Łysica

For decades hikers posed by the cross on Łysica's western summit, convinced they were standing on the highest point of the Holy Cross Mountains (Góry Świętokrzyskie). Measurements in 2018, however, showed that a rocky ridge a few hundred metres away is higher — Agata's Rock (Skała Agaty), at 613.96 m above sea level. Łysica, also known as St Catherine's Mountain, remains the region's highest peak and at the same time the lowest in the Crown of Polish Mountains, the list of the highest summits of Poland's mountain ranges.

Two summits

The peak lies in the western part of the Łysogóry range, south-east of the village of Święta Katarzyna, within a strictly protected zone of Świętokrzyski National Park. The two summits are about 700 m apart. The eastern one, called Agata's Rock or Zamczysko, is a quartzite ridge roughly half a kilometre long. The western one, a whisker lower at 613 m, has a replica of a memorial cross from 1930 and the remains of an old survey tower. Before 2018 it was credited with 612 m and the title of highest point.

Stone runs and fir trees

The mountain is made of Cambrian quartzite and slate. To the north and south the summit is surrounded by stone runs (gołoborza) — fields of loose boulders created by frost shattering the rock, where trees cannot take hold. The rest of Łysica is completely forested: firs grow near the top, with mixed fir and beech woodland lower down. A small peat bog lies on the southern slope at about 590 m, and numerous springs rise on the northern slope. Birds of prey nest here, including the lesser spotted eagle, the sparrowhawk and the hobby.

What to look for

• The cross and traces of the survey tower on the western summit — the former "official" top.
• The quartzite outcrops on the ridge of Agata's Rock, the true highest point.
• The stone runs visible along the trail — patches of bare rock in the middle of the forest.
• A limited view from the western summit towards Góra Miejska and Psarska; the rest is hidden by trees.

Trail and access

The red Main Świętokrzyski Trail, named after Edmund Massalski and running from Gołoszyce to Kuźniaki, crosses Łysica. The shortest ascent starts in Święta Katarzyna: according to the national park, the route to the top is about 2.5 km long and takes roughly an hour uphill. The longer classic option follows the Łysogóry ridge from Nowa Słupia via Święty Krzyż. As the summit lies in a strictly protected zone, you must stay on the marked trail.

Tripto tip

Access to the park's trails requires a ticket all year round: PLN 11 standard, PLN 5.50 reduced (as of October 2026), also available online on the park's website. Allow 2–2.5 hours for the round trip Święta Katarzyna – Łysica – Święta Katarzyna. The path is rocky and slippery after rain, so wear shoes with good grip. People come to Łysica for the forest and the stone runs rather than for views — for a wide view over a stone run, combine your hike with the viewing platform on Łysa Góra by Święty Krzyż.