Cubryna (2376 m a.s.l.) is the sixth-highest peak in Poland, rising along the main ridge of the Tatra Mountains — and it is the kind of summit that rewards only those who truly seek it out. With its jagged, spiky top (the name comes from a word meaning a tuft of hair), it marks the meeting point of three historical regions: Podhale, Liptov and Spiš.

The landscape around Cubryna is raw and rocky. Three Tatra valleys converge at its base — the Rybi Potok valley, the Mengusovská valley and the Temnosmrečinská valley. From the summit, the views stretch over the famous Morskie Oko lake and the surrounding rock towers. The peak sits on the European watershed, and in winter it takes on a truly alpine character — climbers actually visit it more often in winter than in summer, drawn by its challenging conditions.

• There are no marked tourist trails leading to Cubryna — the peak is accessible to experienced climbers only, and requires solid knowledge of the local topography. The easiest route is not technically extreme, but it is complex to navigate.
• Winter descent — the recommended safer option (according to Władysław Cywiński) is descending via the western ridge to Przełączka pod Zadnim Mnichem, or making four rappels down to Zadnia Galeria Cubryńska and returning via the Dolina za Mnichem valley.

• No tourist trails exist — climbing experience and knowledge of the terrain are essential.
• Descent through Wielka and Mała Galeria Cubryńska is dangerous during avalanche risk periods.
• The peak sits on the Polish-Slovak border; the Krywań branch ridge descends into Slovak territory.

The slopes of Cubryna shelter some of Poland's rarest alpine plants, found nowhere else in the country except the Tatras — including alpine bent-grass, mountain artemisia and the Tatra cress. The first summer ascent was made on 6 September 1884 by Karol Potkański together with mountain guides Kazimierz Bednarz and Jan Fedra.