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 go there? Because it is a trail of contrasts. You move from the green, idyllic Kežmarok Valley to the raw, rocky landscape below Lomnica. Along the way there is a solid climb, a bit of adrenaline on 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), but be careful: if you plan to traverse (descend into a different valley), you would have to leave the bike and come back for it. If you go on foot, prepare for a long warm-up.

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: We strongly recommend the direction: Zelené Pleso -> Świstówka -> Skalnaté Pleso. Descending the steep, chain-protected gully to Zelené Pleso (often damp and shaded) is the cause of many slips and accidents.
• Wind: The ridge of Świstówka is very often windy.
• Season: The trail (as part of the higher sections) is closed by TANAP in winter (1.11 - 15.06).
• Logistics: If you do the traverse (start Biela Voda, finish Tatranská Lomnica), you need to get back to your car. There are SAD buses between these points, but check the timetable in advance!