské pleso and Ostrva, approx. 3 hours 30 minutes, demanding

• The paved road to the lakeside hut (Chata pri Popradskom plese) is open to motor vehicles only for hotel guests and those with a special permit.
• The lake is accessible year-round on foot, by ski, on cross-country skis, and by bicycle.
• Ice typically forms around 11 November and melts around 21 May.

Just a short walk from the water, hidden among the stone pines, lies the Symbolic Cemetery — a deeply moving memorial to the victims of the Tatras, founded by Otakar Štáfl and Alojz Lutonský. It is one of the most poignant places in the entire mountain range.