Rysy is the highest peak in the Tatra Mountains that is accessible to individual tourists on foot without a mountain guide. It is possible to ascend the peak from the Slovak side, starting at Štrbské pleso and passing Chata pod Rysmi, a mountain chalet at an altitude of , open during the summer season (from June 15 to October 31). The mountain can also be ascended from the Polish side coming from the Morskie Oko lake, which is a harder and steeper route.