Climb Gerlachovsky Peak with a mountain guide
2655m – Gerlachovsky Peak is the highest in the High Tatras, Slovakia, and the 1,500km long Carpathian Mountains. Thanks to its elevation and beautiful scenery it is the most climbed peaks in High Tatras. However, the climb is challenging and permitted with a fully certified mountain guide (UIAGM/IFMGA).
Will I manage the ascent?
If you can manage demanding hikes of at least 15km with over 900m of elevation gain (plus descent), with at least 50% on rough trails, then you are likely fit enough for Gerlach. Alternatively, you can try a shorter and easier climb of Lomnický štít, the second highest peak in the High Tatras.
LENGTH and ALTITUDE GAIN: 6-8 h, 1100 m from hotel Sliezsky Dom
THE CHALLENGE: Technically challenging terrain with exposed passages. Good physical conditioning is required.
Gerlach Climbing Ascent Routes
Climbing Gerlachovský štít is a full-day climb/hike, and its difficulty depends on the current conditions. The summit can be reached via several routes of varying difficulty, and our guides will be happy to lead you on them. All routes start at Sliezsky Dom and offer beautiful views:
The “Normal Route” via Velická próba is the most popular route due to its relative ease.
For the more adventurous and experienced, the more challenging ascents of Gerlach are definitely worth trying:
- The Martinovka Route leads to the summit of Gerlach along its magnificent and long northern ridge.
- Gipsy’s Ferrata is an ascent following the route of the legendary Tatra climber and mountain rescuer “Gipsy”.
First ascent and history of Gerlach
The first visitors to Gerlachovsky Peak area and the peak itself were hunters and botanists, and it is quite possible that some of them reached even the summit.
The first proven person to stand atop Gerlach, in 1834, was a Spis-German mountain guide Ján Still (1805 – 1890) who at the time was a teacher in the village of Nova Lesna. He was accompanied by his brother in law, Gellhof (a builder from Velka), a miller Martin Urban Spitzkopf, and two unknown chamois hunters.
The first Slovak ascent was completed in 1875 via Batizovka Proba by mountain guides from Stola – Ján Ruman Driečny jr. and Ján Pasterňák.
Park Regulations
We carry out all ascents of the Tatra peaks in accordance with the valid TANAP visitor regulations.
In the period from 15.4. until 1.6. it is not possible due to the closure – according to TANAP’s visiting rules.
