Winter Hike from the Belianske Tatras to the High Tatras
Tatranská Kotlina – Plesnivec Lodge – Veľké Biele Lake – Lodge at Zelené Lake – Tatranské Matliare
Tatranská Kotlina
about 7–8 hours
challenging in winter conditions, 20 km
Through a snow-covered landscape between two mountain ranges
This all-day hike connects the forest trails of the Belianske Tatras with the open landscape beneath the High Tatra peaks. From Tatranská Kotlina, you’ll ascend to Chata Plesnivec, the only high-altitude mountain hut in the Belianske Tatras. Its location beneath the rock faces of Bujačí Peak offers a pleasant spot for your first break before continuing to higher elevations.
From the lodge, the trail continues to Veľké Biele pleso on the border between the two mountain ranges. This is followed by a stretch along the Tatra Main Trail past Trojroh pliesko to Zelené pleso, above which rises Jastrabia veža. After a stop at the Chata pri Zelenom plese mountain hut, a longer descent into the foothills awaits you, and the hike concludes in Tatranské Matliare.
Trasa a výškový profil
What can you experience and see along the route?
Please read this before your visit
The described route via Chata Plesnivec, Veľké Biele pleso, and Zelené pleso is not among the sections that are regularly closed seasonally. However, from November 1 through May 31, the trail leading to Kopské sedlo, Jahňací štít, and toward Sedlo pod Veľkou Svišťovkou is closed. Before setting out, be sure to check for any special restrictions.
At higher elevations, icy sections, deep snow, wind, and reduced visibility can make the hike more challenging. Monitor avalanche forecasts and warnings from the Mountain Rescue Service (HZS). Choose your gear—including crampons, an ice axe, and avalanche equipment—based on the conditions and terrain, and use it only if you have the appropriate knowledge. If conditions are unfavorable, shorten or postpone your hike.
The cabin at Zelené pleso is open year-round, but please check its current operating status before your trip. Also, check in advance to make sure Chata Plesnivec is open on your planned dates. Be sure to bring your own food and drinks; at Brnčalka, expect to pay in cash.
First, the climb to the mountain lakes, then a long descent to the foothills
From Tatranská Kotlina, the trail gradually gains elevation through the forest toward the Plesnivec Chalet. Beyond the chalet, the ascent continues toward Veľké Biele Pleso. The forest gradually gives way, and the trail enters more open terrain at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters above sea level, where wind and winter conditions become more pronounced.
The route to Zelené pleso follows an undulating, mostly descending trail alongside Trojroh pliesko. From the Chata pri Zelenom plese mountain hut, the trail descends through the Kežmarská Biela voda Valley and continues to Tatranské Matliare. The long final stretch requires plenty of stamina and a time buffer, especially when moving slowly through the snow.
Tak to u nás vyzerá. Pozrite sa
Must-See Places. Discover them one by one
Every corner of the Tatra Mountains has its own story. Discover the places that shape the character of the region,
The Tatra Mountains wake up differently every day
Current conditions, upcoming events, and editorial recommendations. Everything you need to know before heading to the Tatras.
Webcams
Poprad
2°C
Overcast
Lomnický štít
-7°C
Snow
Tatranská Lomnica
1°C
Partly cloudy
Starý Smokovec
1°C
Fog
Hrebienok
-1°C
Drizzle
Štrbské Pleso
1°C
Drizzle
Skalnaté pleso
-1°C
Snow
Solisko
-2°C
Snow
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the High Tatras region.
