Difficulty: Very hardHigh Tatras (Vysoké Tatry)slovakiahigh tatrashighest peakchains

Gerlach (Gerlachovský štít)

2655 m a.s.l. · start: Sliezsky dom

Compare with another trail
Slovak Tatras (TANAP)Bulletin as of 20 października 2026
Official TPN bulletin

Trail is located in the Slovak Tatras. Check TANAP rules and seasonal closures above mountain huts (Nov 1 – June 14).

Bulletin details

Hikes in Slovakia require mountain rescue insurance (HZS). Check details on tanap.sk.

PolecanyWielicka – summit – Batizov

Wysokość
2655 m a.s.l.
Dystans
13 km
Czas przejścia
8–10 h
Suma podejść
1050 m
Start
Sliezsky dom
Meta
Sliezsky dom

Czas i dystans dla całej wycieczki, z powrotem do startu.

Tempo

8–10 hSzacunek od czasu z opisu, bez kolejek i postojów.

  • climbing (UIAA I/II)
  • High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry)
  • Dla rodzin: Nie
  • Z psem: Nie

Warianty wejścia

Polecany jest na tej stronie. Inny start ma osobną kartę — własny opis i mapę.

Warianty wejścia
WariantStartCzas przejściaŁańcuchyKolor szlaku
Wielicka – summit – BatizovPolecany

The classic loop with a guide. The figures at the top of the page show this route.

Sliezsky dom8–10 hTakChains and rungs on both attempts. The guide’s rope.—
Wielicka Próba and back

Up and down the Wielicka. Still no waymarks. Still a rope.

Sliezsky dom—TakThe same wall, the same guide. No Batizov descent.—
Mała Wysoka on a marked trail

The same hotel, a different mountain, a different page. 2,429 m, not 2,655.

Zobacz ten szlak →		Sliezsky dom4 h 45 minTakChains on the trail. No guide. This is not Gerlach.
  • green
  • yellow

Polecany

Wielicka – summit – Batizov

The classic loop with a guide. The figures at the top of the page show this route.

Gerlach (Gerlachovský štít, 2,655 m a.s.l.) is the highest peak of the Tatras and the entire Carpathians. The dream of many hikers, but you need to know one thing: there is no marked tourist trail leading to Gerlach!

A legal ascent to the summit is only possible in the company of a certified high-mountain guide (UIAGM). This is not an ordinary hike – it is a real mountaineering expedition, requiring the use of a rope, helmet and harness.

💡 In a nutshell – Gerlach:

  1. Only with a guide: There is no marked trail to the summit. Legal ascent requires hiring a UIAGM guide (cost approx. 350-500 EUR per group).
  2. Climbing, not a walk: The route requires the use of hands, a helmet, and rope belaying. The difficulties on the “attempts” (Wielicka and Batizov) resemble Orla Perć.
  3. Logistics: Start from the Sliezsky dom hotel (it’s best to get there by rented jeep to save 2 hours of walking on tarmac).
  4. Fines for going alone: Attempting to climb on your own (without mountaineering qualifications) risks a massive fine and rescue operation costs.

Expedition description: Classic with a guide

The figures at the top of the page show the approximate time and distance for the classic guided loop, starting from the Sliezsky dom mountain hotel.

Stage 1: Getting to Sliezsky dom

The expedition starts early in the morning. The most convenient way to reach Sliezsky dom (1,670 m a.s.l.) is by a rented jeep from Tatranská Polianka (the tarmac walk takes about 2 hours and unnecessarily wastes energy). Here you meet your guide and rope up.

Stage 2: Wielicka Próba (Climbing)

From the hotel we walk briefly along Velické pleso, and then turn left into unmarked terrain.

  • The Wielicka Próba begins – a steep, dozen-or-so-metre wall secured with chains and rungs. This is the first serious test of your skills. The difficulties resemble the hardest parts of Orla Perć, but here you are additionally belayed by the guide.
  • Higher up we climb steep gullies and rock chutes right to the summit.

Stage 3: The Roof of the Carpathians

The summit of Gerlach is tight and marked with a characteristic metal cross.

  • The view is absolutely insane – you are standing higher than all the other peaks around. Even the mighty Rysy seem small from here.

Stage 4: Descent via Batizov Próba

The descent from Gerlach usually takes a different route – via the Batizov Próba.

  • This is a steep, exposed gully. In the most difficult places the guide will lower you on the rope.
  • The route leads down to Batizovské pleso, from where we return to Sliezsky dom along a comfortable trail (the Tatra Magistrala).

Logistics and costs

  • Guide: Hiring a guide costs around EUR 350–500 per group (in summer one guide can take a maximum of 3 people).
  • Winter: A winter ascent is a completely different story – it requires crampons, ice axes, winter experience and a smaller group (max 2 people per guide).
  • Fines: Attempting to climb alone without mountaineering qualifications risks a huge fine from the Slovak TANAP, and in the event of an accident – astronomical costs for the rescue operation.

Who is this absolutely NOT for?

