Information
Landmark: Black LakeCity: Vysoke Tatry
Country: Slovakia
Continent: Europe
Black Lake, Vysoke Tatry, Slovakia, Europe
Overview
Black Lake (Čierne pleso) ranks among the High Tatras’ most beloved spots, its dark surface mirroring pine-lined slopes and sharp peaks above.Tucked high in the mountains, it’s a favorite spot for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers, who often pause to breathe in the crisp, pine-scented air.Black Lake sits in the quiet Mlynická Valley, tucked inside Slovakia’s Tatra National Park (TANAP), where pine-scented air drifts down from the surrounding peaks.Perched about 1,318 meters (4,324 feet) above sea level, the lake is small yet striking, its still water mirroring the surrounding peaks.You can reach it on foot from Štrbské Pleso or Hrebienok.The trail to the lake is easy to follow, winding through thick pine forests and over jagged rocks, with glimpses of towering mountains along the way.Black Lake’s glassy, clear water rests beneath sheer cliffs and soaring peaks.In the early morning or late afternoon, the water turns so dark it almost looks like ink-that’s how Black Lake got its name.Ringed by the soaring peaks of the Mlynická Valley, including Predné Solisko, Rysy, and Mlynická Hoľa, it sits in the heart of a breathtaking alpine scene.From Štrbské Pleso, you can reach it on a moderate hike that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace.The trail stays in great shape, leading hikers past sweeping views and crisp mountain air; from Black Lake, you can follow it to the Mlynická Chata, a cozy hut perfect for resting and taking in the quiet beauty.Black Lake and the surrounding Mlynická Valley lie within the protected Tatra National Park, where mountain goats pick their way over rocks, marmots bask in the sun, and birds dart through the high, thin air.The area overflows with plant life, from bright alpine meadows to dense mountain forests.The lake’s inky water, framed by jagged peaks and wildflower-strewn slopes, makes it a perfect place to capture striking landscape shots.On calm days, the lake mirrors the sky so clearly you can count the clouds, drawing hikers and nature lovers eager to soak in the untouched beauty of the High Tatras.In winter, snow drapes over Black Lake and the surrounding peaks, turning the whole scene into a quiet, white wonderland.Snow and ice can make getting there tricky in winter, so you’ll need to plan ahead.Around Black Lake, hiking is the go-to activity, with trails for every skill level.Photographers love the glassy water and misty banks at sunrise or sunset.If you’re after a slower pace, spread a blanket, unpack lunch, and soak in the calm scenery.Most visitors arrive on foot, following the hiking routes that lead straight to the lake.The trail begins at Štrbské Pleso, a lakeside spot you can reach by car, bus, or train from Poprad or nearby towns.It takes about an hour and a half to two hours to hike from Štrbské Pleso to Black Lake, where the water shimmers like dark glass; or you can begin in Hrebienok, a trailhead you’ll reach by riding the Hrebienok Funicular.It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour hike from Hrebienok to Black Lake, and summer-June through September-is the perfect season to go, when the air feels warm and the mountain paths are clear.This is when the lake’s waters turn their brightest blue, with wildflowers spilling color along the shore.From September to November, autumn paints the hills and valleys in deep golds and fiery reds.The trees shift through warm shades of gold and crimson, painting a picture-perfect scene.In winter, from December to March, Black Lake turns into a stunning getaway, though deep snow and slick ice make the journey harder.The mountains around here are ideal for winter sports, whether you’re carving fresh tracks on skis or gliding on a snowboard.In the heart of it all, Black Lake shines as a jewel of the High Tatras.Framed by rugged peaks and glassy blue water, it’s the perfect spot for hikers, photographers, and anyone who craves the outdoors.Come in summer for the mountain trails, or in winter when snow muffles every sound-either way, Black Lake is a quiet refuge deep in Slovakia’s peaks.
