Kasprowy Wierch

Kasprowy Wierch is one of the most visited peaks in the Polish Tatras, rising above Zakopane in the Western Tatras. It stands 1,987 m above sea level, and its southern ridges mark the border with Slovakia. It was formerly known as Kasprowa Czuba. You can reach the top by cable car from Kuźnice or on foot.

How do you get to Kasprowy Wierch?

The easiest way is the cable car from Kuźnice, a district of Zakopane. The lower station sits at about 1,027 m and the upper station at about 1,959 m, just below the summit. The route is nearly 4.3 km long with a height difference of over 930 m. The cable car runs year-round apart from maintenance breaks, and each cabin holds 60 people. If you prefer to walk, you can reach Kuźnice from central Zakopane and follow trails up toward the ridge. Mountain weather changes fast, so check the forecast and trail conditions before setting out.

What will you see at the top?

A wide panorama of the Tatras opens up from the summit. The peak is accessible in most conditions, which makes it popular with visitors who do not plan a long hike. A meteorological observatory stands at the top, at 1,987 m, and it is regarded as the highest-located building of its kind in Poland. Hiking trails branch off from the ridge, so the cable car ride is often the start of a full day on foot toward passes and valleys.

Can you ski at Kasprowy Wierch?

Yes. Kasprowy Wierch is one of the main ski areas in Poland. Three lifts operate near the summit: the cabin cable car from Kuźnice and two chairlifts, the four-person Gąsienicowa and the two-person Goryczkowa. The chairlifts run during the ski season and serve the Gąsienicowa Valley and the Goryczkowa Valley respectively. In winter the mountain draws skiers and snowboarders, and in summer it draws hikers.

When is the best time to visit?

Because the cable car runs all year, you can visit in any season. In summer it is a good starting point for trails, and in winter it is a destination for skiing. Clear days give the best views, but in peak season queues can form at the lower station. Plan to arrive early and bring warm clothing: at almost 2,000 m it is clearly colder than in Zakopane, and the wind can be strong.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Kasprowy Wierch? The summit is 1,987 m above sea level.

Where is the lower cable car station? In Kuźnice, Zakopane, at about 1,027 m.

Does the cable car run all year? Yes, except during inspection and maintenance periods.

Is Kasprowy Wierch on the Slovak border? Its southern ridges mark the state border.

Can you ski here? Yes, it is one of Poland's main ski areas, with three lifts near the summit.

What is the building at the top? The Meteorological Observatory, regarded as the highest-located building in Poland.