Skalnate Pleso observatory

Skalnate Pleso Observatory is an astronomical research facility located at 1786 meters on the southern slopes of Lomnický štít near Tatranská Lomnica. The Slovak Academy of Sciences operates this site with modern instruments for observing celestial bodies and measuring weather conditions.

The facility was established in 1943 and takes its name from the mountain lake Skalnaté pleso in the High Tatras. Architects Václav Houdek and František Bednárik shaped the early design of this scientific station.

The site takes its name from the mountain lake Skalnaté pleso and has become known for sharing research findings with the scientific community. Visitors can sense how this place connects to broader efforts to understand the sky.

The site sits at high elevation in the mountains, so proper clothing and physical preparation are important for a visit. Accessibility varies depending on the season and weather conditions in this mountain area.

Researchers at this station have discovered and named several minor planets, including some with strong local connections. These discoveries demonstrate the scientific importance of this remote mountain station.

Location: Vysoké Tatry

Inception: 1943

Architects: Václav Houdek, František Eduard Bednárik

Official opening: 1943

Elevation above the sea: 1,786 m

Operator: Slovenská akadémia vied

Website: http://ta3.sk/l3_sk.php?p3=spo

GPS coordinates: 49.18938,20.23382

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:00