Gładka Przełęcz (1993 m) is one of the lowest passes along the main ridge of the High Tatras, and one of those rare spots where two mountain worlds meet: the Polish Valley of Five Lakes on one side, and the Slovak Tichá (Quiet) Valley on the other. What makes it special is its gentle, grassy character — a refreshing contrast to the rugged peaks surrounding it.

Both slopes of the pass are covered with smooth, open grassland. The northern face, known as 'Gładkie', descends gently toward the Polish lakes, while the southern slope drops slightly more steeply into the Tichá Valley — though both are thoroughly approachable. In summer the pass is a peaceful, sunlit crossing with wide-open views of the surrounding ridges. In autumn the golden meadows make it a photographer's dream. Keep your eyes open: bears, lynxes and red deer use this pass as a natural wildlife corridor year-round.

• From the Slovak side — red trail from Liptovská Tichá Valley via the Závory pass; from Závory to Gładka Przełęcz: approx. 15 min each way; difficulty: easy to moderate.
• From the yellow trail junction to Závory pass: approx. 2 h 20 min up, 1 h 40 min down.

• The trail on the Polish side is currently closed — access is only possible from Slovakia.
• The pass works well as a highlight on a longer route linking Tichá Valley with the Five Lakes Valley area.

The first recorded tourist crossing here was made by Albrecht von Sydow back in 1827, and during World War II the pass served as a secret route for couriers and refugees — its gentle slopes offering a lifeline across the border.