Štrbské Pleso is one of the most iconic mountain lakes in the High Tatras — a pristine glacial moraine lake sitting at 1,346 metres above sea level, framed by dramatic peaks and dense pine forests. It is the second largest lake in the Slovak part of the High Tatras and the most characteristic moraine lake in the entire range. Whether you visit in the golden light of summer or under a thick blanket of winter snow, this place will stay with you long after you leave.

The lake covers nearly 20 hectares, stretches 640 m in length and 600 m in width, and reaches a maximum depth of 26 m. What makes it truly remarkable is that no surface stream flows in or out — the water is fed entirely by underwater springs rising from depths of over 12 metres. On average, the lake is frozen for 155 days a year, and the ice rink on its shore is the highest-altitude public skating rink in Slovakia. In summer, rowing boats glide across the glassy surface, while the surrounding resort of Štrbské Pleso — the highest-situated village in Slovakia — offers excellent facilities for visitors.

• From Tatranská Štrba — rack railway (Ozubnicová železnica) runs directly to the lakeshore, approx. 20 minutes, easy
• From Starý Smokovec — Tatra Electric Railway (TEŽ) to Štrbské Pleso station, approx. 40 minutes, easy
• Tatra Magistrale trail (red) from Popradské pleso — approx. 1 hour, moderate
• Red trail from Tri studničky — approx. 3.5 hours, moderate

• The lake lies within Tatra National Park (TANAP) — stay on marked trails and do not enter the water
• Swimming in the lake is prohibited due to nature conservation rules
• Rowing boats are available for hire seasonally on the lakeshore
• Hotels, restaurants and equipment rental are available in the nearby resort village

Here is a fascinating detail: the lake is home to the whitefish species Coregonus maraena, introduced from Lake Miedwie in Poland — scientists believe Štrbské Pleso may be the only place in the world where this fish lives in its pure genetic form. And long before it was a tourist destination, the lake was a commercial ice mine, supplying restaurants as far away as Vienna, Berlin and Budapest throughout the 19th century.