Pick a Peak - list of mountains Home
← Rysy

Rysy via the Polish (north) ridge from Morskie Oko

2A | PD | II Edit route
This is the classic and best-known ascent on the Polish side of Rysy, following the north ridge from the Morskie Oko basin. The route is steep, exposed in places, and includes sections aided by chains. Although commonly treated as a hiking route, it is the standard alpine line on this peak and is serious in wet, icy, or crowded conditions. The upper part is narrow and can feel airy, with significant exposure on both sides. Snow and verglas can make the route much more demanding than its nominal difficulty suggests. It is usually climbed in summer and early autumn when the ridge is dry.

Route Outline

Morskie Oko / Czarny Staw area
Follow the marked mountain path toward the saddle below Rysy
Climb the steep upper ridge with fixed chains and exposed sections
Reach the summit of Rysy
Descend the same way to Morskie Oko

More routes on Rysy

Rysy via the Slovak (south) side from Popradské pleso / Chata pod Rysmi

2A | PD | II
This is the standard ascent from the Slovak side and the most commonly documented southern route to the summit. It is a steep mountain path with rocky sections and a sustained upper climb above the hut. The route is exposed to rockfall and can hold snow well into the season. In dry summer conditions it is straightforward for experienced mountain walkers, but it becomes much more serious in early season or bad weather. Chata pod Rysmi is the key high point on the route and is often used as an overnight base. The summit section is the most exposed and physically demanding part of the climb.
Details →
Add route