Szczyrbskie Lake (Štrbské Pleso) in the High Tatras in Slovakia - trail, parking, views!
Szczyrbskie Lake (Štrbské Pleso) is one of those places that combines a wonderful, alpine landscape with exceptionally easy accessibility. It is excellently located at the foot of the High Tatras in Slovakia, at an altitude of about 1346 m above sea level. It impresses not only with its location, but also with the panorama of mountains reflected in the water surface. It is the second largest lake in the Slovak Tatras and one of the most recognizable places in the whole region!
I must admit that before coming here, I imagined it as a wild, raw place, a bit like the Sea Eye on the Polish side of the Tatras. However, the reality turned out to be slightly different. Szczyrbskie Pleso is heavily developed – tourist buildings stretch practically on both sides. Hotels, guest houses and tourist infrastructure make this place more resort-like than a wild, mountainous corner. Interestingly, however, despite this popularity, during our stay there were fewer tourists than you would expect, which definitely works well. Check out our guide with information about Szczyrbskie Lake in Slovakia!
Location, access and parking - practical information
Szczyrbskie Lake is located in the village of the same name – Štrbské Pleso, about 25 km west of Poprad. It is one of the best communicated places in the Slovak Tatras. You can get here both by car and public transport, including the popular Tatra electric railway, the so-called electric train. It took us about 3.5 hours to get there from Upper Silesia. We did not take any toll route in Slovakia.
The very location of the lake makes a great impression. The altitude of 1346 m above sea level is similar to our Tarnica in the Bieszczady Mountains, which is hard to imagine, standing over a calm surface of water and walking along a comfortable path around the lake. What's more, the weather conditions can surprise us here – while in the autumn we were welcomed by snow and frost in Tarnica, here in May we came across a beautiful spring weather.
A visit to Szczyrbskie Lake involves the cost of paid parking. There are several parking fee options available (2026):
- 1.5 hours – €5
- 2.5 hours – €8
- all day – 10 euros
The advantage is that the parking lot is close to the water surface and the route is easy, so it is practically for everyone. We chose the 2.5-hour option, although a walk around the lake would easily fit in a shorter time and a cheaper option. However, if you are planning to climb the tower or take a longer rest, it is worth choosing the longer option right away. In general, you have to be prepared for the fact that when visiting the area and the Slovak Tatras, you have to take into account quite expensive parking lots.
Tatras Tower – a new attraction of Štrbské Pleso
One of the newest elements of the Szczyrbskie Lake landscape is the Tatras Tower observation tower, opened in 2024. The 53-meter-high structure offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Krywan and Solisko. The tower arouses a lot of emotions – some consider it an interesting attraction, others as an element that disturbs the natural character of the place. Admission costs 13 euros per adult (about 55 PLN), which for many can be quite a high price. In the lower part of the tower there is also a shop and a cafe, which makes it a place not only for sightseeing, but also for recreation. During our visit, part of the panorama was obscured by clouds, so we decided not to enter. However, it is worth considering this attraction in good weather. The views can be really impressive and offer a panorama of the southern side of the Tatras, which is inaccessible in Poland!
Szczyrbskie Pleso - walk along the path around the lake
One of the biggest advantages of Szczyrbskie Lake is the possibility of easy walking around the entire body of water. The path running along the shore of the lake is about 2.3 km long and its passage takes about 45 minutes at a calm pace. It is an ideal proposition for both families with children and people who just want to enjoy the views without much effort. The route is well maintained and leads through various parts of the landscape – from more built-up parts to quieter sections with beautiful views of the lake surface and the surrounding peaks. The reflections of mountains in the water are particularly impressive, creating a postcard landscape in good weather. The hike is very pleasant and I highly recommend it!
Starting point in the Slovak Tatras - trail to Rysy
Szczyrbskie Jezioro is not only a walking destination, but also a great starting point in the higher parts of the High Tatras. One of the most famous trails starting in this area is the route to Rysy – the highest peak in Poland. This trail is considered very picturesque and is often recommended by people who have already taken it. However, it is worth remembering that on the Slovak side of the Tatras there are seasonal closures of high-mountain trails – usually from November to June. This means that in spring, access to higher parts of the mountains is limited, above the shelters it is practically impossible. We do not recommend breaking the prohibitions, because there are high fines for doing so.
Where to stay in the Szczyrbskie Lake area? Accommodation
When visiting the region of the High Tatras, it is worth considering accommodation in nearby towns. We stayed at the Natur Resort in Wielka Lomnica, which turned out to be a great starting point for exploring the whole area. The resort is located in a very picturesque place, overlooking the ridge of the Tatra Mountains and the dominant town of Łomnica. What is particularly memorable is not only comfortable conditions, but also very good food. This type of accommodation base allows you to combine active sightseeing with a moment of rest in a really pleasant environment.
Here you will find a wide selection of accommodations. By booking your stay on Booking.com through our link, you support the development of our blog — and we thank you in advance! It helps us reach many interesting places that we later love to show you and share our experiences and information with you.
Szczyrbskie Pleso as a former source of ice!
Interestingly, in the 19th century, the frozen Szczyrbskie Lake was a source of natural ice exported to Vienna and Budapest. It was even used at the imperial court. The work was carried out at night to make the ice melt more slowly. He was famous for being very clean.
Is it worth visiting Szczyrbskie Lake?
Szczyrbskie Lake is a place that can surprise – especially if you expect wild, untouched nature. Instead, we get a well-developed resort with beautiful views and easy access to the mountains. It is an ideal proposition for people who are looking for comfort or are just starting their adventure with the Tatras. Despite the development, the landscape is very impressive, and the walk around the lake remains one of the most pleasant and accessible attractions in this part of Slovakia. In addition, in this holiday resort you can take the Solisko Express chairlift to a number of ski slopes in winter, which are popular with skiers. It is a popular winter sports resort.
Darker squirrels in the Tatras
On the path around the pond, we met a squirrel. Did you know that in the Tatra Mountains squirrels are the same species - the common squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), which can be found throughout Poland, but here it is distinguished by an exceptionally dark, almost black coloration? It is a phenomenon of melanism and adaptation to harsh conditions. The darker colour of the fur is supposed to make it easier for the animal to absorb the sun's rays. The closest endemic and much larger relative of this family is the Tatra marmot.
Experiences in the area
It is a beautiful land offering a lot of good. It is also worth thinking about Poprad Pond (Poprad Lake), the cable car to Lomnicky Peak or the trail to Hrebienok and waterfalls from Stary Smokovec. I also recommend Spišská Sobota, because it hides beautiful architecture.
Rent a car
Exploring becomes much easier when you have your own means of transport. You don’t have to worry about buses or taxis, and you can plan each day your way. The search box below will help you find the right car – right where your journey begins.
What's worth seeing in the area?
If you are looking for more ideas for interesting places to visit, we have it for you some options in the area. There are several attractions within a radius of 100 kilometers, that are worth adding to your travel plan.
- Crown of the Polish Mountains, distance: 7 km
- Rysy, distance: 7 km
- Pieniny National Park, distance: 41.6 km
- Three Crowns, distance: 41.6 km
- Babia Góra, distance: 63.3 km
- Observation tower in Krynica Zdrój, distance: 71.7 km
- Żywiec, distance: 88.6 km
- Castle in Żywiec, distance: 88.6 km
- Wieliczka Salt Mine, distance: 96 km
- Bochnia Salt Mine, distance: 98 km
