Jarząbczy Wierch

Jarząbczy Wierch stands at 2,137 m above sea level. It is the second-highest summit in the Polish Western Tatras (after Starorobociański Wierch). It is a mountain with two faces: from the Polish side it presents itself as a gentle, though steep, slope, while on the Slovak side (towards Jamnicka Valley) it drops away in huge rocky cliffs.

This is an option for hikers who value height and space. The trail has no technical difficulties (no chains), but it is a solid test of endurance - the ascents are long and demanding.

Trail description: in the footsteps of the Pope and along the ridge

The most logical and scenic route leads from Chochołów Valley, forming a loop via Trzydniowiański Wierch.

1. Approach (Chochołów Valley): We start from Siwa Polana. As always in this valley - we recommend a bike to the mountain hut, to save 2 hours of walking on the flat.
2. Jarząbcza Valley (red / white-yellow trail): From the mountain hut we head deeper into Jarząbcza Valley.
   • This is a historic place - in 1983 John Paul II walked this way. It is commemorated by a boulder and a cross on the trail.
   • Walking along the floor of the valley is quiet and peaceful, but it is the calm before the storm…
3. Approach to the ridge (green / red trail): The trail leads us up to Trzydniowiański Wierch, and from there to Kończysty Wierch (2,002 m a.s.l.). This is where we enter the main ridge.
4. Summit push: From Kończysty Wierch a broad ridge leads to Jarząbczy. The ascent is very steep. Your legs will burn, but the views make up for everything.

Panorama: the giant neighbour

The view from Jarząbczy Wierch is unique because it shows us Tatras you cannot see from Zakopane:

• Jakubina (Raczkowa Czuba): The second-highest peak of the entire Western Tatras (2,194 m a.s.l.) rises right next to it on the Slovak side. It looks massive from here.
• Starorobociański Wierch: We see its western wall, which looks completely different than from Kościeliska.
• The Roháče: The sharp teeth of the Slovak Tatras are perfectly visible to the west.

Return: the loop via Trzydniowiański

From the summit we return to Kończysty Wierch, and then descend via Trzydniowiański Wierch and Krowiniec (red trail) back to Chochołów Glade. This means we do not return the same way, and we also get another great viewpoint.

Practical information

• Autumn: Jarząbczy Wierch (like the Czerwone Wierchy) is covered in sit skucina. In September and October the whole mountain turns rusty red. It is the best time for photos.
• Wind: The summit is very exposed. If it is windy in the valley, on Jarząbczy it can nearly take your head off. Bring a windproof jacket!
• Border: The trail follows the state border. One step to the left and you are in Slovakia (where the cliffs are much more dangerous - stay on the trail!).