Cubryńska Strażnica is a lesser-known peak in the Cubryna massif that is sometimes mistakenly called the highest summit entirely within Poland's Tatra Mountains. It's a rewarding destination for those who enjoy exploring the finer details of Tatra topography and unusual viewpoints.

The summit sits on the northern ridge of Cubryński Zwornik, between it and Turnia Zwornikowa. Seen from Morskie Oko, it appears to be the highest point of the entire Cubryna massif, though this is purely an optical illusion caused by perspective - the true, higher summit of Cubryna lies further away. The eastern slopes drop toward the gully leading from Hińczowa Przełęcz and onto Wielka Galeria Cubryńska, creating a rugged, rocky landscape typical of this part of the High Tatras. In winter and early spring, the surroundings become genuine high-mountain terrain demanding experience and proper equipment.

How to reach the summit

• Cubryńska Strażnica has no marked hiking trail - it is accessible only to climbers via the upper section of Cubryna's northern ridge, a demanding route requiring climbing experience

Practical information

• The peak is not named in the classic climbing guidebooks by Paryski and Cywiński - the name was introduced by Grzegorz Głazek in his topographic studies of the area
• Despite the popular myth, the highest prominent summit entirely within Poland remains Kozi Wierch, not Cubryńska Strażnica

It's a great example of how deceptive perspective can be in the mountains - from Morskie Oko, the Strażnica appears to dominate the whole massif, yet it is actually lower than Cubryna's main summit.