One of the most beautiful panoramic peaks in the Slovak Tatras — the summit offers a view of the Great Hincovo Tarn and the surrounding peaks. The route leads from Štrbské Pleso via Popradské Tarn and the Great Hincovo Tarn to the summit.
Route length
10.4 km one way
20.7 km round trip
20.7 km round trip
Elevation gain
1,100 m
Time (one way)
~4:24 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
Route breakdown
| 1 · Štrbské Pleso 1346 m · 0.0 km · 0:00 h | Start at the large car park by the lake; the route leads around the lake towards the Mengusovská Valley. |
| 2 · Popradské Tarn 1494 m · 5.0 km · 1:30 h | Comfortable forest path; there is a hut by the tarn for a rest and to refill water. |
| 3 · Great Hincovo Tarn 1945 m · 8.3 km · 3:06 h | The route continues through the Mengusovská Valley beneath rocky walls, the terrain gradually rises. |
| 4 · Upper Kôprová Saddle 2180 m · 9.9 km · 3:55 h | A steeper rocky switchback climb up to the saddle — the most demanding section of the route. |
| 5 · Kôprovský Peak 2363 m · 10.4 km · 4:24 h | A short final stretch along the ridge to the summit, with a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. |
ℹ Practical info
| 🅿 Parking | Štrbské Pleso — large paid car park |
| 🚻 Toilets | At Štrbské Pleso, at the hut by Popradské Tarn |
| 💧 Water | Available to refill at the hut by Popradské Tarn |
| 🏠 Hut | Hut by Popradské Tarn (approx. 1:40 h from Štrbské Pleso) |
| 🚡 Cable car | No |
| ❄ Ascent season | Closed 1 Nov – 31 May (avalanche risk) — check current status with the Mountain Rescue Service |
| ☀ Best time | June — October |
| 🧭 Orientation | Marked trail, rocky and exposed above the Hincovo Tarn |
| 🎨 Trail marking | 🔴 red (Štrbské Pleso → Popradské Tarn), 🔵 blue (→ Great Hincovo Tarn), 🔴 red (→ Upper Kôprová Saddle → Kôprovský Peak) |
| 🔄 Descent | Same route back |
| 🚨 Emergency number | Mountain Rescue Service: 18 300 (or 112) |
What to bring
🎒 Hiking boots
🎒 Trekking poles
🎒 Waterproof jacket
🎒 Water (min. 2 l)
🎒 Food / energy bars
🎒 First aid kit
🎒 Warm layer
🎒 Map / GPS / phone
⚠ What to watch out for
- The section from the Great Hincovo Tarn to the saddle is steep, rocky and exposed.
- Weather in the Tatras changes quickly — check the forecast and turn back if a storm approaches.
- In winter and spring there is avalanche risk in the higher sections.
- Water is only available at Popradské Tarn — bring an adequate supply.