Rysy is the highest mountain in Poland, a dramatic peak looking out over hidden lakes and spiking peaks, nestled in the High Tatras mountain range in the south of the country.
“It's actually on the border between Poland and Slovakia,” says Teresa Stochel, a Polish mountain guide with years of experience guiding in the Tatras. “The Polish Rysy is 2,499m, but the highest Rysy is actually 2,501m, in Slovakia. When we climb the mountain, of course, we can guide people to both of those peaks.”
This mountain is a rare offering - with powerful, raw beauty and allowing for an ascent from one country and a descent to another...
The ascent of Rysy from Poland is demanding but achievable, requiring a round trip of 10-12 hours. On your way up the mountain you’ll pass the remarkable glacial lakes of Morskie Oko (translating to English as ‘The Eye of the Sea’) and Czarny Staw (‘Black Pond’), before gaining height and, as you near the top of Poland, clipping into some bolted-on chains - via ferrata-style - to take on an exposed ascent to the summit. Remember to bring your head for heights.
From the summit, you can either retrace your steps back down to your starting point, or continue on and descend instead to Štrbské Pleso (1,346m/4,416ft) or Popradské Pleso (1,494m/4,902ft) in Slovakia - something border guards would have prevented you doing just a few decades ago - and transfer back to Zakopane, a town and outdoor hub in Poland which is popular year-round with hikers and skiers. It’s 90 minutes away.
Rysy is a special mountain. Not every country’s high point has such fierce beauty and drama. This rough mountain is a rare offering - relatively accessible, with a truly wild feel, and allowing for an ascent from one country and a descent to another. It is a route which is achievable without technical climbing skills, though that doesn't mean it is not demanding.
“People come here to Rysy not only because it's the highest mountain in Poland,” says Teresa, “but because there is a challenge and a beautiful view. From the summit you can see Gerlach, the highest peak in the whole Tatras, as well as most of the climbing summits and the Low Tatras.”
In this guide, with some help from a local expert, we’ll explore the route up Rysy, essential gear and tips to help you reach the roof of Poland safely. Of course, if you're in any doubt at all, your best bet to stay safe is always to hire a local guide.
Where is Rysy?
Rysy is part of the High Tatras, which are in the wider Tatra Mountains and are a subrange of the Carpathians. The mountain lies on the Poland-Slovakia border, with one of its three summits marking the highest point in Poland at 2,499 meters (8,199 feet). The peak is located within the Tatra National Park, near the popular mountain town of Zakopane, Poland’s outdoor adventure hub. On the Slovak side, there is a route up from the mountain resort town of Štrbské Pleso.
How High is Rysy?
The mountain of Rysy has three summits:
- The central peak (2,501m) is the highest point of Rysy and lies entirely in Slovakia.
- The northwestern peak (2,499m) is the highest point in Poland, making it the country’s official high point.
- The southeastern peak (2,473m) is lower but still offers impressive views.
While not as high as the likes of Mont Blanc or other alpine mountains in Europe, Rysy has all the characteristics of a high peak. It’s the wild feel of Rysy which endears it to so many climbers; the rugged, craggy terrain, steep and exposed final ascent and nearby lakes giving it a real sense of might and wonder.
Climbing Rysy: The Polish Route from Palenica Białczańska
Most climbers begin their journey up Rysy from Zakopane, taking a bus or car to Palenica Białczańska, which is a car park and the trailhead to Morskie Oko, a stunning glacial lake and one of Poland’s most visited natural landmarks.
From here, the climb to the high point of Poland begins.
- Hiking time: 9-12 hours
- Distance: 12.4 miles (20km)
- Ascent: 1,700m (5,5771ft)
From Palenica Białczańska, Teresa says, you'll be on a well-maintained asphalt path which leads to the Morskie Oko lake (at an altitude of 1,395m/4,567ft).
Though this part of the walk is not technically demanding at all, the road, and indeed the lake, can be crowded, especially in summer - as everyone from families to mountaineers is keen to see it. You’ll understand why when you do so. The lake is stunning - turquoise green water flanked by forest and mountains.
The walk from Palenica Białczańska to Morskie Oko can take around two hours. To avoid the crowds, many hikers setting out to summit Rysy will actually stay in the Roztoka Hut or Morskie Oko Hut the night before, allowing for an early start.
Morskie Oko Hut can be tricky to get a spot in as there are only 36 beds, and so it's important to book in advance (and pay the required deposit) if you're keen to stay.
When you reach the bowl beneath Rysy, which is above 2,000m, you can once again see the peak of Rysy in front of you, sticking out the mountain...
“It takes us around one hour and a half from Roztoka to get to the Morskie Oko hut, which is just over 1,400m - though, of course, for faster hikers it can be less,” says Teresa. “We start very early, because we prefer climbing without too many people on the route. It also means that, when the weather is really nice, you can experience the place without the crowds. We try to be at the Morskie Oko Hut before 8am, and we start the hike from there."
You can see Rysy and its characteristic cracks and ridgelines from the lake.
"The first part of the hike is just going to the lake, and then from Morskie Oko lake we go to Black Lake. It's just another 200 metres. It's not a difficult walk."
