Alpine hiking in Štrbské Pleso

Alpine Hiking in the Tatras

This selection spans the High and Western Tatras across the Slovak-Polish border, featuring prominent granite peaks and technical mountain passes. It includes Kriváň, a national symbol of Slovakia, and Rysy, the highest point in Poland. The routes cover glacial features like the Valley of the Five Polish Ponds and high-altitude transitions such as Zawrat and Bystrá lávka, known for their steep terrain and fixed safety chains. Hikers can explore diverse landscapes ranging from the limestone massifs of the Western Tatras to the rugged alpine ridges of the High Tatras.

Alpine Hiking in the Tatras — Map

Ing.Mgr.Jozef Kotulič / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Kriváň

Kriváň () is a mountain in the High Tatras, Slovakia, that dominates the upper part of the former Liptov County.

Szeka-Túra / GFDL

B

Rysy

Rysy is a mountain in the crest of the High Tatras, eastern part of the Tatra Mountains, lying on the border between Poland and Slovakia.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

C

Kasprowy Wierch

Kasprowy Wierch is a peak of a long crest in the Western Tatras one of Poland's main winter ski areas.

Gower / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Kôprovský Peak

Kôprovský Peak (2367 m a.s.l.) and is not as sought by tourists due to a nearby Rysy mountain range which is more attractive for its alpine…

Kristo / CC-BY-SA-3.0

E

Predné Solisko

A 2,117-meter peak in the High Tatras accessible via a marked trail from Štrbské Pleso. It stands at the southern end of the Solisko Ridge, overlooking the Mlynická and Furkotská valleys.

Jerzy Opioła / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Ostrva

A 1,984-meter peak located above Popradské pleso. It is a prominent stop on the Tatranská magistrála trail, offering panoramic views of the Mengusovská valley and the surrounding granite massifs.

G

Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich

A post-glacial hanging valley in the Polish High Tatras containing five major lakes: Wielki Staw Polski, Czarny Staw Polski, Mały Staw, Przedni Staw, and Zadni Staw.

Martin Vavřík / Public domain

H

sedlo Váha

A high-altitude mountain pass at 2,337 meters situated between the peaks of Rysy and Ťažký štít. It serves as the final resting point for hikers ascending Rysy from the Slovak side.

Opioła Jerzy / CC BY 2.5

I

Szpiglasowa Przełęcz

A mountain pass at 2,110 meters connecting the Five Polish Ponds valley with the Morskie Oko valley. The western approach features a steep section equipped with fixed chains for safety.

Jerzy Opioła / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Zawrat

A narrow mountain pass at 2,158 meters that serves as the starting point for the Orla Perć, the most difficult marked trail in the Tatras. It connects the Gąsienicowa and Five Polish Ponds valleys.

Opioła Jerzy / CC-BY-SA-3.0

K

Czerwone Wierchy / Červené vrchy

A mountain massif in the Western Tatras comprising four peaks. The ridge is known for the reddish-brown autumn coloring of the Juncus trifidus grass that covers its slopes.

ToSter / CC BY 3.0

L

Mengusovské sedlo / Mięguszowiecka Przełęcz pod Chłopkiem

A technically demanding mountain pass at 2,307 meters on the border of Poland and Slovakia. It is reached via a steep, exposed trail from Morskie Oko and offers views of the Mengusovské peaks.

Jerzy Opioła / CC BY-SA 4.0

M

Świnicka Przełęcz

A pass at 2,051 meters located between the peaks of Świnica and Pośrednia Turnia. It acts as a junction for trails leading from Kasprowy Wierch toward the technical sections of the High Tatras.

Jerzy Opioła / CC BY-SA 4.0

N

Bystrá lávka

A high-altitude pass at 2,314 meters in the Solisko Ridge. It provides a transition between the Mlynická and Furkotská valleys and is secured with fixed chains on the steeper sections.

ToSter / CC BY 3.0

O

Kocioł Kasprowy

A glacial cirque on the northern slopes of Kasprowy Wierch. Part of the Gąsienicowa valley system, it is a significant area for alpine skiing and high-altitude hiking.

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