Morskie Oko – Black Pond under Rysy

Black Pond under Rysy owes its name to its color, thanks to cyanobacteria Pleurocapsa polonica and Pleurocapsa minor living underwater.

We begin our trip in PTTK Shelter in Morskie Oko. First we go to the lake surface (1395 MASL). From there we can decide from which side we want to circle it. Bypassing it from the left side is a little bit shorter (25 minutes) from the other edge (30 minutes). It's worth mentioning that our walk goes around the biggest lake in Tatra (34,5 ha), among spruce and pines. After reaching southeastern edge, the trail (red markings) starts ascending towards Black Pond under Rysy moraine. With its solid steps made of rocks, the path is comfortable for a walk. To arrive, we need around 30 minutes time, but because we're walking on rocky, uncovered terrain, we should remember about sun protection (cream, sunglassed, head cover) and sustainable amount of drinks. Around the middle point of our approach, on the left side we pass Czarnostawiańska Siklawa – a waterfall which comes from the Black Pond stream, connecting it to Morskie Oko. Soon we reach our destination and we stand on north-west coast of second in depth lake of Tatra (76 meters). We notice the cross casted from Tatra iron in 1836, designed by Wojciech Kułach from Gliczarów. From the Black Pond we can get to Pod Chłopkiem Pass (left, green signs) or to Rysy (further with red markings). Both trails are considered as very difficult and dedicated to experienced tourists. To Morskie Oko region we return the same way (red signs).