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Rysy (; ; , ) is a mountain in the crest of the High Tatras, eastern part of the Tatra Mountains, lying on the border between Poland and Slovakia. Rysy has three summits: the middle at ; the north-western at ; and the south-eastern at . The north-western summit is the highest point of Poland and belongs to the Crown of Polish Mountains; the other two summits are on the Slovak side of the border.
The Hungarian name Tengerszem-csúcs and the German language 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 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 time 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 can 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 route above the Czarny Staw is around 30 degrees. In the Rysa couloir, the slope is about 40 degrees to its halfway point, and 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.
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