If you're from Malta and looking for a cool, scenic escape, Štrbské Pleso in Slovakia is a perfect destination. This mountain lake in the High Tatras offers clear water, fresh air, and quiet walking trails. It’s a peaceful break from the city and offers a fresh kind of nature, far from Malta’s beaches. The best way to get there is through a road trip. Renting a car in Slovakia gives you full control over your route, lets you explore villages and mountain viewpoints, and experience the scenic drive to Štrbské Pleso.
Štrbské Pleso is one of the most scenic places in Slovakia. For Maltese travelers used to sun and sand, the mountain setting offers a new experience. Here’s why Štrbské Pleso is worth driving to instead of taking the train.
Štrbské Pleso is surrounded by the High Tatras, the tallest mountains in Slovakia. The lake reflects snowy peaks in winter and green forests in summer. You can stop at scenic viewpoints along the road and enjoy quiet nature before reaching the village. This kind of alpine beauty makes the drive feel like part of the holiday. Driving also gives you freedom to pause for photos or fresh air whenever you like, which is something you cannot do while riding a train.
Driving lets you carry your gear and get closer to hiking trails, ski lifts, or picnic spots. Many top activities in Štrbské Pleso, like visiting Skok Waterfall or riding the Solisko Express chairlift, start with a short walk from the car parks. Train stations leave you farther out or require more walking. If you plan to rent a boat, hike, or explore nearby lakes, a car makes it easier to bring everything you need for the day.
With a car, you can leave early or stay late. Train times in the mountains are limited, especially in the late afternoon or evening. You might have to end your trip early to catch the last one. When you drive, you don’t have to worry about that. You can take your time, enjoy the lake, or walk longer trails. A car also lets you visit nearby places that trains don’t go to.
There are several scenic and convenient ways to reach Štrbské Pleso by car, depending on where you start your trip. Here are three of the best routes to take.
Poprad is 18 kilometers away and takes around 20 minutes by car. Tatranská Lomnica is even closer, about 20 kilometers or 19 minutes. If you don’t want to drive, you can park in Starý Smokovec and take the mountain tram called TEŽ. You can access great views without needing to park at the lake. This area is known for beautiful pine forests and quiet roads. The drive is relaxing and scenic, especially in autumn when the trees change color.
If you land in Bratislava, you can still reach Štrbské Pleso by car. The drive is about 302 kilometers for 4 hours, but it’s one of Slovakia's most scenic road trips. You’ll pass through valleys, forests, and open countryside with mountain views in the distance. The changing landscape makes the journey more enjoyable. You can stop overnight in a town like Liptovský Mikuláš to rest and explore spots like Liptovská Mara or Demänovská Cave. This route is great for Maltese travelers starting their trip from the capital and enjoying Slovakia’s natural beauty along the way.
Driving from Žilina to Štrbské Pleso takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, covering around 133 kilometers via the E50 and Route 18. The road winds through peaceful countryside, forested hills, and small towns. It’s an easy and relaxing drive, with well-maintained roads that are safe for regular cars. Along the way, you can stop in Ružomberok or near Liptovská Mara, a large reservoir surrounded by nature and mountain views. These stops break up the trip and let you enjoy more of northern Slovakia.
Štrbské Pleso may look quiet at first glance, but there’s a lot you can do here. The village is 1,346 meters above sea level and is part of the High Tatras National Park. It’s one of the highest and most popular mountain resorts in Slovakia. Below are the best activities to try during your visit.
The Štrbské Pleso lake loop is a 2.5-kilometer flat trail that circles the glacial lake. The path is paved and suitable for all fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll find benches, educational panels, and photo stops. It takes about 45 minutes at a relaxed pace. In the summer months (June to September), you can rent rowing boats from the dock on the northwest side of the lake. Rental usually lasts 30 minutes, and life jackets are provided. The calm surface and mountain reflections make this one of the most peaceful lake activities in Slovakia.
Two of the most accessible hiking routes from Štrbské Pleso lead to Jamské Pleso and Vodopád Skok (Skok Waterfall). These trails are part of Slovakia’s official hiking system, marked with red, yellow, or blue blazes for easy navigation. The hike to Jamské Pleso is a 5-kilometer round trip with a gentle elevation gain of about 129 meters. It follows forest paths and alpine meadows and is suitable for families, casual walkers, and beginners. Most hikers complete the loop in under an hour.
