Kasprowy Wierch

Kasprowy Wierch stands at 1,987 m above sea level. It is probably the most recognisable mountain in Poland and a symbol of Tatra skiing. Located on the border between the Western and High Tatras, it offers one of the broadest and most beautiful panoramas in the entire range.

Thanks to the modern cable car, the summit is accessible to almost everyone, but reaching it under your own power is a rewarding hike that lets you feel the true atmosphere of the high mountains.

Trail description (on foot from Kuźnice)

The most popular hiking route leads from Kuźnice along the green trail.

1. Start: The trail begins at the lower cable car station. Initially it runs through the forest, passing Myślenickie Turnie (the cable car transfer station).
2. Ascent: This is a purely fitness-oriented route. There are no technical difficulties (no chains, no precipices), but you have almost 1,000 metres of elevation gain to cover. The path climbs in zigzags, and in the upper section it emerges above the tree line, offering views of Goryczkowa Valley.
3. Summit: On the summit there is the distinctive IMGW meteorological observatory (the highest building in Poland) and the “Dzwon” area (near Sucha Przełęcz).

The “lazy” option: cable car

Many hikers choose the PKL cable car (the ride takes several minutes with a transfer at Myślenickie Turnie).

• Important: In season, the queues at the ticket office in Kuźnice are huge (3-4 hours of waiting). Buy your ticket online well in advance on the PKL website.
• Up + down: An interesting option is to take the cable car up and descend on foot (for example via Hala Gąsienicowa - yellow trail), which takes about 2-2.5 hours.

Panoramas and where next?

From Kasprowy Wierch you get a 360-degree view. You can clearly see the mighty Świnica, Orla Perć, and on the Slovak side - the national mountain of the Slovaks, the curved Krywań.

Kasprowy is a great trail junction:

• To Świnica (red trail): Eastbound. Beautiful, but much harder (chains, exposure). Only for experienced hikers.
• To Czerwone Wierchy (red trail): Westbound. A very pleasant ridge walk towards Kopa Kondracka. Scenic and safe.
• To Murowaniec (yellow trail): Descent to Gąsienicowa Valley. More scenic than the green trail back to Kuźnice.

Practical information

• Weather: Kasprowy Wierch is famous for its windy and changeable weather. Even if it is hot in Zakopane, it can be cold and windy on the summit. Bring a jacket!
• Getting to Kuźnice: Private cars are not allowed in Kuźnice. Leave your car at the roundabout near Jan Paweł II (below the ski jump) and walk (20 min) or take a minibus.
• For families: You can take the cable car with a pushchair (folded), but moving around the summit itself with a pushchair is difficult (stones, stairs).