Popradské pleso (1,494 m) lies an hour and a bit from Štrbské Pleso at the mouth of the Mengusovská valley. It is the natural first hike in the area: a good path, a real mountain atmosphere, and a hotel-restaurant on the shore for lunch.
A short loop from the lake leads to the Symbolic Cemetery (Symbolický cintorín), founded in 1940 below the cliffs of Ostrva. Its motto — “to the memory of the dead, as a warning to the living” — is worth carrying with you onto the higher trails.
What to see and do: Popradské Pleso & the Symbolic Cemetery
Hike in on the red trail
From Štrbské Pleso the red-marked Tatranská magistrála contours through forest and across rocky slopes to the lake in about 1¼–1½ hours (roughly 4.5 km, 200 m of ascent). It is a proper mountain path with stones and roots — fine for children used to walking, not for pushchairs.
Or take the easy road
From the “Popradské Pleso” railway stop a narrow tarred service road (blue marks) climbs gently to the lake in about 1¼ hours. This is the pushchair-friendly route and the usual winter approach.
Walk around the lake
A path circles the shore in 20–30 minutes. The view up the valley is to the wall of Mengusovské štíty; the water is strikingly green and clear.
Visit the Symbolic Cemetery
The yellow-marked loop from the lake takes about 30–40 minutes. Plaques on the boulders and carved, painted wooden crosses from Detva commemorate climbers, rescuers and others who lost their lives in the mountains. It is open in the summer season only (closed from 1 November to mid-June) to protect it and the wildlife.
Climb to the Ostrva saddle
The zigzags opposite the hotel lead in about an hour to Sedlo pod Ostrvou (1,966 m) and a superb view straight down on the lake. Summer season only.
How to get to Popradské Pleso & the Symbolic Cemetery
- On foot from Štrbské Pleso: red trail from the north-east corner of the lake, signposted “Popradské pleso”.
- By train: one stop east of Štrbské Pleso to “Popradské Pleso” (request stop), then the blue-marked road.
- There is a paid car park at the railway stop on the main road; it is small and fills early.
Insider tips
- Make it a loop: red trail in, tarred road down to the railway stop, train back.
- In winter the red summer trail is closed because of avalanche danger; use the marked winter route or the road.
- The hotel restaurant is busy at midday — eat early or late.
- Behave quietly at the cemetery; it is a place of remembrance, not a viewpoint.
Tours that fit: Popradské Pleso & the Symbolic Cemetery
These GetYourGuide experiences pair well with Popradské Pleso & the Symbolic Cemetery:
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
Private multi-day tour from €1299 Three-Day High Tatras & Spiš Castle Private Tour
A fully arranged private break with transport, accommodation and Slovak food experiences. It is a new listing with no reviews at the time of writing and a premium price, so treat it as a concierge-style option and compare it with booking a hotel and day tours yourself.
- Private transport and accommodation
- The High Tatras and Spiš Castle
- Meals included, per the listing
