Krzyżne, High Tatras (Poland)

We don't reach any peak here, but I really recommend this place for a wonderful summer trip of medium difficulty. To start the journey, we must first get to the Five Polish Ponds Valley. I usually arrive at Palenica Białczańska at 6 am. At the beginning, a normal route to the Valley of Five Polish Ponds, there rest and you can move on. A 2.7-kilometer yellow trail leads from here to the Krzyżne Pass. I think that going up the hill with breaks for small rests will take you up to 3 hours. In the photo below we can see the beginning of the trail to Krzyżne Pass.

When you go a large part of the trail, leading through a fairly straight terrain, it will start to walk sharply uphill. The approach to the Krzyżne Pass is unique. It gives the impression of a fairly safe, grassy path between the rocks. The risk of falling stones is lower here than e.g. in the Rysy peak. In addition, we have visibility far up, so I can say that going out here was a pleasure for me without much fear. This green road to the sky looks nice in the photo below. Amazing view for me!

We're at the top. A panorama of the High Tatras is visible from here, which stretches across the entire southern horizon. In the photo below you can see the trail connecting the valley Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich with the Morskie Oko (blue trail) and the trail black trail leading to the shelter in the Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich (the zigzag route in the lower right corner). The views are breathtaking and you feel a huge space here.

Below we have a view of the Five Polish Ponds Valley. This is the most beautiful mountain valley in Poland. A hostel is visible at the first pond on the left. From the Krzyżne Pass you can easily see the 3 largest ponds: the Przedni Staw Polski, the Wielki Staw Polski and the Czarny Staw Polski. The Siklawa waterfall flowing from the Wielki Staw Polski is also visible. It is the highest waterfall in Poland with a height of 65 meters.

And now in the photo below, the view to the north. The city of Zakopane visible in the distance. If crossing the border of 2000 meters above sea level is not a big problem for you or you have been to the Giewont for example, I can honestly recommend this place to you. In the summer it's a great one-day trail trip where there are no huge crowds. In this place you can really relax here while admiring the beautiful views.

It's time to come back. From the Krzyżne Pass we have two options to return. One of them leads towards the Hala Gąsienicowa and the city of Zakopane. However, I am coming back the same way, so I have to go down back to the valley Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich. I highly recommend Krzyżne Pass! You are welcome to Poland. The Tatras are wonderful mountains, and we have here mountain tourism at a truly world-class level. Greetings to all those who love mountains!