Czarny Szczyt (2425 m a.s.l.), known in Slovak as Čierny štít, is one of the most striking peaks in the Slovak High Tatras — a proud, imposing summit that has captivated mountaineers for well over a century. There are no marked tourist trails leading to the top, making this a destination exclusively for experienced climbers who come seeking solid rock, dramatic walls and genuine Tatra wilderness.
The massif rises above three valleys: Čierna Javorová (Black Javorová) to the west, Veľká Zmrzlá (Wild Valley) to the southeast, and Malá Zmrzlá (Hawk Valley) to the northeast. The walls dropping towards Veľká Zmrzlá reach up to 230 metres in height and host the greatest concentration of climbing routes on the peak. Rock quality is generally good and solid. In winter the mountain takes on an even more austere character — the first winter ascent was not made until December 1911.
How to reach the summitThe German name Papirusspitze honours Johann Andreas Papirus, an 18th-century treasure hunter who perished here in 1771 — one of many fascinating human stories woven into the history of this wild and demanding peak.