Pusty Staw Staroleśny is one of those rare mountain lakes that rewards only the most adventurous visitors. Sitting at around 2055 m above sea level in the upper reaches of the Starý Smokovec Valley (Dolina Staroleśna) in the Slovak High Tatras, this raw and rugged tarn feels like a true hidden gem far from the crowds.

The scenery here is strikingly austere — and that is exactly the point. The lake's name literally means 'Empty Lake', a nod to the barren, boulder-strewn landscape surrounding it. Scree slopes and rocky debris tumbling down from the flanks of Świstowy Szczyt (Svišťový štít) frame the water on all sides, creating an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly. Measuring roughly 165 × 93 m with a surface area of about 1.2 ha and a depth of around 6.5 m, it is one of the larger of the 27 lakes scattered across the valley. Two smaller ponds, Mały Pusty Stawek and Puste Oko, lie close by. In summer the still water mirrors the stark grey peaks above; in winter the entire hollow is buried under snow and effectively unreachable.

• There are no marked hiking trails leading to Pusty Staw Staroleśny. Access is possible only through the upper part of Dolina Staroleśna via unmarked terrain — solid navigation skills and mountain experience are essential.

• The lake lies within the Tatra National Park (TANAP) on the Slovak side — park regulations apply at all times.
• No marked trails reach the lake — recommended for experienced hikers only.
• Best visited in summer or early autumn; winter access is not feasible.

An interesting detail: the name of the entire surrounding hollow — Pusta Kotlina ('Empty Hollow') — was coined after the lake itself, not the other way around.