Czarny Staw, or Black Lake, is a smaller body of water connecting to Morskie Oko. It’s from here that the real work begins - climbing steeply up rocky switchbacks, with the terrain becoming more challenging and exposed as you ascend.
“It’s when you start walking up there that it can get a little tiring,” says Teresa. “You get some scree and then the challenge comes with that change in terrain. But when you reach the bowl beneath Rysy, which is above 2,000m, you can once again see the peak of Rysy in front of you, sticking out the mountain.
"It’s beautiful. And then behind you are the lakes - Morskie Oko and then later, Black Lake, which is just very, very nice. There are magnificent views.”
As with any mountain or walking route, the time it takes to reach the peak varies immensely depending on the pace and fitness levels of the group involved. “For us, time is not an issue,” says Teresa. “It depends on the client.”
The final push to the summit involves clipping into some fixed chains for safety for around one and a half hours.
“When we say ‘chains’, clients will say ‘chains?! What are we doing?!’ but it’s really just to help people and to keep them safe. It’s not meant to be something scary. We tell people how to use the chains, and that it’s very important they don’t hang off them and things like that. It’s part of my job."
Clipping into the chains also protects you from unexpected rock falls, Teresa adds.
"The climbing isn’t difficult, but there is a steep area - so we provide the equipment, and then you have a lanyard and harness and you clip it on when you go from one point of the chain to another. On the side ridge of Rysy later on, sometimes people get scared - but if you have this equipment then you can attach it to the metal line for protection, like a via ferrata.”
Teresa continues: “It’s not difficult, but it is steep, and of course, anything can happen in the mountains if you’re not safe, so it’s best to stay secure.”
On the southern side of Rysy, the mountain steeply descends down to the wilderness of Slovakia...
When you reach the summit of Rysy, the view is sublime. You’ll be looking out at Mieguszowiecki Szczyt (2,438m/7,999ft), a prominent peak to the south of Rysy, and Gerlach Peak (2,655m/8,711ft), the highest point in Slovakia and the entire Carpathian range. The lakes you passed on the ascent are visible once more, down in the glacial valleys of Poland. On the southern side of Rysy, the mountain steeply descends down to the wilderness of Slovakia - the meadows, forests and Veľké Hincovo (1,946m/6,385ft), a large lake of glacial origin in the High Tatras.
A lot of hikers will return from the summit the same way they came up, retracing their steps and heading back down to the busy Morskie Oko lake.
More adventurous (though not more difficult!) is to continue down to Slovakia.
“You can continue down to the Chata pod Rysmi Hut, which is above 2,200m and is the highest hut in the Tatras,” says Teresa. “There is a short ladder and some chains that you use, and you descend down to Štrbské Pleso or Popradské Pleso.” This way, you get to pass through the Mięguszowieckie Valley, on some sublime, rocky trails." Even if you're not staying at Chata pod Rysmi, you can still stop at the hut for hot tea, before carrying on to the bottom of the Mięguszowiecka Valley.
From Štrbské Pleso, you need a transport to take you back to Zakopane in Poland.
Alternative Route: The Slovak Approach from Štrbské Pleso
The Slovak side offers a slightly easier approach to Rysy, starting from the mountain resort of Štrbské Pleso (1,346m/4,416ft). This route is less steep and involves fewer exposed sections, making it a good choice for those less comfortable with scrambling. The route passes through the Chata pod Rysmi hut, the highest mountain hut in the Tatras, before the final ascent to the summit.
How Hard is it to Climb Rysy?
While Rysy is not a technical climb, it is a strenuous and exposed hike. The steep sections, unpredictable weather, and high-altitude conditions make it more challenging than typical mountain hikes in Poland, and a head for heights is needed as you near the summit.
Train with long hikes, work on endurance, and get comfortable with scrambling in hiking boots. “You have to be prepared for these mountains,” says Teresa.
When is the Best Time to Climb Rysy?
The best time to climb Rysy is typically between June and September, when the trail is free of snow and the mountain huts are open. There can be some snow in late August and September too. Early mornings provide the best conditions, as afternoon thunderstorms are common, and the route will be more crowded the later in the day you go. Winter ascents (November-April) require proper mountaineering experience and equipment including ice axes, and crampons due to heavy snow and avalanche risks on the mountain.
What are the Mountain Huts in Poland like?
Mountain huts in Poland come in various shapes and sizes, but they are of high quality, even when compared to the likes of the alpine huts in France or Italy.
“The food is very good,” says Teresa. “It’s traditional Polish food. There are beautiful views, and the standard of the showers and the dormitories is very high. People are positively surprised. Of course, people can snore, so come prepared with ear plugs! The Roztoka Hut has the best food in the Tatras."
Essential Rysy Packing List: Summer
You can read our full kit list for climbing Rysy on the trip page for our Hut-to-Hut Trekking in Poland adventure. Here's a taster of what you should bring with you:
- A comfortable day pack
- Insulated jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Buff or neckscarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Hiking boots (worn-in)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on the best hiking snacks
How to Get to Rysy
- From Zakopane (Poland): Take a bus or drive to Palenica Białczańska, the starting point for the Morskie Oko trail.
- From Štrbské Pleso (Slovakia): The Slovak route starts from the mountain resort of Štrbské Pleso, accessible by train or bus from Poprad.
Inspired? Climb Rysy from Poland and discover the High Tatras!