Goat Peak

Kozi Wierch, the highest peak in the High Tatras entirely within Poland, reaches an elevation of 2,291 meters and is situated in the long eastern ridge of Świnica, between the Gąsienicowa Valley and the Valley of Five Polish Lakes. The name of the peak derives from the chamois that graze on its slopes, and its first documented ascent took place in 1867. It is worth noting that the winter ascent of Kozi Wierch, first accomplished on April 3, 1907, was one of the major achievements in Tatra skiing. The Orla Perć tourist trail passes through many challenging sections, including the exposed segment connecting Kozi Wierch with Kozią Przełęcz, which is one of the most difficult in the entire Tatra range. A variety of routes are available for hikers, ranging from easier ones leading from the Valley of Five Polish Lakes to more demanding ones, such as Żleb Kulczyńskiego. During the winter, the safest approach is via the southern slope, which requires the use of crampons and an ice axe. Kozi Wierch, as a site of significant importance for mountain tourism, is also rich in rare plant species. The massif is surrounded by numerous granite formations and has a rich climbing history, including tragic events such as the death of Jerzy Leporowski on Filar Leporowskiego in 1928. In addition to its architectural value related to its geology, this peak also serves as an important cultural landmark, influencing the pastoral and mountain tourism traditions of the region. Modern challenges associated with tourist traffic, such as human congestion on Orla Perć, provide additional context for visitors to this magnificent region of the Tatra Mountains.