Pośrednia Baszta (2374 m) is one of the striking summits of the Bastions Ridge (Hrebeň bášt), a wild rocky spine dividing the Mlynická and Mengusovská valleys in the Slovak High Tatras. It's a peak for climbers seeking genuine Tatra alpinism away from the crowded tourist trails.

The summit rises between Szatan and Mała Baszta, flanked by steep gullies — the Red Gully to the north and the Wide Gully to the south. Its eastern wall, roughly 700 meters high, looks like a raw stone fortress, while the gentler western face descends toward Mlynická Valley. In summer the ridge offers sweeping views into both neighboring valleys and a real sense of solitude; in winter conditions turn serious and demand solid ice and snow experience.

How to reach the summit

• From the Przełęcz nad Czerwonym Żlebem saddle — north-west ridge, grade 0+ (Tatra scale), about 10 minutes, easy
• From the Przełęcz nad Szerokim Żlebem saddle — bypassing on the east or west side, grade 0+/0, about 30 minutes, easy
• Directly along the south ridge — grade I, about 45 minutes, moderate

Practical information

• No marked hiking trails — access is for climbers (taternicy) only
• The eastern wall has about 700 m of vertical relief with routes from grade II to V
• Until 2009 the near-vertical lower headwall of the eastern face remained unclimbed

The first recorded summer ascent was made in 1877, and the first winter ascent in 1891, making Pośrednia Baszta one of the classic goals of early Tatra mountaineering.