A saddle on the Solisko ridge below Furkotský Peak, connecting the Mlynická and Furkotská Valleys. The walking crossing today runs along the adjacent Bystrá ledge, with views of Kriváň and the Wahlenbergove Tarns.
Route length
7.5 km one way
15.1 km round trip
15.1 km round trip
Elevation gain
968 m
Time (one way)
~3:36 h
Difficulty*
3/5
Trailhead
Štrbské Pleso (1,346 m a.s.l.)
📍 GPS parking
N 49.12106°, E 20.06336°
🔗 Route on Mapy.com
Elevation profile (podľa publikovaných dát trasy, nie z GPX)
Route breakdown
| 1 · Štrbské Pleso 1346 m · 0.0 km · 0:00 h | Starting point — the route begins here. |
| 2 · Skok Waterfall 1789 m · 5.0 km · 1:45 h | The route passes by the 25 m high Skok Waterfall, one of the best-known waterfalls in the High Tatras, in the Mlynická Valley. |
| 3 · Bystré Saddle 2314 m · 7.5 km · 3:36 h | Bystré Saddle — the end of the route. |
ℹ Practical info
| 🅿 Parking | Štrbské Pleso — paid car park |
| 🚻 Toilets | Štrbské Pleso |
| 💧 Water | Bring your own supply — there is no spring on the route |
| 🏠 Hut | None directly on the route |
| 🚡 Cable car | Not directly on the route, but the descent via the Furkotská Valley passes by Chata pod Soliskom (the upper station of the Expres cable car) — you can also ride down from there instead of walking. |
| ❄ Ascent season | Closed 1 Nov – 31 May |
| ☀ Best time | June — October |
| 🧭 Orientation | It is walked as a loop, not out-and-back along the same path — ascent via the Mlynická Valley past Skok Waterfall, crossing the chain-secured Bystrá ledge, descent via the Furkotská Valley past Chata pod Soliskom back to Štrbské Pleso. |
| 🎨 Trail marking | 🟡 yellow (ascent via the Mlynická Valley past Skok Waterfall to the Bystrá ledge/Bystré Saddle), 🟡 yellow → 🔵 blue (descent via the Furkotská Valley, blue from Chata pod Soliskom to Štrbské Pleso) |
| 🚨 Emergency number | Mountain Rescue Service: 18 300 (or 112) |
What to bring
🎒 Sturdy hiking boots with a stiff sole
🎒 Trekking poles
🎒 Helmet (recommended on exposed rocky sections)
🎒 Waterproof and windproof jacket
🎒 Extra warm layer
🎒 Water (min. 2 l)
🎒 Food / energy bars
🎒 First aid kit
🎒 Map / GPS / phone
⚠ What to watch out for
- The section below the saddle tends to be steep, rocky and in places exposed — suitable footwear and experience matter.
- Weather in high-mountain terrain changes very quickly — turn back in a storm, fog or high wind; a ridge is no place to wait it out.
- In winter and spring this terrain carries a high avalanche risk — don't come here at that time without experience and the right gear.
- There is no water available along the route — bring an adequate supply in advance.