Rysy

Experts assume that the Polish and Slovak name Rysy, meaning "scratches" or "crevices", refers to a series of couloirs, either those on the western slopes of Żabie Ridge or the very prominent {{convert|500|m|abbr=on}} high couloir and numerous smaller on the northern side. A folk explanation on the Slovak side says that the name comes from the plural word rysy meaning "lynxes", although the habitat of the lynx does not extend above the timberline.

The Hungarian name Tengerszem-csúcs and the German name Meeraugspitze mean "eye-of-the-sea peak", from the glacial lake at the northern foot of the mountain, called "eye of the sea" (Morskie Oko in Polish).

The first known ascent was made in 1840, by Ede Blásy and his guide Ján Ruman-Driečny Sr.{{cite book | author = Zofia Radwańska-Paryska, Witold Henryk Paryski | title = Wielka encyklopedia tatrzańska | location = Poronin | date = 2004|language=pl}} The first winter ascent was completed in 1884, by Theodor Wundt and Jakob Harvey.{{cite book | author = Witold Henryk Paryski | title = Tatry Wysokie. Przewodnik taternicki. Żabia Przełęcz Wyżnia – Żabia Czuba | location = Warszawa | date = 1954 | volume = 7 | publisher = Sport i Turystyka}}

It is possible to reach the peak from the Slovak side, starting at Štrbské pleso and passing Chata pod Rysmi, a mountain chalet at an altitude of {{convert|2250|m|abbr=on}}. Between November 1 and June 15, the trail and chalet on the Slovak side are closed.

The mountain can also be ascended from the Polish side coming from the Morskie Oko lake, which is a more spectacular route, but at the same brings more difficulties and exposure. The trail leads from Morskie Oko to Czarny Staw, and from there first along the northern slope and then the west wall. Due to its location, the trail might have snow cover until the second half of June and winter equipment might be required for the ascent then.

The winter ascent from the Polish side is a serious climb requiring the right equipment (crampons, ice axe) and skills, often with a large avalanche threat. There have been serious avalanche events, including fatal ones. The average slope of the slope above the Czarny Staw is around 30 degrees. In the Rysa couloir, about 40 degrees to its half. In the upper part, the incline reaches up to 44 degrees.

Since the accession of Poland and Slovakia to the Schengen Agreement in 2007, the border between the two countries may be easily crossed at this point like at any other.

{{Portal|Poland|Slovakia}}

• Orla Perć
• Giewont
• Tourism in Poland
• Tourism in Slovakia
• Geography of Poland
• Geography of Slovakia
• Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (Poland)
• Mountain Rescue Service (Slovakia)
• List of highest paved roads in Europe
• List of mountain passes

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [http://www.topr.pl/ TOPR - Polish Tatra Mountain Rescue Service]
• [http://www.vysoketatry.com/ciele/rysy/en.html Additional photos]
• [http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=10302 Rysy at Peakbagger.com]
• [http://www.vysoketatry.com/chaty/chprysmi/en.html Chalet below the Rysy peak]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070617184427/http://www.mojetatry.pl/podstrony/Rysy_miejsca_5.php Additional information including some photos]

;3D Panorama

• [http://www.panoramy.wyprawy.org/rysy.php Polish summit 2499 m]
• [http://www.panoramy.wyprawy.org/rysy2.php Slovak summit 2503 m]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090927111846/http://www.skialpinizm.pl/tatry360/data/rysy_1.html Standard weather on the summit]
• [http://www.qtvr-poland.com/panoramas/171.html Hike to Rysy (from the Polish side)]
• [http://www.slovakia3d.sk/details.aspx?oid=57&viewtype=list Hike to Rysy (from the Slovak side)]

{{Highest points of Europe}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Two-thousanders of Poland

Category:Two-thousanders of Slovakia

Category:Mountains of the Western Carpathians

Category:Poland–Slovakia border

Category:International mountains of Europe

Category:High Tatras

Category:Highest points of countries