A small saddle above Popradské Tarn in the Mengusovská Valley, below the unassuming peak of Ostrva — it serves as a starting point for ridge routes south of Popradské Tarn.
Route length
9.0 km one way
18.0 km round trip
18.0 km round trip
Elevation gain
620 m
Time (one way)
~3:09 h
Difficulty*
2/5
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 · Popradské Tarn 1494 m · 5.0 km · 1:30 h | The route passes by Popradské Tarn, where there is a chance to rest and refill water. |
| 3 · Saddle below Ostrva 1966 m · 9.0 km · 3:09 h | Saddle below Ostrva — the end of the route. |
ℹ Practical info
| 🅿 Parking | Štrbské Pleso — paid car park |
| 🚻 Toilets | At Popradské Tarn |
| 💧 Water | Popradské Tarn |
| 🏠 Hut | Horský hotel Popradské Pleso (near the trailhead) |
| 🚡 Cable car | No |
| ❄ Ascent season | Accessible most of the year, except in extreme winter conditions |
| ☀ Best time | June — October |
| 🧭 Orientation | Easy route |
| 🎨 Trail marking | 🔴 red (the whole route, part of the Tatranská magistrála trail) |
| 🔀 Alternative route | It can also be walked as a one-way crossing via the Zlomisková Valley to (or from) Vyšné Hágy instead of the classic out-and-back from Popradské Tarn — about 17 km in total, +1,051 m / −1,476 m, roughly 6:30 h. |
| 🚨 Emergency number | Mountain Rescue Service: 18 300 (or 112) |
What to bring
🎒 Hiking boots
🎒 Trekking poles
🎒 Waterproof jacket
🎒 Water (min. 1.5 l)
🎒 Food / snack
🎒 Map / GPS / phone
⚠ What to watch out for
- Even at this lower-altitude saddle, the weather in the Tatras changes quickly — check the forecast and turn back in time if it worsens.
- The trail can be slippery after rain, especially on the rocky sections.