Hike to Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy
Hiking and Mountaineering

Ascent to Kościelec (High Tatras)

Description

Hiking and climbing tour from Kuźnice (1011 meters AMSL) to Kościelec (2155 meters AMSL) via Schronisko Murowaniec (1500 meters AMSL).

Kościelec, sometimes referred to as the “Polish Matterhorn”, is a conspiciuous peak in the Polish part of the High Tatras (Tatry Wysokie) mountain range.

Photos and Video

April 2025

Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy
Karb (1853 meters)
Kościelec (2155 meters)
Kościelec (2155 meters)
April 2024
Frozen Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy
Ascent to Karb
Karb (1853 meters)
Ascent to Kościelec

Map, Topography

Notes and recommendations (winter/spring)

It’s a technical and difficult ascent in wintry conditions especially on the last fifty meters, so crampons and an ice axe are mandatory gear, as well as a helmet.

You need about one and a half hours from Karb (“Gap”, 1853 meters) to the peak when snow is obstructing the footpath, and orientation can be a problem in some places. 

Do yourself a favor and check the avalanche reports before you set off to the mountains in winter time.