Wielka Świstówka (Veľká Svišťovka)

Wielka Świstówka stands at 2,037 m above sea level. It is not a typical sharp summit. Rather, it is a broad grassy-stony dome on the ridge, which forms the highest point of this section of the Tatra Main Trail.

Why come here? Because it is a trail of amazing contrasts. You go from the green, idyllic Kežmarok Valley straight into the raw, lunar landscape below Lomnica. Along the way there is a solid climb, a jolt of adrenaline on the famous chains and a view that often ends up on guidebook covers.

Trail description: the traverse of two valleys

The most interesting and safest variant is to go from Zelené Pleso to Skalnaté Pleso (going up the difficult section is easier than descending it).

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

   • We start from the Biela Voda car park on the yellow trail. It is a long, gentle walk (about 3 hours) to the mountain hut above Zelené Pleso.

   • Tip: This section is worth doing by bike (e-bike). Remember, however: if you plan a full traverse and a descent into another valley, you’ll have to go back for the bike. If you go on foot, treat it as a solid warm-up.

   • 💡 Tip: This section is worth doing by bike (e-bike). Just remember: if you plan a full traverse and a descent into another valley, you’ll need to return for the bike. If you go on foot, consider it a solid warm-up.

   • 🍲 What to eat at the hut? Before you head higher, make sure to take a break. The hut by Zelené pleso is famous for the amazing parené buchty (large steamed dumplings with poppy seeds or cocoa) and cold Kofola. They’ll give you energy before the toughest stage!

2. Stage 2: The wall (red trail):

   • From the emerald lake we set off on the red trail (the main ridge). The path climbs in zigzags through dwarf pine.
   • The higher you go, the steeper it gets. We enter rocky terrain.
   • Chains: Right below the summit there is a secured section. You have to overcome a steep gully and traverse on rock. The exposure here is significant - you can see the lakes far below. Going up is exciting; going down (when it is slippery) can be dangerous.

3. Stage 3: Summit:

   • Wielka Świstówka is an ideal viewpoint. We are at 2,037 m above sea level.
   • Below: a vertical view of Zelené Pleso (it looks like a small jewel).
   • Next to us: the massive walls of Kežmarský Štít and Lomnica.

4. Stage 4: Descent to civilisation (Skalnaté Pleso):

   • From the summit we descend in gentle zigzags towards Skalnaté Pleso (Rocky Lake). The landscape turns almost lunar - only boulders and scree.
   • We reach civilisation: cable car station, restaurant and observatory.
   • Return: You can either walk down to Tatranská Lomnica (about 2 hours, boring under the lift) or take the gondola cable car (fast and convenient).

Practical information

• ⚠️ Direction matters: We definitely recommend the direction: Zelené Pleso -> Świstówka -> Skalnaté Pleso. Descending the steep chain-assisted gully down to Zelené Pleso (where the rock is often damp and shaded) is a common cause of slips and dangerous accidents.
• 🚑 Insurance (Important!): You’re in Slovakia. Intervention by HZS (Horská záchranná služba) and especially helicopter rescue are 100% paid. Never set off on this trail without purchased mountain travel insurance!
• 🌬️ Wind: On the Świstówka ridge it is very often windy and gusty — bring a windproof jacket (even in the middle of summer).
• ❄️ Season (Trail closure): The trail (as part of the higher sections) is subject to TANAP’s winter closure, and you can’t do it from 1 November to 14 June.
• 🚌 Trail logistics: If you do the traverse (start at Biela Voda and finish at Tatranská Lomnica), you need to get back to your car. Local SAD buses run between these points, but we recommend checking the timetable before you set off!