A sight in the Góry Świętokrzyskie region

Łysica — the highest peak of the Holy Cross Mountains

Łysica (612 m a.s.l.) is the highest peak of the Holy Cross Mountains, in the Łysogóry chain inside Świętokrzyski National Park. The red Main Holy Cross Trail climbs to it from Święta Katarzyna, through the relict Fir Forest and past the block fields.

fot. Marek Marcola

The region's highest peak

Łysica is the highest point in the Holy Cross Mountains. Despite its modest height it impresses with the old Fir Forest, the block fields and the microclimate of the national park. At its foot lies Święta Katarzyna with a Bernardine convent.

What to see

  • The summit of Łysica — 612 m, with a summit cross
  • The Fir Forest — the park's relict stand of trees
  • The block fields — rock screes beside the trail
  • Święta Katarzyna — the starting point, with its convent and holy spring

Practical notes

The easiest approach is from Święta Katarzyna on the red trail (about 1.5 hours). The park is ticketed and leaving the waymarked paths is forbidden. Comfortable shoes are enough — the route is manageable for families.

How to get there and practical info

Height
612 m a.s.l. — the highest peak of the Holy Cross Mountains
The climb
From Święta Katarzyna, red trail, about 1.5 hours
Admission
A day ticket to the park
Character
The Fir Forest, block fields, protected nature
Nearby
Święty Krzyż, Święta Katarzyna, Bodzentyn
Time needed
3–4 hours there and back

Gallery

Photos taken on site. Photo: Marek Marcola.

Mapa: Google Maps · 50.8861, 21.0586

When to go

Spring

Fresh green firs, flowering undergrowth, few walkers.

Summer

The height of the season, the most people on the trail — mornings are best.

Autumn

Golden beeches, clear air, the finest views.

Winter

A snow-covered forest and slippery trails — care needed.

Other sights in Góry Świętokrzyskie

Straight-line distances from „Łysica and Świętokrzyski National Park" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.

Nowa Słupia — the Medieval Settlement and the Bloomery DaysThe Cultural and Archaeological Centre at the foot of Święty Krzyż — demonstrations of anc
~2,4 km as the crow flies
Święty Krzyż — the monastery and the block fieldsThe monastery on the summit of Łysa Góra (594 m) with relics of the True Cross and a viewi
~2,9 km as the crow flies
Kielce — Kadzielnia and the market squareThe regional capital and the gateway to the Holy Cross Mountains — the Kadzielnia geologic
~30 km as the crow flies
Henryk Sienkiewicz's manor at OblęgorekA manor house given to Henryk Sienkiewicz by the nation, today a biographical museum of th
~39 km as the crow flies
The Raj CaveOne of the loveliest karst caves in Poland, richly decorated with formations, near Chęciny
~41 km as the crow flies
The Ethnographic Park at TokarniaThe open-air museum of the Kielce Village Museum at Tokarnia — historic cottages, manor ho
~42 km as the crow flies
The Royal Castle at ChęcinyThe ruins of a medieval royal castle on a limestone hill above Chęciny, with towers and a
~43 km as the crow flies

Where to stay nearby

Places from our list that have Łysica and Świętokrzyski National Park within walking distance or a short drive.

Pensjonat Łysica Wellness & SPAPensjonat / SPA · Święta Katarzyna, vis-à-vis klasztoru, przy szlaku na Łysicę
Hotel Echo Hotel & ResortHotel / Resort · Cedzyna k. Kielc, nad Zalewem Cedzyna

See all places to stay in the Góry Świętokrzyskie region →