Published on
August 21, 2025
A new natural treasure has just declared itself in the High Tatras of Slovakia: the Strelecký Falls. Dropping a breathtaking 116 meters in the Veľká Studená Valley, it has claimed the title of the region’s 100th waterfall and stands proudly among Slovakia’s tallest cascades. Fed year-round by an underground spring, the falls have already enchanted researchers and canyon-hunters since they were first mapped.
The cascade reveals itself in two separate plunges. The Lower Strelecký Falls tumbles 38 meters, while the Upper stretch plunges a dramatic 78 meters higher. What sets the Strelecký Falls apart is how the water makes its grand entrance: it erupts straight from the earth, not from a drifting stream. This steady, mysterious spring fuels the falls and weaves an unusually constant flow, marking it as a signature feature of the Tatras’ wild character.
Discovery and Recognition
Strelecký Falls was discovered by mountain guide and climbing instructor Martin Murár, who introduced the site to the public just this week. Murár found the waterfall six years ago but waited to share it until he and his climbing team finished a new route that runs beside the falls. Named Žriedlo, which means “The Spring” in Slovak, the route climbs up the Strelecká Tower in 12 rope lengths and is rated UIAA IV for difficulty.
The release of the waterfall has sparked excitement because of its sheer drop and its unique, compact source. Milan Lučanský, a specialist in the waterfalls of the High Tatras and the custodian of the nation’s official waterfall register, has verified its height through several measurements. This confirms that Strelecký Falls is now among the tallest waterfalls in the Slovak mountains, further boosting the area’s fame for breathtaking natural wonders.
A Tough Climb: For Seasoned Climbers Only
Strelecký Falls are a feast for the eyes, yet the trail there comes with a stern warning: casual hikers should stay home. Nestled deep in the High Tatras, the waterfall sits at the end of the Žriedlo route, where the rock faces judge who deserves the view. The route weaves alongside the falls and hits steep spots at UIAA IV fun for the experienced, but a nightmare for the untrained. Count on five hours heading up, then a brisk 2.5-hour drop back to the trailhead.
Murár, a veteran of the area, cannot say loud enough: gear up and know the moves. The climb’s steep demands put a flat border between climbers and tourists, and that’s the point. For those who do qualify, the reward is equal parts adrenaline and awe, with the roar of the falls and a sprawl of untouched peaks visible all around.
Part of the Little Mountaineering Manifesto Ta33
Strelecký Falls and the new climbing trail beside it belong to the Little Mountaineering Manifesto Ta33. This grassroots project started in 2014 to open up climbing in the High Tatras. Since then, the manifesto has unveiled 22 fresh climbing routes, tying climbers more closely to the wild beauty of the mountain range. Local huts and resorts stand behind Ta33, which encourages climbing done right, making the remote peaks and hidden valleys of the High Tatras easier to reach for every adventurer.
The Tatras: A Unique Natural Landscape
The High Tatras stretch along the Slovak-Polish border and hold UNESCO World Heritage status. Their sharp ridges, blue alpine lakes, and delicate plant and animal life draw climbers, hikers, and nature lovers from every corner of the globe. A web of trails and routes in the range accommodates every level of mountaineer. Strelecký Falls adds another jewel to this landscape, giving climbers and nature lovers alike another reason to explore the Tatras.
The Importance of Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
Finding Strelecký Falls reminded everyone how crucial it is to protect the High Tatras while welcoming visitors. The mountains keep pulling climbers, hikers, and nature-lovers, so keeping the landscape as clean and wild as it is now has to come first. Using sustainable tourism and carefully marking climbing paths means the Tatras can stay beautiful for years to come.
Slovak leaders, local councils, and eco-groups keep working hand in hand. They set rules about climbing routes, teach guests how to leave no trace, and spread the word about the delicate nature up here. Numbers of hikers and climbers will only keep growing, but because of these joint efforts, the High Tatras can keep impressing everyone without paying the price of damage.
Conclusion
Strelecký Falls is yet another jewel in the crown of the High Tatras. For climbers, it presents a fresh challenge; for lovers of nature, it reveals yet another mesmerizing facet of Slovakia’s wilderness. Reaching the falls demands careful planning and solid skills, but the payoff is breathtaking: the roar of water, the thrill of the ascent, and the sight of one of the tallest and most impressive cascades the Slovak mountains offer. Each year, the High Tatras draw hikers and adventurers from every corner, and Strelecký Falls proudly showcases the area’s deep natural beauty and the adventurous spirit that defines this range.
