A saddle above the Velická Valley that serves as an important crossing between the Velická and Litvorová Valleys, and as a starting point for Východná Vysoká. The final section before the saddle is secured with chains, rungs and iron footholds.
Route length
8.0 km one way
16 km round trip
16 km round trip
Elevation gain
1,210 m
Time (one way)
~3:36 h
Difficulty*
4/5
Trailhead
Tatranská Polianka (1,005 m a.s.l.)
📍 GPS parking
N 49.12297°, E 20.18531°
🔗 Route on Mapy.com
Elevation profile (podľa publikovaných dát trasy, nie z GPX)
Route breakdown
| 1 · Tatranská Polianka 1005 m · 0.0 km · 0:00 h | Starting point — the route begins here. |
| 2 · Velická Poľana 1200 m · 2.4 km · 1:00 h | The route passes by Velická Poľana, where there is a chance to rest and refill water. |
| 3 · Sliezsky dom 1670 m · 4.7 km · 2:30 h | The route passes by Sliezsky dom, where there is a chance to rest and refill water. |
| 4 · Poľský Hrebeň Ridge 2200 m · 8.0 km · 3:36 h | Poľský Hrebeň Ridge — the end of the route. |
ℹ Practical info
| 🅿 Parking | Tatranská Polianka — paid car park |
| 🚻 Toilets | Sliezsky dom |
| 💧 Water | Sliezsky dom |
| 🏠 Hut | Sliezsky dom (on the route) |
| 🚡 Cable car | No |
| ❄ Ascent season | Closed 1 Nov – 31 May |
| ☀ Best time | June — October |
| 🧭 Orientation | Exposed spots just below the saddle, the final stretch secured with chains and rungs |
| 🎨 Trail marking | 🟢 green (the whole route, Tatranská Polianka → Velická Poľana → Sliezsky dom → Poľský Hrebeň Ridge) |
| 🔀 Alternative route | You can also start from Starý Smokovec instead of Tatranská Polianka — via Hrebienok, Sliezsky dom and Zbojnícka Hut, with the final section secured by chains (about 10.5 km, ~1,200 m of ascent, roughly 4–4.5 h). |
| 🚨 Emergency number | Mountain Rescue Service: 18 300 (or 112) |
What to bring
🎒 Hiking boots with a stiffer sole
🎒 Trekking poles
🎒 Helmet (recommended on chains and exposed terrain)
🎒 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 upper sections are exposed to wind and sudden weather changes — turn back in case of a storm or fog.
- In winter and spring there is avalanche danger in the upper sections.
- Water is mostly available only at the lower-lying tarns — bring an adequate supply.