1-Day Trek to Rysy from the Polish Side
Let UIMLA-certified mountain leader Marcel take you on an epic day hike up the Polish side of Rysy in the High Tatras mountain range.
Tatras
1 Day
Jun - Oct
High
Description
Let me take you to the highest point of Poland on this day-trek to Rysy in the High Tatras! Hike through some of the most picturesque mountain scenery on your way to the summit on the border of Slovakia and Poland.
Rysy is located in the main ridge of the High Tatras mountain range, right on the border of Slovakia and Poland. At 2,499 meters, Rysy claims the tallest peak of Poland, and even has an additional peak on the Slovak side.
It is a popular hike for adventurers and travelers, and during the summer offers multiple paths to get to the summit that vary in time and difficulty. Being surrounded by the lakes and wildlife as you climb makes this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
And of course, the views from the summit expose the immense beauty of two countries – you couldn´t ask for a better vantage point.
Our program will start in Palenica Bialczanska at 1,000 meters. We will travel up to the largest lake in the High Tatras, Morskie Oko, and on to the second-deepest lake, Black Lake. The scenery around the lakes will give you a rare chance to explore the remote nature of Poland first hand.
The next leg of our ascent is a technically difficult hike, and will include a long section of path that is aided by chains. The reward for our hard work is reaching the summit of Rysy and its unparalleled panoramas, making the climb all the more satisfying.
After a small rest at the peak, we can choose to return to Palenica Bialczanska using the way we came, with a break at a mountain hut by Morskie Oko. Or we can also choose to hike down the Slovak path through Popradske Pleso to Strbske Pleso to experience both sides of the mountain.
This is a difficult hike, spanning 10-12 hours of trekking. You should be an experienced hiker and be in great physical shape.
Book now and spend your day on an unforgettable trek to the top of Rysy – one of Poland´s most incredible adventures!
I can also take you on a program to ascend Rysy from the Slovak side! Or I can take you on a day trek to one the best spots in the High Tatras – Krivan!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
Price details
Price does NOT include transportation to/from the starting point, nor does it include your required mountain insurace. If applicable, it does NOT include the price of the horse carriage ticket.
Itinerary
Day 1: Hike to Rysy
We will begin at Palenica Bialczanska at 1,000 meters. Here you may choose the optional horse carriage up to Morskie Oko.
We will travel up to the largest lake in the High Tatras, Morskie Oko (1,400m), and on to the second-deepest lake, Black Lake.
Our ascent increases in difficulty as we climb to the summit. It includes a long section of path that is aided by chains. Once we reach the summit of Rysy (2,499m), we will have a small rest.
We may choose a descent back to Palenica Bialczanska and stop by a mountain hut near Morskie Oko. Or we may choose to descend via the Slovak side of the mountain and climb down to Strbske Pleso (1,350m).
Details
More info
You have an optional horse carriage that will take you to Morskie Oko. This is not included in the price.
You will need to purchase mountain insurance for Slovakian Mountain Rescue Services. Any international mountain insurance will suffice.
Meeting point
FAQs
I’ll be in Krakow, how can I come to the starting point of the hike?
The best is to be in Zakopane the day before the hike. The best way coming from Kraków is to take a train from the airport to the bus station and then take a bus to Zakopane.
I’ll pick you up at your accommodation to Zakopane, and we’ll drive together to the starting point of the hike (1-hour drive).
I can also help you organize a private transfer from Kraków if you wish.
How long is the hike?
The hikes (up and down Rysy) from & to the starting point, takes around 12 hours.
How experience do I need to be? How difficult is the hike?
You should be an experienced hiker and be in great physical shape. It’s a 10 to 12-hour hike. This route is technically and physically demanding. We can also hike up Rysy from Slovakia, the route is easier.
What’s include in the price of this hiking tour?
My guiding service is included in the price of this tour.
The following items are not included:
- Transportation from the starting point of the hike (and back)
- The mountain rescue insurance (I can arrange it for you if you don't have any)
- The horse carriage to Morskie Oko (optional)
I'm alone, is it possible to join a group?
