Široké sedlo (Szeroka Przełęcz Bielska)

Široké sedlo (1,826 m a.s.l.) sits between Hlúpy and Ždiarska Vidla. It is the only waymarked traverse of the main Belianske ridge from the north. The most scenic and rewarding route climbs steeply up Monkova dolina to the saddle, continuing via Kopské sedlo to Tatranská Kotlina.

💡 In a nutshell – Široké sedlo:

1. For whom: A full day in limestone, with logistics between two endpoints (Ždiar → Tatranská Kotlina).
2. Direction: Best done ascending Monkova dolina, then over Kopské sedlo and down. Although TANAP has officially made the path two-way, this traverse remains the most natural.
3. Closure: 1 November – 31 May.
4. No chains. There is steep grass, mud after rain and wind on the saddle.
5. Dog: Strictly prohibited in the Belianske Tatras nature reserve (TANAP regulations).

The tiles count Ždiar → Tatranská Kotlina. A car left in Ždiar will require taking a SAD bus back from Kotlina.

Trail description: Up Monkova, down to Kotlina

Stage 1: Ždiar and Monkova dolina

Green from the Ždiar Tatra stop through the resort. From the junction under Ptošovské turne, join the red trail up Monkova dolina. The path climbs steadily through steep limestone terrain.

Stage 2: Široké sedlo

After about 3 h 35 min you reach the saddle at 1,826 m. The High Tatras rise spectacularly to the south, with Spišská Magura and the Pieniny to the north. Limestone peaks instead of granite.

Stage 3: Kopské and Veľké Biele pleso

Red trail takes about 40 min to Kopské sedlo (1,750 m), then descends to Veľké Biele pleso. Here you transition from the Belianske ridge toward the High Tatras.

Stage 4: Plesnivec and Kotlina

Green down to Chata Plesnivec, then a gentler descent into Tatranská Kotlina. Take a bus back to Ždiar or pick up a second car.

Logistics and warnings

• Direction: The path through Monkova dolina is now officially bidirectional, but hiking from Ždiar toward Kotlina provides the best views and climb profile.
• Transport: Regular SAD buses connect Tatranská Kotlina and Ždiar.
• Insurance: HZS insurance is billed in Slovakia.
• Dog: Pets strictly prohibited throughout the nature reserve.
• Continuation: From Biele pleso the red magistrala leads toward Zelené pleso.

Who is this absolutely NOT for?

Not a simple hotel loop without checking the bus schedule. Not with a pushchair. If you want only a mountain hut in the Belianske without the high ridge, take Dolina Siedmich prameňov. If you want chains — that is not this range; take Priečne sedlo.