Krzyżne Pass

Krzyżne (2,112 m above sea level) is a pass with two faces. On one side it opens onto the lively, blue waters of the Valley of Five Polish Lakes; on the other it drops into the raw, stony desert of Pańszczyca Valley.

It is an iconic place. For years Krzyżne was a destination in itself for 19th-century hikers (“trips without a plan”) who came here just to see this one specific view. Today it is an important trail junction and the eastern end of Orla Perć.

A hike to Krzyżne is a big Tatra outing - the route is long and tiring, but free of technical difficulties (there are no chains on the yellow trail). Ideal for those with iron legs but who avoid exposure.

Stage 1: Climb from the Valley of Five Lakes

The most spectacular approach goes from the Valley of Five Polish Lakes (yellow trail). After reaching Wielki Staw Polski (the largest lake in the Tatras), the trail turns towards the massive walls of Buczynowe Turnie.

• Approach character: The path is comfortable, but merciless. It climbs in zigzags over a grassy-rocky slope. There are no moments to “catch your breath” on the flat. With every step we gain height.
• Perspective: What happens behind us is magic. As the height increases, the lakes in the valley start to look like puddles, and we gain a birds-eye perspective. You can see Siklawa, the mountain hut (which looks like a toy house) and the huge wall of the Liptov Walls perfectly.

Stage 2: On the pass - a “total view”

Krzyżne is a narrow notch in the ridge between Wołoszyn and Waksmundzki Wierch. There is little room here, and the wind can nearly knock you over.

The panorama from Krzyżne is unique on the scale of the entire Tatras. You can see at the same time:

1. The Valley of Five Lakes: All the lakes laid out like on a map.
2. The High Tatras: The huge massif of Gerlach and Rysy.
3. The Bielskie Tatras: The distant limestone peaks to the east.
4. Orla Perć: The ridge full of peaks, which has its end (or beginning) right here.

Fun fact: In the past there was a stone hut for hikers on Krzyżne, but today only barely visible foundations remain.

Stage 3: Descent into the “Martian land” (Pańszczyca Valley)

The descent towards Hala Gąsienicowa (Kuźnice) feels like entering another world. Pańszczyca Valley is one of the wildest valleys in the Tatras.

• Landscape: The blue lakes and green grasses disappear. We enter a sea of scree, boulders and silence. The scenery is raw and lunar.
• Czerwony Staw: Halfway down we pass Czerwony Staw Pańszczycki - a small lake with a distinctive colour (from algae).
• Length: The descent to Kuźnice is very long and tiring. It leads through dwarf pine and then forest, stretching on and on. It is a test for the tired hiker’s mind.

Practical information and safety

• No water: Along the entire section from Wielki Staw uphill to the red lake on the other side (around 3-4 hours of walking in total) there is no water source. In summer, on the sunny approach, this is brutal. Bring at least 2-3 litres of fluids.
• Storms: Krzyżne is a very high pass (over 2,100 m). You are completely exposed here. Getting down to a safe forest area takes more than an hour. Watch the sky!
• Fitness: The yellow trail has no chains, precipices or ladders. It is safe for people afraid of heights, but requires iron fitness. It is not a walk for casual hikers in trainers.