Tatranská Magistrála: Part Three

We continue where we left off – this time at Zamkovského chata. We’ll hike through Sliezsky dom to Popradské pleso. This is technically undemanding but quite long track with several possibilities of rest and refreshment along the road. If we are crossing the entire Tatranská Magistrála, then we’ll start at Zamkovského chalet where we slept. About 0,15h from the chalet we enjoy the view of the impressive waterfall Obrovský vodopád. At the junction Rázcestie nad Rainerovou chatou we can do a little detour and have a look at the rest of waterfalls and cascades of Vodopády Studeného potoka 0,20h. . This way we’ll get to Hrebienok from where we continue further towards the Mountain Hotel Sliezsky dom 1,50h . We walk the rocky trail partially up and partially down, the total ascent is 385m. At Sliezsky dom, where the tarn Velické pleso is located, we can rest and refresh ourselves. In case we want to spend the night here and continue along Tatranská Magistrála, we could hike up to one of the peaks – Východná Vysoká. Otherwise, we continue further 3,25h in the direction of the tarn Popradské pleso. After less than an hour we get to the Batizovské tarn under the mount Gerlach. Along the way we can admire the peaks Končistá and Tupá until we get to a saddleback Sedlo pod Ostrvou at 1959 m. elevation. Here await us wonderful views of the summits right above us and in the valley beneath us. If we are lucky enough, there occur also chamois, less frequently marmots in the valley Batizovská dolina. From the saddle Ostrva we have a beautiful view of the Popradské pleso. The route can be crossed in both directions. This particular part of the Tatranská Magistrála is also possible to cross all year-round with a warning from the Mountain Rescue Service (www.hzs.sk) that the trail from Popradské pleso to Sliezsky dom doesn’t have winter marking and there is a high risk of getting lost. That’s why they recommend to cross the route while there is no snow on the trail. After finishing this part of the track on Tatranská Magistrála, you can sleep on one of the chalets – Mountain Hotel Popradské pleso or Majláthova chata.