Black Lake | Vysoke Tatry

Information

Landmark: Black Lake
City: Vysoke Tatry
Country: Slovakia
Continent: Europe

Black Lake, Vysoke Tatry, Slovakia, Europe

Čierne pleso kežmarské (Black Lake of Kežmarok) is a glacial mountain lake located in the Valley of the Green Lake (Dolina Zeleného plesa) within the High Tatras of northern Slovakia. It is situated in a small depression at an elevation of 1,579 meters, at the base of the northern wall of the Malý Kežmarský štít peak.

Visual Characteristics

The lake is a moraine-type tarn with an elliptical shape, covering an area of 0.28 hectares. It measures approximately 98 meters in length and 38 meters in width, with a maximum depth of 3.6 meters. The water appears dark or black due to the accumulation of dark organic humus and silt on the lake bed, contrasting with the surrounding grey granite scree and green dwarf pine (Pinus mugo) vegetation.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is accessible via the Tatranská magistrála (red-marked trail) from Skalnaté pleso over the Veľká Svišťovka pass (approx. 2.5 hours). Alternatively, a yellow-marked trail leads from the Biela voda parking lot (Route 537) toward the Chata pri Zelenom plese hut (approx. 2.5 to 3 hours), with the lake located 70 meters from the main path. Public transport access is available via bus to the "Biela voda" stop between Tatranská Lomnica and Tatranská Kotlina.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The lake was formed by glacial retreat during the Holocene epoch. Historically, it was referred to as "Mauksch See" in honor of Thomas Tobias Mauksch, an 18th-century botanist and co-founder of Starý Smokovec. The "Kežmarské" designation distinguishes it from other "Black Lakes" in the Tatras, referencing its historical location within the municipal lands of the town of Kežmarok.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking and nature photography are the primary activities. The lake serves as a quiet alternative to the high-traffic Green Lake (Zelené pleso) located just 200 meters to the north. Visitors often use the site as a rest point before the steep ascent to the Veľká Svišťovka pass. The area is a habitat for the Tatra chamois and Alpine marmot.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no facilities at the lakeshore. The Chata pri Zelenom plese hut, located within a 5-minute walk, provides a restaurant, accommodation, and public restrooms. Cell phone signal (4G) is functional but may be shielded by the massive northern face of Malý Kežmarský štít. No food vendors or equipment rentals are available on-site.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal months for visiting are July through September for snow-free trails. Photography is best in the morning when the water is calm, reflecting the surrounding peaks. During winter, the lake is frozen and covered in snow, and the access trail from Skalnaté pleso via Veľká Svišťovka is closed due to seasonal regulations and avalanche risk.

Facts & Legends

The lake’s name is derived from its sediment, but local folklore occasionally attributes the dark color to "mountain ink" or coal-like minerals. A verified oddity is that the lake has no permanent surface inflow or outflow; it is primarily fed by underground seepage and meltwater, maintaining a relatively stable water level despite its small volume.