It is not possible to join a group. I only organize private tours to Rysy. It is the best option because you can hike at your own path without feeling pressured by the other members of the group.
Is it also possible to hike up to Rysy from Slovakia?
Yes, it’s possible to make it from Slovakia. The starting point is at the border, in Lysa Polana. The hike from there is easier than from the Polish side.
How many hikers can you take with you?
For safety reasons, I’ll take maximum 7 hikers with me. It would be less if the conditions in the mountains are challenging. If you are with a larger group, I’ll ask one of my colleagues to join us.
Do I need a mountain rescue insurance?
You need to have an insurance covering the evacuation from the mountains. If you don’t have any, I can buy it for you here. It is around €1/day, and it covers the transport or evacuation from the mountain to the hospital. It is not covering the medical assistance & services.
What equipment do I need to take with me?
Here is a list of equipment to have with you:
- hiking boots that provide ankle support
- warm socks suitable for hiking
- a shirt or t-shirt
- a breathable trouser
- a wind stopper & waterproof jacket
- a cap or a buff
- a pair of gloves
- a small backpack for the day
- your personal medication (if you need/take any)
- sun cream and sunglasses
- your personal first aid kit
- water bottle (minimum 2 liters)
- some snacks
- your cell phone (for emergency calls)
When is the best period to climb up to Rysy?
The best time to climb Rysy is from mid of June till end of October.
Are you offering other outdoor/adventure guided tours in & around the Tatras?
I'm offering several other guided tours, during the summer & winter. You'll find them here https://www.explore-share.com/mountain-guide/marcel-kubinsky/
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
Marcel
4.90
(39)
Mountain Leader
I'm a UIMLA mountain leader and national tourist guide (for cultural and historical heritage trips).
I was born in Poprad in 1969. From my early childhood, I often looked out my bedroom window into the distance of the picturesque High Tatras, which fascinated me even then. In high school I started going with my friends to a small climbing "expedition" on the surrounding rocks, and later to the High Tatras. Mostly I went with a friend whose father was a member of the Mountain Rescue Service. During my studies at Comenius University in Bratislava, I loved coming back to the mountains.
In 1999 I started actively volunteering paramedic of the Tatra Mountain Rescue Service, and then I was hired there.
Precisely because of my relationship with the mountains I began working as a tourist guide with a focus on mountain areas.
Since 1998 I accompany tourists from around the world to the mountains and surrounding towns.
In 2011 I got certified as mountain leader.
Besides, I have been working as a member of the Council of the Slovak Association of mountain Leaders since it was established in 2011.
Languages
Slovak | Polish | English
Certificates
UIMLA
What people are saying about this trip
Alicja
5.00
Great service and very knowledgable; also an excellent motivator!
Madhura
5.00
The hike was much more difficult than I was prepared for but it was worth every view! Marcel is a very experienced guide and very patient, and has a lot of knowledge about the Tatras mountains and surrounding regions. I would recommend Marcel to anyone who is looking for a guided trek or tour in the Tatras / Carpathian ranges, either in Poland or Slovakia :) P.S. Hiking poles are good to have while descending from Rysy peak. Thank you very much!
Darren
5.00
Marcel and Ondrej were fantastic- incredibly friendly helpful and supportive- another fantastic hook up courtesy of Explore-Share. Definitely endorse this platform and the super high calibre guides they recruit.
Dave
5.00
A wonderful trip, trek & experience with Explore-Share mainly due to Marcel our guide, the/his service & communications ahead of our overseas travel were second to none. Marcel provided us with confidence during the tough day & his knowledge & background history/stories associated to the area, changing of borders, etc made our day very interesting & rewarding. I would certainly recommend Explore-Share with Marcel’s services to anyone who is looking to summit Mt. Rysy, very professional & reassuring during the trek. Thanks Marcel, your company & guiding was exceptional making our trip so memorable, top man 🏔️👌🏽
victoria
5.00
Marcel has a professional but friendly approach to hiking. His love of hiking, climbing, Slovakia, history, and of course the mountains is obvious and contagious. I would recommend him to anyone from beginner or advanced outdoor person.
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