Rysy (from the Slovak side)

The ascent to Rysy from the Slovak side (2,503 m a.s.l.) is the most popular and easiest route to the highest peak of Poland (although the summit itself lies on the Slovak side). Unlike the dark and precipitous north wall (the Polish side), the Slovak trail follows a sunny southern slope.

💡 In a nutshell – Rysy from Slovakia in a nutshell:

1. For whom: For people with very good fitness. It is still a massive mountain, but technically much easier than the ascent from the Polish side.
2. Difficulties: A short section with chains before Chata pod Rysami and some rocks just below the summit.
3. Golden rule: The trail is closed from 1 November to 15 June (Slovak TANAP regulations).
4. Pro Tip: The southern slope in summer is a “frying pan”. Take plenty of water, sunscreen, and remember mountain insurance (rescue operations in Slovakia are payable!).

Although this is still a high-mountain hike requiring excellent fitness, the technical difficulties are much smaller here, and along the way we are awaited by a refuge in the form of the highest-situated mountain hut in the Tatras.

Trail description: The Sunny Climb

We usually start from Štrbské Pleso or from the parking area at the Popradské pleso electric railway stop.

Stage 1: Approach to Popradské Pleso

The first stage is a long but easy walk on asphalt or a forest trail (red) to the mountain hut at Popradské Pleso. This is an excellent place for breakfast before the actual approach.

Stage 2: Mięguszowiecka Valley and Żabie Lakes

Behind the hut we join the blue trail, which leads into the Mięguszowiecka Valley.

• The path climbs in zigzags upwards. We pass the scenic Żabie Mięguszowieckie Lakes, where the first longer rest is usually taken.
• Fun fact: On this section you can often meet porters (nosiče) who carry goods weighing 60-80 kg on their own backs to the hut!

Stage 3: Chata pod Rysami

At an altitude of 2,250 m a.s.l. we reach Chata pod Rysami – the highest mountain hut in the Tatras.

• This place is famous for the relaxed atmosphere of the “Free Kingdom of Rysy”, a bus stop erected as a joke, and… a toilet with a panoramic window suspended over the abyss.
• Before the hut there is a short section secured with chains and metal steps.

Stage 4: Summit push

From the hut to the summit is relatively close (approx. 45-60 min).

• We climb to the Váha pass (Sedlo Váha), from where a beautiful view of the Gánok Gallery opens up.
• The final section to the summit has aids (chains), but they are much easier and shorter than those on the Polish side.
• The summit: The Slovak summit (2,503 m a.s.l.) is 4 metres higher than the Polish one (2,499 m a.s.l.). In good weather the views stretch as far as hundreds of peaks of the Carpathians.