Priečne sedlo (Czerwona Ławka)

Priečne sedlo (2,352 m a.s.l.) is the hardest waymarked pass in the Slovak High Tatras. It links Malá Studená dolina (Téryho chata) with Veľká Studená dolina (Zbojnícka chata). On the saddle there is a shelf, chains and rungs. This is not Bystrá lávka with Skok.

💡 In a nutshell – Priečne sedlo:

1. For whom: People after Rysy or Orla Perć who can move on rungs over empty air.
2. Difficulties: Yellow to the pass. Little room. Jams. Wet granite cancels the day.
3. Golden rule: 1 November – 31 May closed. TANAP fine plus billed HZS.
4. Start: Funicular from Starý Smokovec to Hrebienok. The tiles count from the upper station, not the car park.

Trail description: Two huts, one shelf

Stage 1: Hrebienok – Téryho chata

Red past Rainerova chata, then green up Malá Studená dolina. Zamkovského chata after an hour, Téryho (2,015 m) after about 2 h 50 min. You eat here, not on the pass.

Stage 2: Yellow to Priečne sedlo

From Téryho 1 h 30 min to the saddle. Chains and rungs. The exposure is real. If someone in the group held Giewont with both hands — you turn around here.

Stage 3: Descent to Zbojnícka

The far side is long and loose. Zbojnícka chata (1,960 m) is about 1 h 30 min from the saddle. Blue down Staroleśna to Hrebienok (about 2 h 10 min).

Logistics and warnings

• Funicular: Hrebienok from Starý Smokovec. Without it you add an hour of uphill road.
• Direction: Téryho → Zbojnícka is the standard. The other way more people descend onto your head.
• Insurance: Horská služba is billed. Helmet. Gloves on the chains.
• Weather: A storm on the rungs = down immediately. A chain is a lightning rod.

Who is this absolutely NOT for?

Not a first day in the High Tatras. Not with a child “because we will manage”. Not after a wet night. If you want chains and a loop without a ferrata, take Bystrá lávka. If you want only a hut without the shelf — Téryho is in the table.