Difficulty: ModerateWestern Tatras
Kończysty Wierch
Start: Siwa Polana (Chochołów Valley) · via Views of Starorobociański Wierch and Czubik
- 8:00 h
- Time
- 18.3 km
- Distance
- +1242 m
- Ascent
Difficulty: ModerateWestern Tatraswestern tatrasfitnesspanoramahighest peak
Krzesanica
2122 m a.s.l. · trail red / green · start: Kiry
High-altitude conditionsBulletin as of 20 października 2026
Official TPN bulletinSnow and ice reported in upper Tatras. Crampons, ice axe, helmet and winter mountaineering experience required.
Bulletin details
Warunki do uprawiania turystyki w wyższych partiach Tatr Wysokich są wciąż trudne - występuje tam miejscami śnieg i oblodzenia, zwłaszcza po stronie północnej - jest bardzo ślisko. Wyjścia w te partie Tatr wymagają doświadczenia w zimowej turystyce górskiej oraz użycia odpowiedniego sprzętu – raków, czekana i kasku, wraz z umiejętnością posługiwania się nim.
PolecanyVia Ciemniak and Tomanowa
Czas i dystans dla całej wycieczki, z powrotem do startu.
Tempo
8 h 34 minSzacunek od czasu z opisu, bez kolejek i postojów.
- medium / difficult (fitness-wise)
- red
- green
- Western Tatras
- Dla rodzin: Nie
- Z psem: Nie
- Ślad GPX (.gpx)
Warianty wejścia
Polecany jest na tej stronie. Inny start ma osobną kartę — własny opis i mapę.
| Wariant | Start | Czas przejścia | Łańcuchy | Kolor szlaku |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Via Ciemniak and TomanowaPolecany Red to Ciemniak and Krzesanica, green through Tomanowa to Ornak. No chains. The figures at the top of the page count this loop. | Kiry | 8 h 34 min | Nie |
|
Via Małołączniak from Gronik Yellow to Kopa and Małołączniak, red to Krzesanica. A separate page: Małołączniak. Zobacz ten szlak → | Gronik | 8 h | Nie |
|
Full Czerwone Wierchy traverse Krzesanica as the second summit of the day. A separate page: Czerwone Wierchy. Zobacz ten szlak → | Kiry | 8 h 27 min | Nie |
|
Polecany
Via Ciemniak and Tomanowa
Red to Ciemniak and Krzesanica, green through Tomanowa to Ornak. No chains. The figures at the top of the page count this loop.
Mapa i profil trasy
Via Ciemniak and Tomanowa
Profil wysokościowy trasy
Wykres podejść wygenerowany ze śladu GPX. Przesuń kursor lub palec po wykresie, aby sprawdzić profil podejścia i punkty kulminacyjne.
GPX · 19.17 km
Punkt kulminacyjny
2122m n.p.m.
przy 6.81 km
Najniższy punkt
933m n.p.m.
Podejścia (suma)
+1436m
Zejścia (suma)
-1437m
Dystans profilu
19.17km
Ślad GPX do nawigacji
Wgraj trasę do zegarka sportowego (Garmin, Coros, Suunto, Apple Watch) lub aplikacji nawigacyjnej (Mapy.cz, Komoot, Locus Map, Strava) i nawiguj po szlaku w trybie offline bez zasięgu.
Kompatybilność:GarminCorosSuuntoApple WatchMapy.czKomootStrava
Jak wgrać plik GPX?
- Kliknij przycisk „Pobierz ślad GPX”, aby zapisać plik .gpx na telefonie lub komputerze.
- Otwórz plik w aplikacji Garmin Connect, Coros, Suunto, Mapy.cz, Komoot lub wyślij na zegarek GPS.
- Zapisz trasę w trybie offline, aby w Tatrach nawigować pewnie i bez obaw o brak zasięgu sieci komórkowej.
Krzesanica (2,122 m a.s.l.) is the “Queen” of the Czerwone Wierchy. It is the highest of the four summits in this massif and definitely the most spectacular in geological terms. Its name comes from “krzesanie” - falling stones, striking the rock, threw sparks.
💡 In a nutshell – Krzesanica:
- Access: It lies in the middle of the Czerwone Wierchy ridge. It’s best to reach it via Ciemniak (from Kiry) or Małołączniak (from Gronik).
- No chains: There are no artificial aids on the ridge itself or the approaches (red and yellow trails).
- Precipice to the north: The summit is flat, but on the Polish side it is cut by a vertical, 200-metre wall dropping into the Mułowy Cirque.
- Fog is the enemy: Due to the flat summit and the proximity of the precipice, losing the trail in fog can be deadly here.
It is a mountain of paradoxes. Standing on the summit, you feel as if you are on a flat, safe football pitch, but take a few steps north and you will see a vertical, 200-metre drop beneath your feet.
Trail description: A walk on the roof of the Western Tatras
Krzesanica lies right in the middle of the Czerwone Wierchy ridge, so to reach it you have to climb it via the neighbouring peaks: Ciemniak or Małołączniak. We recommend the loop variant from the Kiry side (via Ciemniak).
Stage 1: Tedious ascent to Ciemniak
From Kiry we set off on the red trail. This is a long, steep and exhausting approach, on which there is not a single water source. After covering over 1,100 metres of elevation gain, we stand on the summit of Ciemniak. This is a solid warm-up before the main objective.
