Rysy Peak

Rysy has three summits and the middle one, at 2,499 metres, is the highest ground in Poland; the true high point of the massif, at 2,503 metres, is in Slovakia, which is a distinction Polish walkers make and Slovak ones enjoy. The Polish route starts at Palenica Bialczanska, walks the nine kilometres to Morskie Oko, climbs past Czarny Staw and then up a long steep couloir and slabs with fixed chains to the ridge - about 1,600 metres of ascent from the car park and a genuine twelve-hour day for most people. The chains are the crux and they queue; rockfall from parties above is a real hazard and helmets are increasingly worn. Snow lies in the couloir into July and the route is closed by the park in winter conditions unless you are equipped for it. The border runs across the summit and the view takes in most of the High Tatras.

What you actually see

• Poland's high point - 2,499 metres, with the true summit four metres higher in Slovakia.
• 1,600 metres of ascent - from the car park, via Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw.
• Chained slabs - fixed protection on the steep upper section, and the crux.
• A border summit - the frontier running across the top of the massif.

When to go

July to September, starting before dawn. A very long day.

Honest expectations

This is a twelve-hour day with serious ascent - not a walk. Rockfall from parties above the chains is a real hazard; a helmet is sensible. Snow lingers in the couloir into July. Afternoon storms on the ridge are dangerous and the park closes the route in winter conditions.

Nearby

Morskie Oko is on the route; the Valley of Five Lakes is west.