# Zelené Pleso: The Green Lake Hike Source: https://taply.sk/zelene-pleso/ (Taply, updated 2026-10-12) 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. ## Key points - 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. ## Quick facts - 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 ## Best ways to reach the Zelené pleso trailhead, ranked 1. **Private transfer with Kiwitaxi** (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. 2. **Transfer with Welcome Pickups** (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. 3. **Train and Tatra Electric Railway** (best for Budget travellers): From Poprad, trains and the Tatra Electric Railway connect to Tatranská Lomnica. Check timetables on the national railway site. 4. **Rental car with Auto Europe** (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. ## What Zelené pleso is Zelené pleso is a glacial lake in the High Tatras with a mountain hut, the Kežmarská chata, nearby. 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. ## Plan the day step by step - Check the trail status on the TANAP website the day before. Trails can close for snow, storm damage or maintenance. - Choose your start. The routes begin on the Tatranská Lomnica side, see [Tatranská Lomnica](https://taply.sk/tatranska-lomnica/). Trains on the [Tatra Electric Railway](https://taply.sk/tatra-electric-railway/) serve the resort, so you can leave the car behind. - Look up the time estimate on the park or hut page and add generous time for breaks and photos. Check the walking time on trail signs or a hiking map app. - Fix a turn-back time. If you have not reached the lake by the time you set, turn around. - Note the last return train or bus and plan to be back well before it. - Tell someone your route and keep the emergency number 112 in mind. ## Zelené pleso compared with other Tatra lakes Option | Character | Good for | Zelené pleso | Mountain lake with a nearby hut, reached on foot | A quiet hiking goal in the east | [Popradské pleso](https://taply.sk/popradske-pleso/) | Popular lake with a trailhead and hut | Hikers who want a classic route | [Štrbské Pleso](https://taply.sk/strbske-pleso/) | Resort lake with an easy walk | Families and short walks | [Hrebienok](https://taply.sk/hrebienok/) | Funicular access to a viewpoint area | Easy outings with less walking | If you want a longer, harder day, see [the Rysy hike](https://taply.sk/rysy-hike/) and [best hikes in the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/best-hikes-in-the-high-tatras/). ## Weather and safety Mountain weather changes fast. Afternoon storms are common in summer, and the ground can be slippery after rain. Check a mountain forecast, start early and carry a rain layer even on a sunny morning. Do not leave the marked path, since walking off-trail in the national park is not allowed and can damage fragile ground. If a storm arrives, move away from ridges and open ground. Rescue can be charged, so read [hiking insurance for the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/hiking-insurance-high-tatras/) before you go. ## Families and accessibility This is a real mountain walk, not a stroll. Children who enjoy hiking will manage with breaks, but it is not suited to prams or wheelchairs on the trail. For an easier day with children, see [High Tatras with kids](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-with-kids/). If anyone in your group has limited mobility, a lift-served viewpoint such as [Hrebienok](https://taply.sk/hrebienok/) gives mountain scenery with much less effort, and [High Tatras cable cars](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-cable-cars/) lists other lifts. ## Using the hut The Kežmarská chata stands near the lake and offers a goal and a break. We have not verified its menu, prices or opening dates, so check before you rely on food or a bed. Carry some cash, since card use at mountain huts is not guaranteed, and bring your own water and snacks as a backup. If you want to sleep high in the mountains, book ahead in summer, and see [where to stay in the High Tatras](https://taply.sk/where-to-stay-in-the-high-tatras/) for valley bases. ## Mistakes to avoid - Starting late and arriving at the lake in the afternoon storm window. - Wearing trainers with no grip. - Trusting phone maps without an offline copy. - Ignoring a closed section on the park site. - Assuming snow has melted in June, see [High Tatras in summer](https://taply.sk/high-tatras-in-summer/). ## FAQ **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. **Is Zelené pleso good for beginners?** It is a mountain walk with a climb, so it suits people with some fitness and proper shoes. For a gentler outing choose Štrbské Pleso or Hrebienok. **Can I reach the lake by public transport?** The Tatra Electric Railway serves Tatranská Lomnica, which is the starting area, but check current timetables and the last return before you set out.