Hike through Veľká Studená dolina to Zbojnícka chata

Very pleasant half-day hike through the beautiful green valley Veľká Studená dolina. Our starting point is Hrebienok, where we can get by funicular. Those who want to start earlier or don’t mind prolonging their hike can start in Starý Smokovec and walk to Hrebienok by foot, following the green trail. From Hrebienok we set out on a comfortable wide trail (red trail) to a junction Rázcestie nad Rainerovou chatou (20min.) where we turn off onto a blue trail to Zbojnícka chata (2h10min.). The trail is much narrower here, initially a forest path with stones and tree roots that turns into a rocky one. The climb is gradual, steep climb starts in the last third behind the bridge through a creek Veľký Studený potok. The trail is secured by chains in two parts but there are no dramatically exposed sections. Behind the bridge first beautiful tarn reveals itself to us – Vareškovo pleso and a little above it Dlhé pleso. From here, we can see the actual chalet, which we are slowly approaching. Certainly, we can’t miss the nearby surroundings with plenty of tarns (Sesterské plesá, Starolesnianske pleso, Zbojnícke plesá, Sivé plesá) and beautiful views. If we are lucky enough, we will see chamois and marmots :-). The ascent to this chalet is possible all year round, but in the winter, it’s necessary to have winter equipment like climbing irons, show covers, and poles. In steeper areas, an ice-axe will also help. On our way back, we can visit the Sherpa Museum at the chalet Raineova chata or following the green trail admire the beauty of waterfalls Vodopády Studeného potoka.

From the chalet, it’s possible to continue either to saddle Priečne sedlo and then to chalet Téryho chata or saddle Prielom and then to saddle Poľský hrebeň and the Mountain Hotel Sliezsky dom. These options are already challenging all-day hikes.

Total Ascent: cca cca 675 m

Trail Length: 11,4 km (5,7 km, 5,7 km)

Duration 4:00 h (2,5 h, 1,5 h)

Terrain: rocky path, stone steps, two parts secured by chains

Starting point: Hrebienok

Hiking marks: red, blue