Vyšné Volie pliesko is a small tarn tucked away at 1,980 m above sea level, on the third terrace of the Mlynická dolina valley, just above the Zadná poľana meadow. It's a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path spot for hikers who enjoy discovering the quieter corners of the High Tatras.

The surrounding landscape is typical high-mountain terrain - rocky, sparse and dramatic, with views over the ridgelines that frame the valley. What makes this tarn particularly interesting is its fleeting nature: it's slowly disappearing, and during dry spells it breaks up into several small wetlands, sometimes drying out completely in a hot summer. For the best chance of seeing it full of water, plan your visit for spring or early summer.

• From Štrbské Pleso, past the FIS hotel - follow the marked trail up through Mlynická dolina to the Skok Waterfall and continue further into the valley - moderate difficulty, several hours of hiking

The name recalls the shepherds from Štrba who grazed their cattle herds on the nearby Zadná poľana meadow as late as the second half of the 19th century, giving both the meadow and the tarn their 'volie' (cattle-related) name.