Tucked away at around 1972 m above sea level in the upper reaches of the Staroleśna Valley, Middle Zbójnik Lake is one of those high-mountain gems that stays with you long after you leave. Part of the scenic Zbójnik Lakes group in the Slovak High Tatras, it rewards every hiker who makes the effort to reach it with stunning alpine scenery and an almost otherworldly sense of calm.

The lake sits in a rugged granite landscape, surrounded by dwarf pine and sweeping views down the valley. In summer the clear water mirrors the rocky peaks above, making it a perfect rest spot on your way up. Autumn brings warm ochre tones to the slopes, while in winter the area becomes a true wilderness accessible only to experienced mountaineers with proper equipment. Worth knowing: this lake and the nearby Lower Zbójnik Lake are connected by the Zbójnik stream and are sometimes counted as a single larger body of water — the distinction depends on which map or guidebook you follow.

• Rainerova Chata (Tatranská Lomnica area) — blue trail along the Staroleśny stream via Zbójnická Chata mountain hut; the trail passes close to the lake; approx. 2 h 15 min uphill, 1 h 45 min downhill; difficulty: moderate to demanding.
• From Zbójnická Chata continuing to Rohatka pass: approx. 1 h 15 min uphill, 55 min downhill.

• The lake lies within TANAP (Tatra National Park) — staying on marked trails is mandatory; entering the water is not permitted.
• Seasonal access — trails may be closed outside the summer season.

The name 'Zbójnik' refers to the legendary mountain outlaws of the Tatras — although no specific stories tie these particular lakes to bandits, the name alone lends the place a wonderfully mysterious atmosphere.