Świnica, High Tatras (Poland)

I start the trip from the Palenica Białczańska parking lot. The route is long and requires an effort similar to the expedition to Rysy. Overcoming 23 kilometers with breaks, eating and taking photos took over 12 hours. The trip starts at 6 am and returns around 6pm. I recommend this route only in summer. And of course this trip is only for experienced lovers of mountain hiking. Let's get started!

I skip the road to the Five Ponds Valley, because I have described it many times. We follow the blue trail from here. The path to the Zawrat Pass looks like the picture above. It is rather long and monotonous, but at least safe. If you would like to leave the Valley of Five Polish Ponds, somewhere over 2,000 meters above sea level, then the Zawrat Pass is the safest place. Rather, there are no passages near the high walls from which stones could fall. So Zawrat for people with good condition will be fully reachable. On the other hand, being there and not reaching the peak of Świnica, which is only 0.7 km away from Zawrat, would probably leave you unsatisfied.

We are on the Zawrat pass. In the photo above we see the beginning of the most difficult trail in the Polish Tatras, the so-called Orla Perć. This trail leads from Świnica, through Zawrat and Kozi Wierch peak, to the Krzyżne pass. After a longer rest here, I go towards Świnica. The signpost on the Zawrat Pass shows the time of reaching the summit: 50 minutes, but you have to count on it that it will take us over an hour. The distance to cover is not large, because only 700 meters, but it is a fragment of the Orla Perć, which is a typical climbing! There are many places that require strong use of hands to be able to pull up or climb somewhere. So when deciding to get Świnica from this side, we must be aware of this. I hope to have fun on this most interesting part of this trip.

Here is one of my favorite places. Vertical wall about 10 meters high. On rainy days I'd rather not go here. The entire Zawrat - Świnica trail is packed with all sorts of safeguards to help us in difficult places. It is worth having climbing gloves. A lot of chains and steel handles await you. Attention! For this reason, the peak of Świnica is considered one of the most dangerous places in the Tatras during a storm! Therefore, plan your trip here only in good and reliable weather.

I am at the top! We have a wonderful view of the High Tatras and part of the Valley of Five Polish Ponds from here. We can go back the same way (in the summer are queues on chains) or head towards Kasprowy Wierch. The most exhausting part of the whole trip is the very approach to Świnica. I would say that these 0.7 kilometers are more tiring than the other over 20 kilometers. As you can see, the weather was 100% good that day.

Finally, a look from the top towards Kasprowy Wierch peak. Visible High-mountain Meteorological Observatory. And in the background, our beautiful Giewont peak is visible. The road to Świnica from Kasprowy Wierch is about 3 km. Its passage is easier and takes about 2 hours. So if you want to pass this beautiful peak, then you have two ways to choose. For the lazy it is possible to use the cable car. This is the only peak so high where you can help yourself a little, starting from a height of 1987 m above sea level. The choice is yours. Greetings to all those who love mountains!