Furkotská dolina is the westernmost of the valleys above Štrbské Pleso and the least visited. It climbs in broad steps from forest to a stony upper basin holding the two Wahlenberg tarns, named after the Swedish botanist Göran Wahlenberg, who studied the Tatras in 1813.
The upper tarn, Vyšné Wahlenbergovo pleso, lies at about 2,157 m and is often still part-frozen in July. Just above it is Bystrá lávka, the notch through which the trail crosses to the Mlynická valley.
What to see and do: Furkotská Valley & Bystrá Lávka
The Mlynická–Furkotská loop
The classic circuit: yellow trail up the Mlynická valley past Skok waterfall, over Bystrá lávka (about 2,300 m) and down the Furkotská valley back to the resort. About 7–8 hours and 1,000 m of ascent. The crossing has chains on the Mlynická side and steep scree; the park recommends walking it in this direction.
Up to the tarns and back
If you would rather avoid the pass, walk the yellow trail up Furkotská to the Wahlenberg tarns and return the same way — about 3 hours up from the resort.
Shortcut via the chairlift
Ride the Solisko chairlift and follow the blue trail from Chata pod Soliskom down into the valley; it saves around 400 m of climbing.
How to get to Furkotská Valley & Bystrá Lávka
- Start on the red magistrála west from the ski stadium, then take the yellow marks right into the valley.
- Or begin at the top of the Solisko chairlift (blue trail).
Insider tips
- The valley above the magistrála is closed from 1 November to mid-June.
- Snow can cover the trail near Bystrá lávka into early summer; ask at the mountain rescue office or your hotel about conditions.
- There is no hut in the valley apart from Chata pod Soliskom — carry food and water.
Tours that fit: Furkotská Valley & Bystrá Lávka
These GetYourGuide experiences pair well with Furkotská Valley & Bystrá Lávka:
Guided wildlife hike from €240 High Tatras: Bear-Watching Hiking Tour
The one experience here that is a real mountain day rather than a sightseeing drive: a guided hike into bear country with someone who knows where the animals feed. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but the tracking, the valleys and the guide’s knowledge make the day.
- Hike with a local wildlife guide
- Look for brown bears, chamois and marmots
- Small group, quiet valleys
Small-group day trip from €114 From Zakopane: High Tatras Treetop Walk and Štrbské Pleso (Small Group)
The same classic pairing — Bachledka and the lake — run as a small-group tour with pickup, which early reviewers rate at the very top. A relaxed pace, a guide who handles the border roads and enough time at the lake for the full loop and a coffee.
- Small group with pickup in Zakopane
- Walk among the crowns of the trees at Bachledka
- The glacial lake of Štrbské Pleso at 1,346 m
