About the Great Hinc Ball
Štrbské Pleso – Popradské Pleso – Trail Junction Above Žabí Creek – Veľké Hincovo Pleso
Length of a one-way route
A longer high-altitude climb
Estimated time of ascent
Through the Mengusov Valley to the Largest Lake in the Tatras
The hike leads from Štrbské Pleso along the Tatra Main Trail through the forested landscape of the Mengusovská Valley to Popradské Pleso. The Popradské Pleso Mountain Hotel and Majláthova Chalet are located on its shore, making it a good place to take a break and grab a bite to eat before continuing to higher elevations.
Beyond Popradské Pleso, the blue-marked trail continues through the Rázcestie junction above Žabí Creek to the Hincová Basin. The forest gradually gives way to dwarf pine scrub and open, rocky terrain surrounded by the Mengusovské Peaks, Kôprovský Peak, and Čubrina. The destination is Veľké Hincovo pleso, the largest and deepest mountain lake on the Slovak side of the Tatras, with a depth of more than 53 meters.
What can you experience and see along the route?
What do you need to know before you arrive?
Please read this before your visit
Although the trail does not include chains or technically challenging obstacles, you’ll climb nearly 600 meters of elevation gain during the ascent. Returning the same way, the entire hike is approximately 14.5 kilometers and takes about six hours of walking without extended breaks.
The blue-marked trail from the trail junction above Žabí Creek, through Veľké Hincovo Lake toward the Vyšné Kôprovské Pass, is closed annually from November 1 through May 31. The red-marked section between the Trigan junction and the junction above Popradské Pleso is also subject to seasonal closure.
From the forest trail to the Hincová Basin
That's how it looks here. Take a look
Set out to discover the beauty of the Tatra Mountains
Hiking trails will take you to mountain lakes, waterfalls, mountain huts, and the peaks of the Tatra Mountains. Choose from easy walks to more challenging hikes and discover the region’s beauty step by step.
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Webcams
Poprad
1°C
Mostly clear
Lomnický štít
-8°C
Mostly clear
Tatranská Lomnica
-1°C
Partly cloudy
Starý Smokovec
1°C
Mostly clear
Hrebienok
0°C
Mostly clear
Štrbské Pleso
1°C
Mostly clear
Skalnaté pleso
0°C
Mostly clear
Solisko
0°C
Mostly clear
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the High Tatras region.