Stage 2: Traverse of the Ridge (Litworowy Grzbiet)
From Ciemniak we continue on the red trail towards Krzesanica.
- This is one of the most beautiful sections in the Western Tatras. We walk along a broad, comfortable ridge, with a “birds-eye” view on both sides of the border. There are no chains here.
- The path gently descends to Mułowa Pass, and then climbs to the stony dome of Krzesanica.
Stage 3: Summit and precipice
The summit of Krzesanica (2,122 m a.s.l.) is flat and covered with small stones (hikers build hundreds of little cairns from them, so-called “lucky cairns”).
- Mułowa Valley: What you see below on the Polish side (to the north) is the hanging Mułowa Valley. It is a raw place, filled with snow until late summer and… a cemetery for chamois that fall from the cliffs.
Stage 4: Descent
From Krzesanica it is safest to return to Ciemniak and descend via the green trail through the Tomanowa Valley to Hala Ornak, and from there to Kiry. This is a beautiful, scenic loop.
Nature: Rock Gardens
The summit of Krzesanica is famous for its so-called “gardens”. Between the limestone boulders grow unique alpine plants (e.g., stemless campion, alpine rock jasmine) that withstand extreme winds and frost. It looks like a rockery carefully planned by a gardener.
Logistics and warnings
- Deadly trap in fog: Krzesanica is technically very easy (a normal path), but the accident statistics here are merciless. The flat, wide summit loses points of reference in fog. Hikers lose the trail and instinctively go “down”. If they head north, they fall into the Mułowy Cirque. In fog, cling to the trail and the stone cairns!
- Edge: Do not approach the very edge of the cliff to take a “better selfie”. The rocks at the edge can be brittle, and the wind gusts strong.
Who is this absolutely NOT for?
Do not attempt Krzesanica without adequate fitness – it is a long, full-day slog (over 1,400 metres of elevation gain). Do not bring a dog here (TPN ban). In winter, the vast domes of the Czerwone Wierchy require excellent navigation and avalanche equipment.
Getting there, parking & buses
Trailhead logistics – reach the start smoothly without parking hassle.
Trailhead:Kiry
Parking & car access
Paid on site (private & municipal car parks)
Kiry car parks (at Kościeliska Valley entrance)
Parking fee: 30–40 PLN / day
Numerous parking lots line the road in Kiry. On sunny weekend mornings they fill up after 8:30 AM. Some accept cards, but cash is recommended.
Bus & transit access
Buses from Main Station towards Kościelisko & Kiry
Route & bus stop: Zakopane Main Station ➔ Aleje 3 Maja ➔ Kościelisko ➔ Kiry (bus stop right by TPN gate)
Fare: ~8–10 PLN one-way
Buses marked „Kiry / Dolina Kościeliska” depart every 10–15 minutes.
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.
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.
What you will see
- The highest point of the Czerwone Wierchy
- Vertical cliffs of the Mułowy Cirque
- Rock gardens (unique flora)
- 360-degree panorama
Questions
Are there chains on Krzesanica?
No. You reach it along the ridge from Ciemniak or Małołączniak. The only chain is on a separate blue Małołączniak variant through Kobylarzowy Żleb — not on the way to Krzesanica.
Where is the most sensible approach?
From Kiry via Ciemniak, down Tomanowa or the same red trail. From Gronik yellow to Małołączniak and on red, also without chains. Do not descend from Krzesanica via Kobylarzowy Żleb unless you want that step.
How high is Krzesanica?
Krzesanica is 2122 m above sea level.
Krzesanica: how long does it take?
Start: Kiry, finish in the same place. The whole route is 19.6 km and takes 8 h 34 min of walking without breaks, with about 1412 m of ascent. Add time for rests and photos.
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Next trail in this area
Planning your next hike? From the same starting point and area, we recommend:
#western tatras#ridge#fitness
Czerwone Wierchy (Red Peaks)
Czerwone Wierchy (Red Peaks) from Kiry to Kuźnice over four 2000 m summits: 15.6 km, 8 h 27 min, no chains. Where to shorten the walk and what to do in fog.
⏱️ 8 h 27 min📏 15.6 km🎯 average
View trailSimilar trails
- Difficulty: ModerateWestern Tatras
Wołowiec
Start: Siwa Polana (Chochołów Valley) · via 360-degree panorama and Views of the Roháče
- 8:55 h
- Time
- 22.1 km
- Distance
- +1255 m
- Ascent
- Western Tatras
Bystra (Bystrá)
Start: Kiry (Kościeliska Valley) · via Highest peak of the Western Tatras and The Ornak ridge
- 11:50 h
- Time
- 28.1 km
- Distance
- +1953 m
- Ascent
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Plan your trip
Where to stay - KościeliskoThe closest base for this trail. Check availability and prices in Kościelisko.Find a place to stay →Tickets and activitiesCable cars, thermal baths, transfers and guided trips nearby.Browse offers →
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Before you head to the mountains
- Check the weather forecast, mountain weather changes dynamically
- Match the trail to your abilities, don't overestimate your strength
- Take appropriate equipment: comfortable hiking boots, rain jacket, warm clothing, map, charged phone, first aid kit, power bank, food and water
- Inform someone about your plans, provide the route and expected return time
- Save the emergency number GOPR/TOPR, 601 100 300 or 985
- Buy a ticket to the Tatra National Park