Mlynická Valley from Štrbské Pleso

Mlynická Valley is an approximately 6 km long glacial valley with a terraced shape, located in the western part of the High Tatras between the Solisko and Hrebeň bášt ridges. The western part of the valley is closed by the Solisko ridge, the eastern part by the Hrebeň bášt ridge, and at the end stands the majestic Štrbský štít, the dominant feature of the valley. 

Where is it located?

Mlynická Valley is located in the western part of the High Tatras, near the popular resort of Štrbské Pleso. It is an approximately 6-kilometer-long valley of glacial origin with a typical terraced shape. It is bordered by the Solisko ridge to the west, the Hrebeň bášt ridge to the east, and the distinctive pyramid of Štrbský štít at its end.

The Mlynica stream, a tributary of the Poprad River, flows through the valley, creating a 25-meter-high waterfall called Skok, which falls over the first rock threshold. The Mlynická Valley is naturally divided into three parts: Predná poľana, Stredná poľana, and Zadná poľana.

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A yellow hiking trail crosses the valley, leading to Skok Waterfall and Furkotská Valley.

Plesá

The name of the valley comes from the Mlynica stream, which once powered water mills. Mlynica flows through the entire valley and creates several cascades, the most famous of which is the 25-meter-high Skok Waterfall. The valley is rich in mountain lakes:

• Pliesko pod Skokom (1,690 m above sea level) and Pleso nad Skokom ( 1,801 m above sea level)
• Lower and Upper Volie Lake (1,941–1,980 m above sea level)
• Goat Lakes – Malé, Nižné, and Vyšné Kozie pleso (1,943–2,109 m above sea level)
• Capie Lake (2,075 m above sea level)
• Round Lake (2,105 m above sea level)

Štrbské pleso

At the foot of the Mlynická Valley lies one of the most famous lakes in the Tatras – Štrbské Pleso (1,346 m above sea level). Although the lake itself is not located directly in the valley, it forms its natural gateway and starting point for hiking towards the Skok Waterfall and the higher parts of the valley.

Štrbské Pleso is the second largest lake on the Slovak side of the Tatra Mountains and is one of the most visited locations in the region. An easy trail suitable for families with children leads around the lake, while the yellow tourist trail leads directly from the lake to Mlynická Valley.

Thanks to its easy accessibility by train and car, Štrbské Pleso is an ideal starting point for exploring the Mlynická Valley.

National Nature Reserve

Since 1991, Mlynická dolina has been part of a national nature reserve covering an area of 704.29 ha. The reserve protects unique landforms and unspoiled mountain nature with diverse flora and fauna.

Štrbské Pleso, entrance to Mlynická Valley and parking

The starting point for the Mlynická Valley is the popular mountain resort of Štrbské Pleso (1,346 m above sea level). From the lake, a yellow tourist trail leads to the Skok Waterfall and further into the higher parts of the valley. 

Parking and transportation

There are several paid parking lots in Štrbské Pleso, such as the central parking lot at the train station, parking garages, and seasonal parking areas. During weekends and the summer season, capacities tend to fill up quickly, so it is recommended to arrive early or use public transportation.

Štrbské Pleso is also accessible by cog railway from Štrba and by the Tatra Electric Railway, which is a comfortable and environmentally friendly alternative to individual transport.

Štrbské pleso

At the foot of the Mlynická Valley lies one of the most famous lakes in the Tatras – Štrbské Pleso (1,346 m above sea level). Although the lake itself is not located directly in the valley, it forms its natural gateway and starting point for hiking towards the Skok Waterfall and the higher parts of the valley.

Štrbské Pleso is the second largest lake on the Slovak side of the Tatra Mountains and is one of the most visited locations in the region. An easy trail suitable for families with children leads around the lake, while the yellow tourist trail leads directly from the lake to Mlynická Valley.

Thanks to its easy accessibility by train and car, Štrbské Pleso is an ideal starting point for exploring the Mlynická Valley.