We studied the atmospheric deposition of phosphorus (P) forms along an elevation gradient, and its contribution to the total external P loading of lakes in the Tatra Mountains and the Bohemian Forest, from 1998 to 2009. The aim was to evaluate how topographical (soil and vegetation pools in the catchment) and morphological (catchment-to-lake area ratio) characteristics of catchment-lake systems affect in-lake nutrient structures in remote mountain areas. Concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total phosphorus (TP), and total organic nitrogen (TON) were closely related (p