Rysy (from the Polish side)

Rysy stand at 2,499 m above sea level. It is the dream of every lover of the Polish mountains. It is the highest point in our country, the roof of Poland and a summit included in the Crown of Europe.

The ascent to Rysy from the Polish side is the most serious marked hike in the Tatras. It requires iron fitness, tolerance for exposure and the ability to move on rocky terrain using chains.

Trail description: the road to the roof of Poland

We start in Palenica Białczańska (car park). A long day lies ahead:

1. Warm-up: Walk to Morskie Oko (tarmac road, 9 km) and around the lake.
2. Stairs to heaven: Ascent above Czarny Staw pod Rysami. This is where the fun ends. The red trail climbs steeply upward.
3. The bowl: The laborious climb begins from Czarny Staw. We pass Bula pod Rysami (a flat terrace, the TOPR helicopter landing area) - the last comfortable place to rest.
4. Chains: The final 300-400 metres of elevation gain are a climb up a rock ridge secured with chains (about 1.5 km of chains!). It is steep, exposed and the rock can be slippery. A key point is the narrow Przełączka pod Rysami, where queues often form.

The summit

Rysy have two summits:

• Polish (2499 m): The lower one, on the border.
• Slovak (2501 m): The higher one, a few dozen metres away. The view from the summit is considered the most extensive in the Tatras. In good weather, you can see around 100 peaks and 12 lakes.

Safety (important!)

• Fitness: The total ascent is over 1,600 metres. That is a huge effort. Many hikers run out of steam halfway up. If you do not walk in the mountains regularly, do not start with Rysy.
• Falling rocks: The trail is very crowded. Hikers above often knock loose stones down on those below. We strongly recommend a climbing helmet!
• Snow: The north-facing aspect means that in the upper part of the trail (in the so-called couloir/gully) hard, icy snow often remains until mid-July. Going in such conditions without crampons and an ice axe is a common cause of tragic accidents.
• Queues: On sunny weekends, queues form on the chains. Sometimes you have to wait 30-60 minutes hanging on a chain. To avoid this, set off from the car park at 4:00-5:00 a.m.

Alternative: the Slovak side

Rysy can also be climbed from the Slovak side (from Štrbské Pleso/Popradské Pleso). This route is much easier, sunnier and does not have difficult chains (only short secured sections). On the way there is also the highest mountain hut in the Tatras - Chata pod Rysmi. It is a good option for less experienced hikers, although it requires travelling to Slovakia.