Hiking to the peaks: the Rysy

The hike to Rysy, the highest peak of the Slovak Tatras with a height of 2,503 m above sea level, is an exceptional experience for all mountain enthusiasts. This iconic peak, which lies on the border between Slovakia and Poland, offers breathtaking panoramas and a challenging climb.

Routes and starting points

You can ascend to Rysy from different starting points, the most popular routes lead from Popradské Pleso, where you can spend the night, or from Štrbské Pleso. Both starting points provide different sections of the hike with varying difficulty and time required to complete.

Popradské Pleso

This route is the most common and direct. It leads through Hincove plesá and Priečná sedlo. It starts at Popradský pleso. The hike from Popradské pleso to Rysy takes about 4-5 hours and involves an elevation gain of about 1,400 m. The path leads through exposed sections and requires good fitness and technical skills.

Difficulty

The hike to Rysy is one of the most demanding hikes in the High Tatras. It requires good physical condition, suitable equipment and experience with mountain hikes. The route includes exposed sections that can be covered with snow and ice in winter, which increases the difficulty of the hike.

Exit Route

For most tourists, the most suitable starting point is Popradské Pleso.Here are the main reasons why this route is recommended:

• Accessibility
  

By car: the car park at Popradské Pleso is easily accessible by car, which allows a comfortable start of the tour.

Public transport: you can get to Popradské Pleso by bus from Poprad or Štrbské Pleso. After getting off the bus, you have to walk a short distance.

On foot

• Scenery

The routeoffers beautiful views of the Tatras and the surrounding countryside. It passes by the Hincovy Plies, which is a great place to relax and admire the scenery.

• Route
  

The road from Popradské pleso is very popular among tourists because of its picturesque and well-marked route. It offers challenging sections, which are well prepared for tourists to visit.

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Difficulty and length of the route

• Length of the route: approx. 10 km (one way)
• Time: Approximately 4-5 hours (to the top), including the return time the total time can be around 8-10 hours.
• Difficulty: high, with an elevation gain of 1 400 m. The route is demanding and requires good physical fitness.

Important tips:

- We recommend staying directly at Popradské pleso, from which you can go straight to the hike to Rysy and save yourself three hours of walking, as the distance from the parking lot at Strbské pleso to Popradské pleso is about 8 km. This distance requires a hike or a short transfer, so it is important to plan this section in advance.

- Preparation: make sure you have plenty of water, food, and appropriate gear including warm clothing and hiking boots.

- Weather conditions: check the current weather conditions before you start your hike and adjust your hike to the current weather conditions.

- The hiking trail is only available from June 1 to October 31. Outside this time frame, especially in the winter months, the trails may be closed due to adverse conditions such as snow, ice or poor terrain conditions, which increases the risk and can make the hike dangerous.

- Chata pod Rysmi does not have telephone or internet connection, so you need to communicate with the chalet keeper via SMS +421 903 181 051.

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Detailed route to Rysy from Štrbské pleso

1. Štrbské Pleso (1350 m above sea level)

2. Healing house Solisko (1400 m above sea level)

Shortly after leaving Štrbské Pleso, you pass by the Solisko Spa House. This point is an important landmark on the way to Rysy.

3. Crossroads in front of Helios (1600 m above sea level)

At this crossroads the route starts to climb more. It is an important point where the road splits and leads to the Mengus valley.

4. Crossroads above Popradské pleso (1700 m above sea level)

This crossroads is located above the Popradské pleso and is an important landmark on the way to the Žabie potok.

5. Crossroads at Žabom potok (1900 m above sea level)

This point is crucial before ascending Rysy. From the crossroads the route leads west to the Chata pod Rysmi.

6. Cottage pod Rysmi (2250 m above sea level)

Chata pod Rysmi is the highest chalet in Slovakia and serves as a starting point before the ascent to Rysy. It provides refreshments and accommodation during the summer season.

7. Saddle Váha (2340 m above sea level)

The Váha saddle is located between the Rysy and Vysoká mountains and is a key point on the main ridge of the High Tatras. It is accessible by a red-marked trail and offers magnificent views of the surroundings.

8. Rysy (2503 m above sea level)

Rysy is one of the most famous and most visited peaks of the High Tatras. With a height of 2503 m above sea level, they dominate the Tatra ridge and offer breathtaking views. The Rysy have three peaks: the main one, the north-western one (the highest point in Poland) and the south-eastern one.

This information is the basis for planning your hike and will ensure that your journey to Rysy will be as pleasant and safe as possible.

Accommodation options

1. Cottage near Popradský pleso
   
   • Location.
   • Distance from Popradské pleso: Directly by the balnea
   • Cottage near Popradský pleso is an excellent option for those looking for accommodation in the immediate vicinity of hiking trails. With simple accommodation and services, it is ideal for visitors who want to be close to nature.
2. Majláth's cottage
   
   • Location.
   • Distance from Popradské pleso: Directly by the balnea
   • Majláth's cottage is ideal for tourists planning a hike to Rysy. It is located directly at the Popradské pleso, which provides very convenient access to hiking trails. The chalet offers basic accommodation and catering, providing a practical basis for your adventure in the Tatras.‍
3. ‍AccommodationChata pod Rysmi

• Location: Pod Rysmi, High Tatras
  • Distance from Popradské pleso: Approximately 1.5 hours walk
  • Chata pod Rysmi is located at higher altitudes, close to hiking trails leading to Rysy. It offers simple accommodation and is a great choice for those who are planning to climb Rysy or want to be close to the summit. This chalet is open during the hiking season and provides basic facilities for hikers.

Important tips:

• Booking: it is advisable to book in advance to secure a place, especially during the tourist season from June to October.
• Availability check: check that the accommodation provides all the necessary services and has availability for the requested dates.

Conclusion

The hike to Rysy is an exceptional experience that offers magnificent views and exceptional nature of the Tatra Mountains. With good preparation and consideration for the difficulty of the route, you can enjoy an unforgettable ascent to this majestic peak. I wish you a happy and safe ascent of Rysy!