Koprowy Wierch (Kôprovský štít)

Koprowy Wierch stands at 2,363 m above sea level. It is the first choice for connoisseurs of the Slovak Tatras. It lies in the same area as Rysy, but it is much less crowded.

It is a mountain with outstanding views. Standing on the summit, you feel as if you are floating above the surface of Wielki Hińczowy Staw. If you want the Tatras in a nutshell - raw rock, deep-blue lakes and open space - Koprowy Wierch is the perfect choice.

Stage 1: Warm-up (Mięguszowiecka Valley)

We begin in the usual way - a walk to the mountain hut at Popradské Pleso (either on the tarmac road or the forest trail).

• Fork: At the hut, we take the blue trail. After about 30 minutes, we reach the key junction: the crowds turn right towards Rysy (red trail), and you go straight ahead (blue trail).
• From this point on, the trail becomes quiet and peaceful. You enter the Hińczowa Valley.

Stage 2: The blue eye of the Tatras (Hińczowy Staw)

The trail climbs gently until it reaches the threshold of the valley. Here awaits the reward that makes the hike worthwhile: Wielki Hińczowy Staw (Veľké Hincovo pleso).

• It is the largest (20 ha) and deepest (53 m) lake in the Slovak Tatras.
• Its colour is hypnotic - deep navy blue contrasting with the grey walls of the Mięguszowiecki Peaks. It is the perfect place for a longer break before the final push.

Stage 3: The push for Koprowy (red trail)

From the lake, we head steeply uphill to Wyżnia Koprowa Pass.

1. Burning legs: The ascent to the pass is a series of steep zigzags across scree. Fitness is key here.
2. Scramble: From the pass to the summit (about 30 minutes), the trail follows the ridge.
   • Difficulties: There are no chains, but the terrain is rocky and in places you need to use your hands for support (scrambling).
   • There is some exposure and plenty of loose stones - watch where you place your feet.

Panorama: In the heart of the rocky bowl

The view from the summit is staggering. Koprowy Wierch reaches deep into the valley, which gives it a unique perspective:

• East: Rysy and Vysoká look huge from here - you can see their western walls.
• West: The Baszta Ridge with the distinctive Szatan.
• Below: The dark surface of Hińczowy Staw lies directly beneath us.

Practical information

• Insurance: This is Slovakia - rescue operations are paid. Insurance is essential.
• Season: The trail is closed from 1 November to 15 June (winter closure in TANAP).
• Water: The last reliable water source is at Hińczowy Staw. On the summit section (in full sun) there is nowhere to refill.
• Who is it for: If you have climbed Świnica or Kościelec, you should be fine on Koprowy. If your maximum is Gęsia Szyja, this may be too big a challenge.