High Tatras
High Tatras guide · Updated 5 October 2026

Zelené Pleso: The Green Lake Hike

Quick answerPrivate transfer with KiwitaxiHikers on a tight day
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Type
Mountain lake near Kežmarská chata
Trailhead area
Tatranská Lomnica and Biela voda
Season
Summer; high trails closed 1 Nov to 15 Jun
Difficulty
Moderate mountain walk

Zelené pleso, the Green Lake, is a mountain lake in the eastern High Tatras reached on foot, and the easiest way to reach the trailhead area is a pre-booked Kiwitaxi or Welcome Pickups transfer to Tatranská Lomnica, so you start the walk without parking stress. A mountain hut stands near the lake, which gives the hike a clear goal.

This page covers the route concept, the practical limits and the seasons. Always confirm trail status on the TANAP website before you set off, because the national park closes many routes in winter.

The lake is quieter than the big names such as Popradské pleso, which makes it a good choice for a calmer day.

Top picks at a glance

1
Private transfer with KiwitaxiBest overall
Check prices
2
Transfer with Welcome PickupsBest for airport meet-and-greet
View
3
Train and Tatra Electric RailwayCheapest
Official site
4
Rental car with Auto EuropeBest for flexibility
View

Key takeaways

  • Zelené pleso is a mountain lake in the eastern High Tatras, near the Kežmarská chata.
  • The walk starts around Tatranská Lomnica and the Biela voda area.
  • Many high trails are closed from 1 November to 15 June. Check TANAP.
  • Bring layers and rain gear. Storms build quickly in the afternoon.
  • Plan a full day and start early.

Best ways to reach the Zelené pleso trailhead, ranked

  1. Our top pick
    1

    Private transfer with Kiwitaxi

    Best overall

    Best for: Hikers on a tight day

    Kiwitaxi offers private transfers between cities and airports. Book a car from Poprad-Tatry airport or Poprad to Tatranská Lomnica or your hotel. You avoid timetable constraints on an early start.

    • Door to door
    • Fixed price
    • Good with hiking gear
    • Costs more than the train
    Book a transfer on Kiwitaxi
  2. 2

    Transfer with Welcome Pickups

    Best for airport meet-and-greet

    Best for: Airport arrivals

    Welcome Pickups is a transfer booking service for airport pickups. Check whether your route to the Tatras is offered when you book.

    • Pre-booked pickup
    • Check route availability
    Book with Welcome Pickups
  3. 3

    Train and Tatra Electric Railway

    Cheapest

    Best for: Budget travellers

    From Poprad, trains and the Tatra Electric Railway connect to Tatranská Lomnica. Check timetables on the national railway site.

    • Low cost
    • Scenic
    • Fixed times
    • Slower with luggage
    Official website
  4. 4

    Rental car with Auto Europe

    Best for flexibility

    Best for: Road trippers

    A car helps with early starts and combining several stops. Auto Europe compares rental options. Parking near trailheads can be limited.

    • Flexible
    • Limited parking at peak times
    Compare cars on Auto Europe

What Zelené pleso is

Zelené pleso is a glacial lake in the High Tatras with a mountain hut, the Kežmarská chata, nearby. We could not confirm exact altitude, area or depth figures from sources we trust at the time of writing, so we leave those out. The lake lies in a valley below high crests and is known for its colour and its setting.

How the hike works

Routes to the lake start from the Tatranská Lomnica side, with marked trails that pass through forest and then open ground. Follow the signed trails only: leaving the marked path in Tatra National Park is not allowed. Check the current route and time estimates on the TANAP website and on the hut's page, because trail sections can change after storms or maintenance.

For harder routes see best hikes in the High Tatras, and compare with Popradské pleso or the Rysy hike.

Seasons and TANAP trail rules

Many high trails in the High Tatras are closed from 1 November to 15 June, and Taply's other guides repeat this rule because it matters for planning. Whether the route to Zelené pleso is open in a given week depends on snow and TANAP decisions, so check the park website before your trip. Late June and September are often good, but snow can stay in shady places into early summer.

What to carry

Take hiking shoes with grip, a rain jacket, a warm layer, water and snacks. Add a paper or offline map, as phone signal can drop. Start early to be off the trail before afternoon storms. Mountain rescue can be charged to the person rescued, so consider cover, see hiking insurance for the High Tatras.

Combining with other stops

Base yourself in Tatranská Lomnica and pair the lake with a day at Lomnický štít. For a calmer day, see High Tatras with kids or the easier Štrbské Pleso lake walk. A bike can help for the approach roads, see e-bikes in the High Tatras.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Zelené pleso?

It is a lake in the eastern High Tatras, reached by trails from the Tatranská Lomnica side.

Is the Zelené pleso trail open in winter?

Many high trails are closed from 1 November to 15 June. Check TANAP for the current status.

How long does the hike take?

Plan a full day. Check the TANAP site or hut for current time estimates.

Is there a mountain hut at the lake?

Yes, the Kežmarská chata is nearby. Check its opening times before you go.

Can I hike without a guide?

Yes on marked trails, if you are fit and prepared. Stay on the marked path.

Photo: High Tatras · Unknown · CC BY-SA 3.0

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