About the Great Hinc Ball

Štrbské Pleso – Popradské Pleso – Trail Junction Above Žabí Creek – Veľké Hincovo Pleso

Štrbské Pleso

8.1 km

Length of a one-way route

High School

A longer high-altitude climb

3 hours 30 minutes

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.

Veľké Hincovo pleso, at an elevation of approximately 1,945 meters above sea level

The largest and deepest mountain lake in the Slovak Tatras

An elevation difference of nearly 600 m

Refreshments at Popradské Pleso

What can you experience and see along the route?

Štrbské Pleso and its Mountain Surroundings

The Forests of the Mengusovská Valley

Views from the Tatra Highway

Poprad Lake

Majláth's Cabin and the Popradské pleso Mountain Hotel

Hinc's Basin

What do you need to know before you arrive?

The time listed applies only to the trip to the ball

Allow about three more hours for the return trip

Set out early enough and plan for breaks

Sturdy hiking boots are required

Don't count on refreshments at the Poprad Ball

Be sure to bring enough water and food for the entire trip

Be sure to pack a waterproof jacket and a warmer layer

Please read this before your visit

It's not a short, easy walk

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.

Seasonal Closure

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.