Do not attempt Gerlach if you have never walked on chains before (e.g., on Świnica or Orla Perć). Do not go there if you have a fear of heights. Do not try to “cheap out” and follow a guided group on your own. If you want to conquer a high, marked 2,000-metre peak starting from Sliezsky dom, choose Mała Wysoka (2,429 m a.s.l.).

Getting there, parking & buses

Trailhead logistics – reach the start smoothly without parking hassle.

Trailhead:Sliezsky dom

Parking & car access

No private car access – hotel transfer or hike only

Tatranská Polianka car park (at TEŽ station)

Parking fee: ~10 EUR / day at Polianka car park

The road to Sliezsky dom is strictly closed to private cars. Park at Tatranská Polianka and hike up (approx. 2 hrs) or book a paid hotel jeep transfer.

Navigate to parking (Google Maps)

Bus & transit access

TEŽ electric train (Tatranská Polianka station)

Route & bus stop: TEŽ line Štrbské Pleso ➔ Starý Smokovec ➔ Poprad

Fare: ~2 EUR ticket

Convenient rail link connecting to other Tatra mountain resorts.

Local buses and transit help bypass morning traffic and parking hassles.

Transport guide in the Tips section

Complete guide to Tatra car parks, buses, and TPN reservations.

Read the guide in Tips

Tool

🎒 What to pack? Interactive checklist

Check off items as you pack, switch between summer/winter and clear the list before your next trip. Progress is saved automatically.

Open checklist →

What you will see

  • The roof of the Carpathians
  • Wielicka Próba
  • Batizov Próba

Questions

Is Gerlach the highest peak in the Tatras?

Yes. Gerlachovský štít (2655 m) in Slovakia is the highest peak of the Tatras and of the whole Carpathians. Poland’s highest point is Rysy (2499 m).

Is there a cable car to Gerlach?

No. The cable car goes to nearby Lomnický štít (2634 m). Gerlach is climbed only with a licensed guide, with no marked trail.

Can I go alone?

No. There is no marked trail. Legally only with a certified UIAGM guide. A fine and a helicopter are not plan B.

Are there chains on Gerlach?

On the attempts, yes: chains, rungs, the guide’s rope. The recommended variant goes exactly that way.

Is 8–10 h from Štrbské?

No. Start at Sliezsky dom. A jeep from Polianka or 2 h of tarmac. This is not a widget map — there is no widget.

How much is a guide?

Usually EUR 350–500 per group, max 3 people in summer. This is not a GOPASS ticket to Lomnica.

How high is Gerlach?

Gerlach is 2655 m above sea level.

Gerlach: how long does it take?

Start: Sliezsky dom, finish in the same place. The whole route is 13 km and takes 8–10 h of walking without breaks, with about 1050 m of ascent. Add time for rests and photos.

Newsletter

Tatras in your inbox

A few times a year: trail conditions, closures, the best time to go and new routes. No weekly spam.

Next trail in this area

Planning your next hike? From the same starting point and area, we recommend:

📍 Sliezsky dom
No photo
#slovakia#high tatras#chains

Mała Wysoka (Východná Vysoká)

Východná Vysoká (Mała Wysoka, 2429 m) from Sliezsky dom via Polish Ridge pass: 7.4 km, 4 h 45 min, chains at the pass and summit. Closed 1 Nov – 31 May.

⏱️ 4 h 45 min📏 7.4 km🎯 difficult (chains)
View trail

Similar trails

All trails →
  • Difficulty: Very hardHigh Tatras (Vysoké Tatry)

    Priečne sedlo (Czerwona Ławka)

    Start: Hrebienok (funicular from Starý Smokovec) · via Téryho chata and Zbojnícka chata

    8:11 h
    Time
    17.9 km
    Distance
    +1416 m
    Ascent
  • Difficulty: Very hardHigh Tatras

    Rysy (from the Polish side)

    Start: Palenica Białczańska · via The highest point in Poland and A panorama of 100 peaks

    11:44 h
    Time
    25.5 km
    Distance
    +1844 m
    Ascent
  • Difficulty: HardWestern Tatras (Západné Tatry)

    Banówka (Baníkov)

    Start: Mouth of the Žiarska Valley (car park) · via Highest point of the Western Tatras main ridge and Plačlivý Roháč

    9:50 h
    Time
    20.6 km
    Distance
    +1745 m
    Ascent

Read also

Plan your trip

Where to stay - Starý SmokovecThe closest base for this trail. Check availability and prices in Starý Smokovec.Find a place to stay →Tickets and activitiesCable cars, thermal baths, transfers and guided trips nearby.Browse offers →

These are affiliate links. If you book a stay or a ticket through them, we earn a small commission, for coffee :), at no extra cost to you.

Before you head to the mountains

  1. Check the weather forecast, mountain weather changes dynamically
  2. Match the trail to your abilities, don't overestimate your strength
  3. Take appropriate equipment: comfortable hiking boots, rain jacket, warm clothing, map, charged phone, first aid kit, power bank, food and water
  4. Inform someone about your plans, provide the route and expected return time
  5. Save the emergency number GOPR/TOPR, 601 100 300 or 985
  6. Buy a ticket to the Tatra National Park