Want the High Tatras but scared of chains? The easiest rocky summits

When we think of the “High Tatras”, images from action movies come to mind. Vertical walls, people hanging from chains over an abyss, helmets and fear in their eyes (see: Orla Perć or Rysy).

Meanwhile, easy Polish Western Tatras (like Grześ or Czerwone Wierchy) are great — but for some they are just… too grassy and rounded.

Is there something in between? Can you step into the raw, rocky, granite world of the High Tatras without using your hands, without stress, and without risking your life? Yes. Here are the best ideas on both sides of the border.

1. Szpiglasowy Wierch (from Morskie Oko) — the King of Compromise

Poland (2,172 m above sea level)

This is the absolute number one choice for people looking for safer High Tatras on the Polish side.

• How to go? Choose the yellow trail starting at Morskie Oko, popularly called “Ceprostrada”. The name says it all.
• Why is it easy? The trail is a carefully built walkway made of large boulders. It climbs via gentle, long zigzags right up to the pass. Up to the very summit, there isn’t a single chain.
• The catch: It’s a long route that’s very demanding on your fitness. And remember: you go back the same way. Descending to the other side (to the Valley of the Five Polish Lakes) already involves chains and steep sections.

2. Skrajne Solisko (Predné Solisko) — an “elevator” all the way up

Slovakia (2,093 m above sea level)

Looking for the simplest way to legally be at +2,000 m above sea level? Skrajne Solisko is your mountain.

• How to go? Start at Štrbské Pleso. To avoid the boring approach, take the chairlift up near Chatá pod Soliskom. Then you only have 45–60 minutes of ascent to the summit.
• Why is it easy? The final stretch is fairly steep and you’ll be huffing, but it’s still just a normal rocky path. No real exposure, and from the top you can see the massive Krywań. Definitely the least strenuous summit in this list.

3. Koprowy Wierch (Kôprovský štít) — the quiet brother of Rysy

Slovakia (2,363 m above sea level)

This is for those who want a solid, full-day trek, but without the stress of actual climbing. Koprowy Wierch starts from the same valley as famous Rysy, but it’s infinitely safer.

• Why is it easy? Up to the saddle below the summit you take a normal (though tiring) trail (passing the amazing, huge Hinčove pleso).
• The catch: The climb from the saddle to the summit (the last 30 minutes) runs along a ridge with “crumbly” stones. Sometimes you might need your hands to keep balance on a boulder — but it’s still not climbing, and there are no chains. If you’re afraid of Kościelec, you can handle this one.

4. Sławkowski Szczyt — the “never-ending mountain”

Slovakia (2,452 m above sea level)

A giant. One of the highest peaks you can reach “on foot” across the Tatras. And from here you get the best viewpoint for the majestic Gerlach.

• Why is it easy? Because again, it’s “just” a trail: long, winding, weaving among rocks — without any artificial protection.
• The catch: Sławkowski Szczyt is a calf- and thigh-killer. You walk and walk, you think you’re done, and then another summit appears. You need grit and a lot of stubbornness. Also, remember water — in summer the trail can feel like a frying pan.

Summary

The High Tatras don’t always mean fighting for survival on chain sections. Pick a route matched to your fitness, and enjoy the landscapes that even Europe envies us for!