Rysy

Rysy is a triple summit in the High Tatras on the Polish-Slovak border, reaching 2501 meters in height. The granite rocks form steep walls and narrow ridges that extend across both countries.

Ede Blásy reached the summit in 1840 together with mountain guide Ján Ruman-Driečny as the first climbers. The following decades brought additional routes and mountain shelters for climbers on both sides of the border.

The name refers to the prominent cracks and fissures in the granite rock, visible as dark lines from a distance. Hikers often meet climbers from both countries sharing the summit experience together.

The climb from Morskie Oko lake takes about six and a half hours one way and gains over 5000 feet (1500 meters) in elevation. Good footwear and sure footing are important because of rocky passages and climbing sections.

Iron chains secure the steepest sections above the treeline, where the granite rock becomes smooth and exposed. Fog can roll in suddenly and make orientation difficult, even on the marked path.

Location: Gmina Bukowina Tatrzańska

Location: Poprad District

Location: Tatra County

Location: Lesser Poland Voivodeship

Elevation above the sea: 2,499 m

Made from material: granite

GPS coordinates: 49.17932,20.08846

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:01