From Štrbské Pleso to Popradské pleso

The ascent to Popradské pleso starts at Štrbské Pleso, accessible by car, train or bus. Popradské pleso, located in the Mengusov valley at an altitude of 1,500 m, is the fourth largest lake in Slovakia. It is a popular destination for tourists and an ascent point to places such as Veľké Hincovo pleso, the Ostrva saddle, Rysy or Kôprovský štít. The symbolic cemetery, located about 30 minutes on foot from the lake, is a memorial site for the victims of Tatra accidents. The lake is covered with ice from November to May and the average water temperature is 16°C. Besides hiking, it is also popular for ski mountaineering, cross-country skiing and climbing.

Difficulty 

The hike to the Popradské pleso is relatively easy and is suitable for families with children, cyclists and people with strollers.

Start of the route 

The hike can start at the Tatra tram stop "Popradské pleso" or at the former medical house Helios.

Route

There are two main routes to the Popradské pleso. 

1. The first, less demanding, starts at the Tatra tram stop "Popradské pleso" and is marked with a blue sign. The route leads along an asphalt road. 
2. The second trail starts at the former Helios health centre and is marked with a red sign. This route includes a nature trail. In the winter months it is necessary to cross from the Trigan crossroads to the green sign due to the winter closure on the subsequent section.

Winter closure of hiking trails in the High Tatras is valid from 1 November to 31 May. During this period, all hiking trails to the alpine huts are open, except for the Chalet pod Rysmi, which remains closed. Before planning a trip, it is a good idea to check the official website or local tourist information centres for up-to-date information on closures.

Description of the route to the Poprad Ball

1. Asphalt road on the blue marker
   • Start: the Tatra tram stop "Popradské pleso".
   • Length: Approximately 1.2 km one way, i.e. 2.4 km round trip
   • Time: Approximately 1:15 hrs.
   • Characteristic: The asphalt road is wheelchair accessible and suitable for families with children, cyclists and people with strollers
   • Difficulty: less demanding, accessible all year round

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2. Hiking trail along the red trail
   • Start: the former Helios Healing House
   • Length: Approximately 3.5 km one way, i.e. 7 km round trip
   • Time: Approximately 1:30 hours (one way)
   • Characteristic: It includes a nature trail and a well. In the winter months there is an avalanche terrain from the Trigan crossroads, so it is necessary to cross to the green marker.
   • Difficulty: slightly more difficult compared to the asphalt road

Excursions and activities around Popradské pleso

1. Symbolic cemetery

• Route: from Štrbské Pleso or Popradské Pleso.
• Length: Approximately 30 minutes on foot from Popradské pleso.
• Description: A short and easy path leads to the Symbolic Cemetery, a memorial place with commemorative plaques for the victims of Tatra accidents.
• The walkway to the Symbolic Cemetery is closed from 15.12. to 30.4.

2. Popradské pleso and Hincovo pleso

• Route: from Popradské pleso around Hincovho pleso to Kôprovský štít.
• Length: Approximately 5-6 hours (round trip).
• Description: Moderately demanding hike with magnificent views of the Tatra peaks and mountains. The route is suitable for hikers who are ready for a moderately demanding ascent and want to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

3. Serpentines to Ostrva

• Route: from Popradské pleso through serpentines up to Ostrva (1 984 m above sea level).
• Length: Approximately 4-5 hours (round trip).
• Description: Moderately demanding hike with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The hike is suitable for hikers in good condition who want to enjoy the views from the summit.

These hikes are tailored to different levels of difficulty and offer options for all hikers, from easy walks to challenges for experienced climbers. Careful planning and monitoring of current weather conditions before each ascent is recommended.

Camera Popradské pleso

You can watch the current weather conditions and the weather forecast live directly from Popradské pleso via webcam.

Source : https://popradskepleso.pekyho.sk/webkamery/

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