Orla Perć (Zawrat - Krzyżne)

Orla Perć is not an ordinary trail. It is a high-mountain climbing route secured with chains, rungs and ladders to make it accessible to hikers. It runs along the ridge, connecting Zawrat and Krzyżne passes.

It is a test of everything: fitness, nerves, tolerance for exposure (drops) and weather. There is no room for mistakes. A slip can end tragically. If you are ready, an adventure of a lifetime awaits you.

Trail description: 4 kilometres of adrenaline

The route is divided into sections that can be tackled separately (thanks to connector trails).

1. Section 1: Zawrat -> Kozia Pass (one-way only!)

   • This is the hardest and most technical section.
   • We start by climbing Mały Kozi Wierch. Then there is a hair-raising descent to Zmarzła Pass (the famous “Chłopek”).
   • The finale is the descent on the famous ladder to Kozia Pass. It is vertical, narrow and crowded.

2. Section 2: Kozia Pass -> Kozi Wierch (one-way only!)

   • We continue climbing. We traverse the walls of the Kozi Czub ridge (huge exposure above the Valley of Five Lakes).
   • Key place: The Chimney below Czarny Mnich - a vertical groove with rungs, requiring arm strength.
   • We reach Kozi Wierch (the highest point on the route). This is where one-way traffic ends.

3. Section 3: Kozi Wierch -> Skrajny Granat

   • A bit easier, but still requires full concentration.
   • We descend through Żleb Kulczyńskiego (very fragile!), pass Czarne Ściany and climb Zadni Granat.
   • Crossing the three Granaty peaks is scenic and beautiful.
   • Famous spot: the Step over the abyss (a crack in the rock on Skrajny Granat).

4. Section 4: Granaty -> Krzyżne

   • The longest and most tiring section.
   • Fewer chains, but a lot of route-finding on rocky and grassy terrain. It is mentally exhausting (“when will this end?”).
   • The finale at Krzyżne Pass is a relief and a magnificent view.

Requirements (pre-hike test)

Before you set off on Orla, ask yourself:

1. Have I been to Rysy, Świnica and Kościelec and felt confident there?
2. Can I pull myself up on a chain using my arms?
3. Do I have stable weather for the whole day (no storms)?
4. Do I have a helmet? (Recommended!)

Logistics

Doing the whole Orla Perć in one go (from hut to hut) takes about 6-8 hours of ridge climbing alone. Add the approach and descent into valleys. That is a brutal 12-14 hour outing. Therefore most hikers split Orla into stages (for example one day to Kozi Wierch, the next day the Granaty).

Practical information

• One-way traffic: The section Zawrat -> Kozi Wierch can ONLY be travelled eastwards. Going the wrong way creates a deadly hazard (queues on the ladder).
• Water: There is no water on the ridge. On a sunny day you need at least 3 litres of fluids.
• Escape: In case of bad weather you can escape via connector trails (for example from Kozia Pass, from Żleb Kulczyńskiego) - but they are also very difficult!