Kozi Wierch

Kozi Wierch stands at 2,291 m above sea level. It is a unique mountain for one reason: it is the highest peak lying entirely within Poland. (Rysy are higher, but their summit is on the border with Slovakia).

Reaching Kozi Wierch is a source of pride and one of the most beautiful hikes in the High Tatras. The summit lies on the main ridge of Orla Perć, but it can also be reached by the easier “tourist” trail from the Valley of Five Lakes.

Trail description: the “tourist” variant (black trail)

The safest and most popular route leads from the mountain hut in the Valley of Five Lakes.

1. Approach: First we must reach the Valley of Five Lakes (from Palenica Białczańska via the green trail through Roztoka Valley). This takes about 2-2.5 hours.
2. Szeroki Żleb: From Wielki Staw we turn onto the black trail. The path climbs in zigzags up the floor of Szeroki Żleb.
   • This is a very long and steep ascent.
   • The terrain is “fragile” - stones move underfoot, and the rock can be weathered.
   • Despite the effort, this trail has no technical difficulties (no chains) and is accessible to any fit hiker with good fitness.

Hardcore variant: Orla Perć (red trail)

Kozi Wierch is also the culmination point of Orla Perć. You can reach it from Zawrat and Kozi Pass.

• Warning: The Orla Perć section from Zawrat to Kozi Wierch is one-way only! You must not go from Kozi towards Zawrat.
• This variant is an extreme route with ladders, chains and huge exposure. Only for advanced hikers!

Panorama: the Tatras in your hand

The view from Kozi Wierch is one of the most “complete” in the Tatras.

• Below: Vertical walls drop towards the Valley of Five Lakes - the lakes look like small blue puddles from here.
• Far away: Rysy, Gerlach (the highest in the Tatras) and the entire ridge of the Western Tatras are clearly visible.

Safety (crucial!)

1. Falling stones: In Szeroki Żleb (black trail), hikers above often knock stones loose, and they gain speed and become a deadly threat to those below. A climbing helmet is highly recommended here, even on the tourist trail!
2. Storms: You are on a high, exposed summit. During a storm there is nowhere to hide. Get down at the first sign of bad weather.
3. Winter: Szeroki Żleb in winter is a major avalanche path. The trail is then only accessible to professionals with full avalanche gear (ABC equipment).