Mlynická dolina

Mlynická dolina is a roughly six-kilometer valley of glacial origin with a distinctive terraced shape, located in the western part of the High Tatras. It stretches between the Solisko and Hrebeň bášt ridges, and at its head rises the dominant pyramid of Štrbský štít — an unmistakable silhouette crowning the valley.

The Mlynica stream, a tributary of the Poprad River, flows through the valley. It is this stream that creates one of the valley's biggest attractions — the 25-meter Skok waterfall, which cascades over the first rocky step and is a favorite destination for hikers. The terraced character of the valley, typical of glacier-formed valleys, is also reflected in its division into three sections: Zadná, Stredná and Predná poľana.

Mlynická dolina lies within the cadastre of the village of Štrba, next to the well-known Štrbské pleso, and serves as a gateway to one of the most beautiful parts of the Tatra ridge. The ascent through the valley offers varied scenery — from forests through mountain meadows to rocky steps and summit panoramas, with the Skok waterfall serving as a natural halfway point for many.

For visitors, Mlynická dolina is a rewarding choice for a full-day hike with a strong sense of experience — suitable for less experienced hikers who manage the route to the waterfall, as well as for more demanding ones who continue higher into the valley. Accommodation around Štrba and beneath the Tatras is a great starting point: in the morning you stand at the mouth of the valley, and after a day in the mountains you return to comfort, with further Tatra excursions within easy reach.