Zelené Pleso (Green Lake Trail)

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Zelené Pleso (Green Lake Trail): High Tatras Day Hike

Published 17 July 2025 Updated 5 June 2026

380

Ranked #380 of 974

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HikeList Score

Zelené Pleso (Green Lake Trail) scored 82/100 on HikeList's trail-quality metrics.

Great Hike

See score breakdownHide breakdown

Ideal length 55
Balanced challenge 100
Scenery & wildness 98
Varied terrain 83
Accommodation 66
Food & support 81
Path quality 98
Season flexibility 76

Computed from length, challenge, scenery & wildness, terrain variety, accommodation, food & support, path quality and season flexibility.

Zelené Pleso, or Green Lake, is a moderate 15 km out-and-back hike in the High Tatras of northern Slovakia, inside Tatra National Park. The classic route starts at Biela voda and follows the yellow-marked valley trail to Chata pri Zelenom plese and the lake at 1545 m. Allow a full day: about 2.5–3 hours up and 5–6 hours return. It suits hikers who want a serious but non-technical Tatra walk with forest, stream-side trail and high mountain scenery.

Route Overview

Start and finish at the Biela voda car park on road 537 between Tatranská Lomnica and Kežmarské Žľaby. The direct route follows the yellow trail beside the Kežmarská Biela voda stream, climbing through spruce forest into Dolina Zeleného plesa before reaching Chata pri Zelenom plese on the lake’s northern shore. The return is by the same path, making this an out-and-back day hike. Biela voda is reached by car, or via public transport to Tatranská Lomnica. A harder variant links the lake with Skalnaté pleso via Veľká Svišťovka and fixed chains; this listing covers the direct valley route. For tougher Slovak peaks, compare the Kriváň Summit Trail or Baníkov Summit Trail.

History of Chata pri Zelenom plese

Tourism in Dolina Zeleného plesa is long established. A hut has stood by the lake since 1876, and the present chalet dates to 1894. It was later known as Brnčalova chata after climber Štefan Brnčal, and is now Chata pri Zelenom plese. The hut and valley have served hikers and climbers for well over a century, especially those heading for the surrounding High Tatra walls and towers.

Notable highlights

Zelené pleso (Green Lake, 1545 m): A moraine tarn in a glacial cirque, known for its greenish colour from springs rising through the lake bed. It is the main destination of the direct Biela voda route.

Chata pri Zelenom plese: A year-round mountain hut on the lake’s northern shore, offering meals, drinks and simple beds. It is the natural rest point before descending or continuing higher.

Dolina Zeleného plesa: The yellow-marked trail climbs steadily through spruce forest beside the Kežmarská Biela voda stream before the valley opens into higher Tatra terrain.

Veľká Svišťovka ridge variant: An optional, much harder route reaches roughly 2015 m and uses fixed chains between the lake and Skalnaté pleso. It changes the hike from a moderate valley walk into a strenuous traverse.

Surrounding Tatra peaks: Jahňací štít, Kolový štít, Jastrabia veža and the east face of Lomnický štít frame the lake, explaining why the valley is a long-standing base for Tatra mountaineers.

Challenges to expect

The direct Biela voda route is well marked and has no exposure, but it is still a full mountain day with roughly 700 m of steady ascent and rockier ground higher in the valley. Weather is the main issue: snow outside the reliable mid-June to October window and summer storms can quickly raise the difficulty. Do not confuse this route with the Veľká Svišťovka variant, which has fixed chains. For different Slovak terrain, see the Kláštorská Gorge Trail or the Low Tatras Ridge Trail.

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Ranked #380 of 974

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