Guided ascent of Gerlach with an IFMGA Mountain Guide

Climbing Gerlach with a certified IFMGA (IVBV/UIAGM) mountain guide is a fantastic opportunity to begin your adventure of summiting peaks in the Tatra Mountains that are not accessible by marked tourist trails.

This expedition is a form of advanced mountain hiking. While it requires good physical fitness due to the elevation gain of just over 1,000 meters and a total trip time of approximately 7–8 hours, the technical challenges are moderate and manageable for any reasonably fit person.

WHAT DOES A GUIDED ASCENT OF GERLACH LOOK LIKE?

The most popular summer route to Gerlach with a guide is the so-called Velická próba (Velická Route). In more challenging conditions (snow or ice), we use the Batizovská próba (Batizovská Couloir), which is safer in such scenarios.
The tour begins at Sliezsky Dom Mountain Hotel, which we reach via a special shuttle service reserved for guides and their clients from Tatranská Polianka (20 EUR per person).

We start along a marked trail to the threshold of the Velická Valley, but soon leave the path and head toward the Velický Couloir. Here, we put on our harnesses, rope up, and go over a short but sufficient safety briefing to introduce you to basic rope techniques and safety principles.

We quickly enter more exposed terrain, and the difficulty increases. After passing the Velická próba section, we face a 500-meter ascent up a rocky ridge to the Przełączka nad Kotłem. From there, a long and complex traverse on the Batizovská side takes us to the summit of Gerlach, the highest peak of both the Tatras and the Carpathians.

But the adventure doesn’t end there. The descent follows the massive Batizovská Couloir, which includes a steep rock step known as the Batizovská próba.

Once we reach the valley floor, we continue along an easy but relatively long trail past Batizovské Lake and back along a marked path to Sliezsky Dom.

Alternative Routes to Gerlach with an IFMGA Guide

I also guide ascents of Gerlach via other routes. One option is the Tatarka Route, while for ambitious mountaineers with climbing experience, I recommend the spectacular Martin’s Ridge, which begins at Polský Hrebeň and leads over Zadný Gerlach to the main summit.

Why Gerlach?

At 2,655 meters, Gerlach is the highest and one of the most iconic peaks in the entire Tatra range. Its popularity remains strong, and taking a photo by its characteristic summit cross is a dream for many hikers.

The massive summit complex consists of several peaks and lies on a side ridge extending south from the main Tatra ridge. Located entirely in Slovakia, Gerlach is not accessible via any marked hiking trail. According to Slovak law, only licensed IFMGA guides are allowed to legally lead clients to its summit.

The panoramic views from Gerlach are unforgettable, spanning the High Tatras, Spiš, Liptov, and the Low Tatras.

Guided Ascent – Price and Key Information

• The cost of the standard ascent of Gerlach with an IFMGA guide is 2,300 PLN.
• Other routes are priced individually depending on difficulty and logistics.
• The guide leads one or two clients maximum per tour.
• The shuttle from Tatranská Polianka to Sliezsky Dom and back costs 20 EUR per person (payable in cash to the driver).
• The total time of the tour (from hut to hut) is 7 to 9 hours, depending on fitness, conditions, and chosen route.
• All necessary climbing equipment is included in the price (helmet, harness, rope, etc.).
• Travel insurance covering mountain rescue is mandatory for all activities in Slovakia mountains.
• Further important details can be found here.

I warmly invite you to join me in the mountains!