Kozi Wierch (2291 m a.s.l.) is the highest peak with significant topographic prominence located entirely within Poland — and one of the most thrilling destinations along the famous Orla Perć ridge trail. Expect dramatic rocky terrain, sweeping alpine panoramas, and the very real sense of being somewhere wild and untamed.

The peak rises along the long eastern ridge of Świnica, wedged between the hanging valleys of Dolinka Kozia and Dolinka Pusta. Its northern faces plunge over 210 metres in sheer walls threaded with couloirs and rock pillars popular among climbers. The southern slopes are gentler and grassy — chamois graze here regularly, which is exactly how the peak got its name ('Kozi' means 'goat' in Polish, referring to the chamois). In summer the summit offers breathtaking views over the Five Polish Tarns Valley and the Gąsienicowa Valley; in winter it transforms into a serious mountaineering objective glazed in hard snow and ice.

• Five Polish Tarns Valley (from Wielki Staw) — black trail via Szeroki Żleb couloir, approx. 1 h 30 min up / 1 h down — easy (the most straightforward ascent)
• Orla Perć from Zawrat pass — red trail, approx. 3 h 10 min (one-way only: from Zawrat towards Kozi Wierch since July 2007) — very demanding, highly exposed
• Orla Perć continuing to Krzyżne — red trail, approx. 3 h 30 min eastward — very demanding

• The Orla Perć section between Kozia Pass and Kozi Wierch is among the most technically difficult marked hiking trails in the entire Tatra Mountains — sure footing and a head for heights are essential.
• Since July 2007, the Zawrat–Kozi Wierch section is one-directional: travel from Zawrat towards Kozi Wierch only. Returning via this section is prohibited.
• In winter, crampons and an ice axe are required; avoid the Szeroki Żleb couloir due to avalanche risk — the safer line follows the ridge to its right.
• Summer weekends can bring significant crowds on the Orla Perć, causing bottlenecks — an early start is strongly advisable.

The first recorded ascent was made by Eugeniusz Janota and Maciej Sieczka in 1867, while the first winter ascent — on 3 April 1907 by Mariusz Zaruski and Józef Borkowski, on skis — was considered one of the greatest achievements in early Tatra skiing history.