Rysy (2,503 m) is the summit most hikers come to Štrbské Pleso for. It is the highest point in the Tatras that you may climb on a marked trail without a certified mountain guide, and its north-western top is the highest point of Poland.
The Slovak route is long and high rather than technical: roughly 1,250 m of ascent and 8–9 hours return from the resort, with a short section of chains and metal steps. In settled weather it is one of the great days out in the Carpathians; in bad weather it is no place to be.
What to see and do: Rysy
The route, stage by stage
Štrbské Pleso → Popradské pleso (red, 1¼ h) → junction above the lake (blue, 30 min) → Žabie plesá in the Žabia valley (red, about 1¼ h) → chains and steps → Chata pod Rysmi (about 45 min) → Váha saddle and the summit (about 1 h). Count on 4–4½ hours up and 3½–4 down.
Chata pod Rysmi
At about 2,250 m this is the highest mountain hut in the Tatras, open only in the summer season. Everything is carried up by porters; hikers are traditionally invited to carry a load from the depot lower down in exchange for a hot tea. Soup, tea and a stamp await.
The summit
From the Váha saddle (2,337 m) the path climbs boulders to a narrow, airy top. The view takes in Gerlachovský štít, Vysoká, Kriváň and, on the Polish side, the lakes of Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw far below.
Over the border
A trail descends the Polish side to Morskie Oko. It is steeper and more exposed than the Slovak route, with long chain sections, and needs separate transport back. Both countries are in Schengen, but carry an identity document.
How to get to Rysy
- Start from Štrbské Pleso, or save about 20 minutes by taking the train to the “Popradské Pleso” stop and walking the road.
- Start by 6–7 am. An early train or a night at the Popradské pleso hotel makes the day much more comfortable.
- There is no lift, no shortcut and no water above the hut — carry at least two litres per person.
Insider tips
- The trail is closed from 1 November until the park reopens the high trails (traditionally 15 June; confirm the current date with TANAP). Snowfields can linger into July — ask about conditions.
- Summer weekends bring queues at the chains. Go midweek, or in September when the air is clearest.
- Turn back if thunder is forecast; the upper mountain has no shelter apart from the hut.
- Mountain rescue is charged for in Slovakia. Buy mountain insurance before you set off.
Tours that fit: Rysy
These GetYourGuide experiences pair well with Rysy:
Guided wildlife hike from €240 High Tatras: Bear-Watching Hiking Tour
The one experience here that is a real mountain day rather than a sightseeing drive: a guided hike into bear country with someone who knows where the animals feed. Sightings can never be guaranteed, but the tracking, the valleys and the guide’s knowledge make the day.
- Hike with a local wildlife guide
- Look for brown bears, chamois and marmots
- Small group, quiet valleys
Private multi-day tour from €1299 Three-Day High Tatras & Spiš Castle Private Tour
A fully arranged private break with transport, accommodation and Slovak food experiences. It is a new listing with no reviews at the time of writing and a premium price, so treat it as a concierge-style option and compare it with booking a hotel and day tours yourself.
- Private transport and accommodation
- The High Tatras and Spiš Castle
- Meals included, per the listing
