Mountains & peaks

Łysica

Until 2018, the western summit of Łysica with its cross (612 m) was considered the highest point of the mountain. Measurements taken in 2018 showed that Skała Agata — the rocky eastern peak — rises almost two metres higher, to 614 m above sea level. That confirmed Łysica's status as the highest peak of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains.

Two summits and a quartzite ridge

The mountain lies in the western part of the Łysogóry range, south-east of the village of Święta Katarzyna, within the strict protection area of the Świętokrzyski National Park. Its two summits sit about 700 metres apart: Skała Agata in the east (also called Zamczysko), a quartzite outcrop roughly half a kilometre long, and the slightly lower western summit (613 m) with a replica of the memorial cross from 1930. Views are limited: from the western top you can see Góra Miejska and Psarska, while the rest disappears into the trees.

Forest, stone seas and birds of prey

Łysica is completely forested: fir grows near the summit, giving way lower down to fir-beech woodland. Stone seas — gołoborza — slide down the slopes to the north and south of the peak. On the southern slope, at around 590 m, lies a small peat bog, and springs feed streams on the northern side. Lesser spotted eagles, sparrowhawks and hobbies nest in the summit zone. The Edmund Massalski Main Świętokrzyski Trail from Gołoszyce to Kuźniaki crosses the mountain.

Practical tips

The classic loop starts in Nowa Słupia and crosses Święty Krzyż; shorter approaches begin in Święta Katarzyna. This is a summit you climb for the forest and the stone seas, not for the panorama. The whole massif is strictly protected, so stay on the marked trails. A parting curiosity: at 614 m, Łysica is the lowest peak in the Crown of Polish Mountains.