Mała Wysoka (Východná Vysoká)

Mała Wysoka (2,429 m a.s.l.) is one of the most magnificent viewpoints in the entire Tatras. This rocky pyramid rises right next to the mighty Gerlach and offers a panorama that literally takes your breath away.

💡 In a nutshell – Mała Wysoka:

1. For whom: For hikers with good fitness who already have some experience with chains (e.g., Giewont or Szpiglasowy Wierch).
2. Difficulties: Chains and rungs below the Polski Grzebień pass, and a short section with a chain on the final approach to the summit.
3. Logistics: The times above show the route from the Sliezsky dom hotel. You must walk to the hotel from Tatranská Polianka (2h of boring tarmac) or take a paid jeep.
4. Golden rule: The trail is closed for winter (from 1 November to 31 May).

Climbing Mała Wysoka is an ambitious high-mountain trip. It requires good fitness and familiarity with exposure, because on the route you will encounter aids in the form of chains and rungs.

Trail description: From Sliezsky dom to the summit

The figures at the top of the page show the time and distance for the route starting and finishing at the Sliezsky dom mountain hotel. Remember that you first have to get to the hotel (by jeep) or walk (about 2 h from Tatranská Polianka).

Stage 1: Through the Velická Valley to Polski Grzebień

We start from Sliezsky dom and follow the green trail.

• We pass Velické pleso and climb the valley threshold next to the waterfall called “Večný dážď” (Eternal Rain).
• The path climbs up through a beautiful, grassy bowl (Kvetnica).
• Just below the Polski Grzebień pass the difficulties begin. We have to negotiate a steep rock step secured with chains and rungs. After about 2 hours from the start we stand on the pass.

Stage 2: Summit push (Yellow Trail)

From Polski Grzebień we turn onto the yellow trail, which leads straight to the summit.

• This is a short (about 45 minutes), but very steep and exhausting approach.
• The path climbs over rocks and loose scree. In the most difficult place there is a short section with a chain. It requires the use of hands and confidence.

Stage 3: Summit and Panorama

The summit of Mała Wysoka is quite tight, but the views compensate for all the effort.

• Views: We are in the very heart of the High Tatras. Within arm’s reach we have the massive massif of Gerlach and Staroleśny Szczyt. Below you can see the deep Biela voda Valley.
• The descent takes exactly the same route (first yellow to the pass, then green to Sliezsky dom).