Gerlach (Gerlachovský štít)

Gerlach stands at 2,655 m above sea level. It is the highest peak of the Tatras and the entire Carpathians. It is the “Holy Grail” for Tatra enthusiasts. Because there is no marked tourist trail leading to it, the mountain has retained its raw high-mountain character.

Climbing Gerlach is no longer hiking, but qualified mountaineering. It requires using your hands, rope and a helmet. For a “regular mortal”, a legal and safe ascent is possible only under the supervision of a licensed high-mountain guide (IVBV/UIAGM).

Route description: the classic loop

The most popular variant, chosen by guides in summer, is a loop via Wielicka Attempt (ascent) and Batyżowiecka Attempt (descent).

1. Start (Sliezsky dom): The base is the mountain hotel Sliezsky dom.
   • Logistics: You cannot get there by private car, but a “hotel taxi” (jeep/bus) runs from Tatranská Polianka. This saves two hours of boring walking on asphalt.
2. Ascent (Wielicka Attempt): We set off from Wielicki Staw towards the “Wielicka Attempt”.
   • Here we tie in with a rope.
   • It is a steep wall secured with chains and metal rungs. The terrain is exposed, and the difficulties resemble the hardest sections of Orla Perć, only without trail markings.
3. Summit: After crossing Tetmajer Pass, we stand on the “Roof of the Carpathians”. There is little space - a characteristic cross stands here. The view is absolute - you are higher than everything around you. Rysy look small from here.
4. Descent (Batyżowiecka Attempt): We go down the other side - into Batyżowiecka Valley.
   • This is the most technically difficult moment (descending on rungs down a vertical wall). The guide often lowers clients on a rope.
   • The route ends above the picturesque Batyżowiecki Staw, from where we return via the magistrala trail to Sliezsky dom.

How much does it cost and how do you organise it?

Climbing Gerlach is expensive and requires planning.

• Guide: Hiring a guide costs around EUR 350-500 (per group).
• Group size: One guide can take a maximum of 3 people in summer (in winter or on harder routes: 1-2 people).
• Booking: Good guides are usually booked months in advance (especially at weekends).

Can you go on your own? (Warning)

Officially: NO. According to TANAP regulations, unmarked routes are available only to climbers (members of mountaineering clubs) on routes of at least grade III difficulty (in winter) or II+ (in summer). The classic routes (Wielicka/Batyżowiecka) do not meet these requirements.

• Going “off the books” risks a fine from park rangers (TANAP).
• In the event of an accident, insurance will not apply, and the cost of a rescue operation (helicopter) in Slovakia is counted in thousands of euros.

Requirements

You do not need to be an alpinist to climb Gerlach with a guide, but you must:

1. Be in very good shape (an 8-hour mountain outing).
2. Have no fear of heights (there is a lot of exposure).
3. Have experience moving on chains (for example, having completed Rysy, Świnica or Orla Perć).