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Zakopane
Kościelec (2155 m a.s.l.) is one of the most recognisable peaks of the High Tatras, rising as a sharp, regular pyramid above the Gąsienicowa Valley. Its name refers to a silhouette resembling a church tower, which is also why it is nicknamed the Polish Matterhorn. The summit lies within the Tatra National Park.
A black-marked trail leads to the top from the Karb saddle, reached from Hala Gąsienicowa. The summit section is short but steep and has no artificial aids — it calls for a sure step, good footwear and dry rock. In wet weather and in winter the route becomes markedly harder.
From the top a panorama opens over the Gąsienicowa Valley with its lakes and over the ridges of Orla Perć, Świnica and Kozie Wierchy. The full-day trip usually starts in Kuźnice; cars and motorhomes are left in the Zakopane car parks, and national park rules apply beyond that point.
