Rakoń

Rakoń stands at 1,879 m above sea level. It is a striking summit on the main ridge of the Western Tatras, located between Grześ and Wołowiec. Although the summit itself is dome-shaped and grassy, the surroundings are extremely dramatic.

This is where the contrast between the “gentle” Polish Western Tatras and the wild, rocky “Slovak Tatras” (the Roháče) is best seen.

Trail description: the most beautiful ridge in the area

The best way to hike to Rakoń is to combine it with Grześ, forming a beautiful loop.

1. Stage 1: Grześ: From the mountain hut in Chochołów Valley, we climb to Grześ (yellow trail).
2. Stage 2: Długi Upłaz (blue trail): From Grześ, we head along the border ridge towards Rakoń. This is the so-called Długi Upłaz.

• It is one of the most pleasant trails in the Tatras - we walk along a wide, flat ridge for about an hour.
  • The view on both sides of the border is stunning the whole time.
  • The ascent only begins right below the summit of Rakoń.

3. Descent (green trail): We do not have to return the same way! We descend the green trail directly into the Upper Chochołów Valley. The path leads through dwarf pine and gets us back to the mountain hut quickly.

Panorama

Rakoń is famous for the view of the Roháče (Ostry and Płaczliwy). Those two rocky mountains look like huge, dark towers. You can also clearly see the slopes of Wołowiec, where chamois often graze.

Where next? (Decision on the summit)

Once you are on Rakoń, you have a choice:

• “Enough for today” option: Descend to the valley via the green trail (as described in the loop).
• “Ambitious” option (Wołowiec): Wołowiec peak (2,064 m a.s.l.) is only 35-40 minutes away. The climb is tiring, but the view from Wołowiec is even wider. If you have the energy and the weather is good - keep going!

Practical information

• Wind: The section between Grześ and Rakoń (Długi Upłaz) is completely exposed. This is one of the windiest places in the Western Tatras. In winter, the wind can knock an adult off balance.
• Bike: As with Grześ, the 21 km distance is measured from the car park. Using a bike in the valley shortens the trip by about 2 hours and saves your feet.
• Winter: Rakoń is a popular winter objective, but watch out for snow cornices on the ridge! Stay strictly on the trail and do not approach the edge of the cliffs on the Slovak side.