Cubryńska Igła is a jagged rock tooth hidden within the eastern pillar of Turnia Zwornikowa, deep in the heart of the Cubryna massif. This is a spot for seasoned climbers rather than casual hikers – a raw, wild rock formation that impresses from afar and astonishes up close with its steepness and sheer drops.

The surroundings of Cubryńska Igła showcase classic High Tatra scenery – jagged ridgelines, sharp rock towers, and deep saddles. It is separated from the main body of Turnia Zwornikowa by the Wyżni Cubryński Przechód saddle, and from Cubryński Koń by the Pośredni Cubryński Przechód. On both sides, the tooth drops away in near-vertical faces of about 10 and 25 metres, which says a lot about the character of this place. In summer the rock warms under the sun and the views over the surrounding towers and valleys are breathtaking, while in winter the area becomes the domain of only the most experienced and well-prepared climbers.

How to get to the summit

• Cubryńska Igła is not accessible by a marked hiking trail – reaching it requires an alpine-style approach along the Cubryna massif ridge, suitable only for climbers with proper experience and equipment.
• It is possible to bypass the ridge of Cubryńska Igła for those who do not wish to or cannot climb to the very top.

Practical information

• The climb to the summit is graded IV in the Tatra scale, requiring climbing experience.
• The terrain is steep and exposed, with vertical drops of up to 25 m – proper belaying is essential.

The first ascent of Cubryńska Igła and the first traverse of its ridge was made by Władysław Cywiński on 27 September 1992, climbing from the south in just 5 minutes – a telling detail about how compact, yet demanding, this rock formation truly is.