Koprowy Wierch (Kôprovský štít)

Koprowy Wierch (2,363 m a.s.l.) is a fantastic alternative to the crowded Rysy. Both mountains rise above the same valley, but it is on Koprowy that you will find more peace and space. Importantly, climbing Koprowy Wierch does not require negotiating any chains! It is an ideal objective for people with iron fitness who want to bag a high Tatra peak without climbing.

💡 In a nutshell – Koprowy Wierch:

1. Long route: Almost 21 km return from Štrbské Pleso. It’s a solid, full-day trip (approx. 8.5 h of pure walking).
2. No chains: The trail has no artificial aids. However, the final 45 minutes from the pass to the summit requires using your hands and being comfortable with exposure.
3. No mountain hut: Above Popradské Pleso there is no hut (unlike the trail to Rysy). Bring a large supply of water.
4. Trail closure: The trail above Popradské Pleso is closed from 1 November to 31 May. Remember your insurance!

Trail description: A long walk from Štrbské Pleso

The figures at the top of the page show the full route starting and finishing in the town of Štrbské Pleso. It is a long, full-day slog (almost 21 kilometres), so set off on the trail early in the morning.

Stage 1: To Popradské Pleso

We start from Štrbské Pleso and follow the red trail (the Tatra Magistrala), and then the green.

• This is an easy, almost flat walk through the forest. After about 1.5 hours we reach the junction above Popradské Pleso. This is a good place to rest and top up fluids (there will be no hut higher up).

Stage 2: Towards Hińczowy Staw

Above Popradské Pleso we choose the blue trail. Here we part with the crowd of tourists who turn onto the red trail leading to Rysy.

• The path climbs up the Mięguszowiecka Valley, initially through the forest, and then among dwarf pine.
• Along the way we pass Veľké Hincovo pleso (Great Hińczowy Tarn) – this is the largest and deepest lake in the Slovak Tatras. The view of the dark, icy water surrounded by vertical walls makes an incredible impression.

Stage 3: The pass and the ridge

From Hińczowy Staw the blue trail climbs sharply up, in zigzags over scree.

• After about 4 hours from the start we emerge onto Vyšné Kôprovské sedlo (Upper Koprowa Pass).
• From the pass we turn onto the red trail, which leads straight to the summit. This final section takes about 45 minutes. The path leads over rocks and loose stones. There are no chains here, but in places you have to help yourself with your hands. The ridge is quite exposed, so you will feel a lot of “air” under your feet.

Stage 4: Summit and return

A brilliant panorama stretches from the summit of Koprowy Wierch. You can perfectly see Rysy, the Mięguszowiecki Peaks and the massive Koprowa Valley from here.

• We return exactly the same way, all the way to Štrbské Pleso.