Discover the highest peak in Poland, offering breathtaking views of the High Tatras, glacial lakes, and rugged alpine landscapes that create memories to last a lifetime.
Popular route leading to Poland's largest glacial lake, Morskie Oko, with stunning views of Rysy and the surrounding peaks. Ideal for beginner hikers.
Challenging ascent to the summit of Rysy, offering panoramic views of the High Tatras and neighboring Slovakia. Perfect for experienced hikers.
Scenic trail leading to Czarny Staw, a glacial lake nestled beneath Rysy, offering tranquil views and a peaceful hiking experience.
Rysy stands as Poland's highest peak at 2,503 meters, a majestic mountain rising above the pristine waters of glacial lakes in the High Tatras. This ancient peak has been a symbol of Polish mountaineering and alpine heritage for generations.
The mountain straddles the border between Poland and Slovakia, offering stunning panoramic views of both countries. Rysy lies within the Tatra National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that protects the pristine alpine environment and unique biodiversity of the region.
With its challenging granite terrain and glacial cirques, Rysy offers hiking experiences for various skill levels, from the scenic approach via Morskie Oko to the demanding summit ascent. The mountain's dramatic elevation changes and alpine environment provide some of the most spectacular hiking terrain in Central Europe.
Discover History
Experience the thrill of reaching Poland's highest summit, with its dramatic alpine scenery and panoramic views of the High Tatras spanning both Poland and Slovakia.
Spot chamois, marmots, and golden eagles in their natural habitat, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Tatras. Discover unique alpine flora adapted to the harsh mountain environment.
Discover the serene beauty of Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw, two iconic glacial lakes nestled beneath Rysy's granite walls, offering perfect reflection shots and peaceful mountain vistas.
Capture the stunning alpine landscapes, glacial reflections, and dramatic granite spires of the High Tatras. Every season offers unique photographic opportunities from wildflower meadows to snow-covered peaks.
Ancient Times - Sacred Peak: Rysy has been a significant landmark in the High Tatras for centuries, known to the local Gorals (highlanders) as "Rysy" meaning "the ridges" in the regional dialect. The mountain holds cultural and historical importance in Polish and Slovak heritage.
1848 - First Recorded Ascent: The first documented ascent was made by a Polish team, though the mountain was likely climbed earlier by local shepherds and mountain guides who knew these peaks intimately.
1954 - National Park: The Tatra National Park is established on the Polish side, protecting Rysy and the surrounding High Tatras ecosystem, creating one of Europe's most important alpine preserves.
Modern Era - Mountaineering Heritage: Rysy becomes a symbol of Polish mountaineering, attracting hikers and climbers from around the world who come to challenge themselves on Poland's highest peak.
Present Day - Conservation Legacy: Today, Rysy continues to serve as a premier hiking destination while remaining protected within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offering visitors transformative alpine experiences in one of Europe's last remaining wilderness areas.
Learn more about Rysy's history
The distinctive granite spires of Rysy offer some of the most dramatic and recognizable mountain profiles in the High Tatras, with sheer faces that challenge even the most experienced climbers and create stunning photographic opportunities.
The iconic glacial lake at the base of Rysy offers one of the most photographed views in the High Tatras, with the granite spires reflected in its pristine waters and surrounded by dramatic mountain walls.
The High Tatras' unique alpine environment provides a stunning backdrop to Rysy, featuring dramatic weather patterns, seasonal snow coverage, and pristine mountain wilderness that changes throughout the year.
Watch for chamois navigating the rocky terrain, marmots sunning on the rocks, and golden eagles soaring above the peaks - an integral part of the Rysy experience in the wild High Tatras.
Prepare for your journey to Poland's highest peak with these essential tips:
Address: Rysy, High Tatras, Poland/Slovakia
Nearest Airport: Krakow Airport - 2 hours drive to Zakopane
Coordinates: 49°10'46"N 20°05'18"E
Rysy is located in the High Tatras mountain range on the border between Poland and Slovakia. The main access point is through Zakopane, Poland, approximately 120 kilometers south of Krakow. The most popular trailhead begins at the Morskie Oko parking area, accessible by road from Zakopane. The mountain lies within both Tatra National Park (Poland) and Tatra National Park (Slovakia), offering cross-border alpine experiences.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing for all weather conditions, and waterproof gear. High Tatras weather is unpredictable and can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations.
Some shorter trails around Morskie Oko are suitable for families. The main Rysy trails are strenuous and require excellent fitness. The summit is for experienced hikers only.
No fees are required to hike the trails around Rysy. However, you may need to pay for parking and camping permits in certain areas of Tatra National Park.
June to September offers the best conditions for hiking, though weather is always unpredictable. Winter hiking requires mountaineering experience due to snow and extreme conditions.
Absolutely. Rysy offers spectacular photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset. Please stay on marked trails and respect the fragile alpine environment.
Look for chamois, marmots, golden eagles, and unique alpine flora adapted to the harsh mountain environment of the High Tatras.
Some areas around Morskie Oko have accessible paths, but the mountain trails themselves are not accessible due to their steep and rocky terrain.
