Jagnięcy Szczyt (Jahňací štít)

Jagnięcy Szczyt stands at 2,230 m above sea level. It is the “Eastern Guardian” of the High Tatras. It is the last prominent summit on the main ridge before it drops towards Przełęcz pod Kopą.

It is a mountain with two faces: the path to the mountain hut is gentle and idyllic, but the summit approach is already serious high-mountain trekking with climbing elements (chains) and exposure. The reward is a panorama you will not see anywhere else - a contrast between the granite of the High Tatras and the white limestone of the Bielskie Tatras.

Stage 1: Approach to “Brnčalka” (Kežmarok Valley)

We start the hike at the Biela Voda car park (between Tatranská Lomnica and Ždiar).

• Approach: The yellow trail leads us along a wide gravel road through the forest beside the stream. It is a long, roughly 3-hour walk (about 8 km one way!). It can be monotonous, but…
• Zelené Pleso: …the finale of this stage makes up for everything. We reach the mountain hut above Zelené Pleso (Chata pri Zelenom plese), commonly known as “Brnčalka”.
• View: The water in the lake has an incredible emerald colour (thanks to springs on the bottom). Above the surface rises the vertical 500-metre wall of Mały Kieżmarski Szczyt and the sharp Jastrzębia Turnia. It is one of the most beautiful places in the entire Tatras.

Stage 2: Kołowa Pass and the chains

After resting at the hut we continue on the yellow trail towards the summit.

1. Jagnięca Valley: The path climbs steeply in zigzags through dwarf pine to Czerwona Valley (Červená dolina). We pass Modry Staw (the highest lake in this valley).
2. Kołowa Pass (Kolové sedlo): The trail brings us onto the ridge. This is where the technical difficulties begin.
   • The trail is secured with chains.
   • We have to cross an exposed rock ledge and climb a groove onto the ridge. It is not as hard as Orla Perć, but it does require sure movement and no fear of heights.

Panorama: a meeting of two worlds

From the summit of Jagnięcy Szczyt there is a fantastic view to the north-east.

• Bielskie Tatras: They are right at hand. The mighty Hawrań and Płaczliwa Skała (not accessible to tourists) look their best from here. You can see the geological difference (white rock vs grey granite).
• High Tatras: In the other direction you can see Lomnica, Kieżmarski Szczyt and Lodowy Szczyt.

Practical information (bike lifehack!)

• Bike: The approach to the mountain hut above Zelené Pleso is a long gravel road. You can do it by bike (or e-bike, rentals are available below). It saves a lot of time and energy for the return. Leave the bike by the hut and continue on foot to the summit.
• Fitness: The full hike (on foot) is over 20 km and 9-10 hours of walking. It is a very long trip. Set off at dawn!
• Insurance: Remember your Slovak insurance policy.
• Season: The trail is closed in winter (1.11 - 15.06).