The trail to Skok Waterfall is a 10.6-kilometer loop with a 430 to 440-meter elevation gain. It’s a moderate hike that takes around 3 hours to complete. The route includes forest trails, open slopes, and mountain views before reaching a 25-meter waterfall that drops into a rocky gorge. Sturdy shoes are recommended, especially for the final rocky section near the falls.
The Solisko Express is a 4-seat chairlift that runs from the base ski area up to Predné Solisko, which is 1,850 meters above sea level. Depending on the weather, the lift runs in both summer and winter and takes about 7 minutes one way. At the top, you’ll find a mountain hut with a terrace, toilets, and trail access to Predné Solisko peak, an easy 45-minute climb. The lift offers some of the best high-altitude views in the Tatras without hiking uphill.
After a day of hiking or skiing, give yourself time to relax in one of Štrbské Pleso’s top wellness centers. At Hotel Patria, you can enjoy the “Aqua Paradise” spa. It has a heated indoor pool, hot tubs, Roman steam and eucalyptus rooms, and a range of saunas that help your body recover.
Close by, Wellness Hotel Borovica gives you more options. Swim in the large indoor pool or let your kids enjoy the smaller one. You’ll find a whole sauna world, a tepidarium, and skilled therapists offering reflexology, lava stone massage, and honey wraps. You don’t need to stay overnight, just book a day pass early. If you prefer something sleek and modern, head to Hotel Panorama Resort. The wellness area here has Finnish saunas, a steam room, and peaceful lounges. Large windows show views of the Tatras and nearby forests, giving you a calm space to rest and recharge.
Driving around Štrbské Pleso opens access to scenic spots that most travelers on foot or by tram miss. One of the best quick drives is to the Vyšné Hágy overlook, about 6 kilometers southeast of the lake. It offers a wide view of the Tatras foothills and is ideal for sunrise or sunset photos. Roadside parking is nearby.
After a full day of exploring, Štrbské Pleso offers several restaurants where you can enjoy rich Slovak flavors in a mountain setting. Many of these dining spots are located within hotels and come with nearby parking, making them convenient for travelers exploring the area by car.
One popular choice is Restaurant FIS, located near the ski area. The menu features traditional Bulgarian dishes and international favorites. To round out your dining experience, the restaurant also offers premium drinks from partners like Reyka Vodka, Jägermeister, and Beluga, creating a cozy après-ski atmosphere. Another great spot is Al Lago Restaurant, located right by the water. Led by chef Martin Kurhajc, it offers a small but well-curated menu that blends Mediterranean cuisine with Slovak specialties. You’ll find a mix of Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta, alongside local favorites.
Driving through Slovakia is a great way to explore places like Štrbské Pleso. Roads are well-maintained, and signs are easy to follow, even outside the towns. You’ll need to drive on the right-hand side, which may feel different at first if you’re used to Malta’s roads. Most rental cars are manual, so make sure to request an automatic ahead of time if that’s what you prefer.
You can use your EU driving licence without needing extra permits. For the best weather and road conditions, travel between May and September, when the skies are clear and hiking trails are open.
Before heading out, check the weather forecast, especially if you’re going into the mountains. In winter, winter tires or snow chains may be required by law. Roads at higher elevations can get icy fast. Carry some cash for tolls and parking because not all smaller villages accept cards. Petrol stations are easy to find near towns but less frequent in remote areas, so fill up when possible.
Pack layered clothing, even in summer, since the weather in the Tatras can change quickly. Many hotels and attractions around Štrbské Pleso have parking areas, but arrive early, especially during the busy months. If you rely on a phone for directions, download offline maps if your signal drops in the mountains.
A scenic drive to Štrbské Pleso isn’t just about reaching a lake in the mountains. It’s about seeing a different side of Europe—forests instead of beaches, alpine trails instead of coastal roads. You get views of the High Tatras, access to quiet hiking paths, boat rides on clear water, and the freedom to stop at towns and viewpoints.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental platform that helps make that happen. With simple booking, fair prices, and pick-up locations near key cities, it’s built for travelers who want flexibility without hassle. Choose Finalrentals and take control of your road trip to Štrbské Pleso.
