Roháčske plesá

The Roháče tarns are an impressive chain of mountain lakes tucked at the very head of Roháčska dolina in the Western Tatras, beneath the peaks of Ostrý Roháč, Plačlivé and the Kôpy group (Tri kopy and Hrubá kopa). They rank among the most popular hiking destinations in the whole Roháče area.

The four main tarns sit on rock terraces one above the other, as if forming a natural staircase climbing the valley. The largest and lowest is Veľké (Dolné) Roháčske pleso, at 1,562 m above sea level, covering 2.22 ha with a depth of around 7 metres. Higher up follow Druhé and Tretie Roháčske pleso (1,650 and 1,653 m), and finally Horné Roháčske pleso at 1,719 m. Descending via the neighbouring Spálená dolina you may also spot the smaller Opálové pliesko, and lower down the attractive Roháčsky waterfall.

The hike to the tarns is a classic of Western Tatras trekking. It leads through beautiful mountain forest, dwarf pine and granite crags, rewarding hikers with mirror-still tarns reflecting the surrounding peaks. The route can be walked as a loop via the Roháčsky waterfall, making the trip one of the most beautiful full-day experiences in the area.

The starting point is Roháčska dolina above the village of Zuberec in Orava. The surroundings also offer the Museum of the Orava Village in Zuberec, nearby Orava hills and the region's thermal pools.

If you're planning to explore the Roháče, accommodation in Zuberec or the surrounding Orava villages puts you right at the trailhead. An early start at the car park in Roháčska dolina means a quieter trail and better light for photographing the tarns — and after a demanding day in the mountains you'll appreciate a comfortable stay close by.