Climbing in Poland
Mid Grade Rock climbing
Information
One of the most popular locations in Poland to rock climb is Zakopane in the Tatra Moutains and every year, climbers from all over the world arrive at Zakopane and take on the many climbs available.
Many climbers take the 10 km cart ride to Morskie Oko which is a beautiful lake located in the Hight Tatras at around 1395 m. The horse and cart journey is very scenic and follows a beautiful stream called Rybi Potok. On arrival at Morskie Oko, you can choose to be accommodated in a chalet with food and beds for the night.
In the winter, the lake freezes and you can walk across it to climb the trail at the other side of the lake to Czarny Staw which leads to another lake some 200 meters above Morskie Oko. From Czarny Staw one can walk around the lake to begin the accent of Rysy which is the highest mountain in Poland at 2499 m. The average climb time is around 4 hours.
The climbing around here tends to be in the higher grades, and to get the most out of the area you should be comfortably operating at UIAA VI or above.
The most difficult mountain to climb in the area is Mieguszowiecki Szczyt at 2409 m and this climb is described as challenging even for experienced climbers.
Morskie Oko is the starting point for mountaineering climbs. As the mountains are all within view. One follows the trails and then climbs the mountain they choose. It is usually a four to six hour climb up any mountain and the same time descending. Winter climbing is harsh as the wind is strong on top of the mountains. Climbers bring crampons and ice axes. Snow can be two to three feet deep, or up to one meter. You must be watchful of avalanches.
Other climbs include Mnich, 2069 m and Cubryna, 2323 m.
From Zakopane you can see Giewont, the sleeping knight. You can hike to Giewont in about two to three hours. There is a small chalet which serves food about half way to Giewont. The climb is not that difficult and is ideal for beginners.
Weather can change fast in the mountains and it has been known to snow in June. Lightning can also be a problem in the summer. Most climbers start climbing early in the morning. From the tops of the mountains, you can see most of the High Tatras on a clear day.
Top Link: A detailed & informative guide to climbing in the Tatras.
Climbing in the Polish Tatras is allowed only in the designated regions inclusive of rock faces from the bottom of the face to the ridge or top of the summit or rock. All climbers are obliged to write detailed information about their planned climb in the Climber's Departure Book " Księga Wyjść Taternickich" which can be find at Morskie Oko, Five Lakes Valley, Murowaniec, Hala Gasienicowa and in the building of the cable car Kasprowy Wierch station.
Whilst climbing it is forbidden to install or uninstall permanent protective elements without the permission from the Tatra National Park. Camping on the face is allowed only in extreme, life-threatening situations.
A two-week Tatra climbing course with the PZA (Polish Alpine Club) costs the equivalent of about 2 or 3 days at Plas Y Brenin or Glenmore Lodge, and there are a lot of very experienced Polish mountain guides who charge much less than guides in the Alps.
The Tatras are Alpine in character. The foothills around Zakopane consist of grassy Alpine meadows, with a distinct highland culture of their own. The High Tatras are rocky and wild. There is everything from easy scrambles and ridge walks, like the renowned Orla Perc (Eagle's Nest) via ferrata, to multi-pitch rock at all grades, through to serious and committing big walls, like Kazalnica (the Pulpit) on Mieguszowiecki Wielki. Unlike the Alps, though, the Polish Tatras do not rise above 2499m (the summit of Rysy), and so you can find big adventure without the hassle of acclimatisation and AMS. With new flights being established from Britain to Krakow airport, there are serious opportunities for short climbing breaks, or even just long weekends.
Map of the Tatra Mountains