Bystrá Lávka via Skok Waterfall

Up Mlynická Valley to Skok Waterfall

From Štrbské Pleso (1,350 m), follow the yellow trail, which first leads out of the resort area on an asphalt path, then continues on a gravel track through dense shrubs before turning into a regular forest trail. With a fairly easy climb through Mlynická Valley, you gradually leave the forest behind, enter the dwarf pine zone, and soon reach the impressive 30-metre-high Skok Waterfall (1,800 m).

A steeper climb begins around Skok Waterfall, with some sections crossing smooth rock equipped with chains for support. This part is not especially difficult, and the chains are mainly helpful when the rock is wet or icy. Above the waterfall, the ascent eases again and the trail winds past Pleso nad Skokom through grassy terrain in the broad valley. Gradually the grass gives way to more rocks and boulders, so careful attention to the trail markers is important. Especially in fog, it is very easy to stray from the marked route.

Capie Pleso and Bystrá Lávka

A steeper climb then brings you to Capie Pleso (2,075 m), which you pass on the left, and shortly afterwards the sharp ascent to Bystrá Lávka (2,300 m) begins. There are still plenty of places to rest in this section, and with fine views of Capie Pleso and the neighbouring Okrúhle Pleso, it is a great spot for a snack break. Bystrá Lávka itself is only a narrow rocky notch, so do not expect to find much room to rest there. Unless you set out very early in the morning, you are more likely to encounter a queue of hikers.

The steep climb ends with a short, more demanding chain-protected section. Once you get through it, the view opens into Furkotská Valley, where Vyšné Wahlenbergovo Pleso reflects the surrounding peaks, with Ostrá rising above it. A little farther away, you may also spot tiny figures of hikers on the summit of Kriváň.

Furkotská Valley and the Wahlenberg Lakes

The descent from Bystrá Lávka starts with another short chain-assisted section over partly polished rock, then soon turns into a steep scree path. The gradient becomes gentler on the rocky lower section, where, just as in Mlynická Valley, you need to watch the trail markers carefully. In this terrain, you pass above Vyšné and Nižné Wahlenbergovo Pleso, then gradually descend into the dwarf pine belt and soon reach the Škutnastá polana junction (1,710 m).

From Škutnastá polana, you can make a detour to Chata pod Soliskom and continue up to the summit of Predné Solisko (see alternatives below).

Continue on the yellow trail to the pod Furkotskou dolinou junction (1,460 m), then turn left onto the red-marked Tatra Magistral trail. At the Liečebný dom Solisko junction (1,347 m), turn left onto the yellow trail, which leads back along the shore of Štrbské Pleso to Rázcestie pred Heliosom (1,350 m).

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