Polana na Stołach Dolina Kościeliska

Polana na Stołach is a high-altitude mountain clearing in the Kościeliska Valley, located at about 1300 meters above sea level near Kościelisko. It can be reached via the blue trail from Lodowe Źródło in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This trail, established in 1892 by Mieczysław Karłowicz, was the first marked hiking trail in the Western Tatras and is relatively easy, making it a great choice for beginners. The clearing offers panoramic views of the Western Tatras, including Hruby Regiel, Czerwone Wierchy, Giewont, Tomanowy Potok, and Tomanowa Valley. Historically, it was used for sheep grazing; the shepherds were called zastolani, and originally there were over a dozen shepherds' huts. Today, only three wooden structures remain – a bacówka and two sheds – and they are listed as historic monuments. One of the huts served as a hideout for Wacław Krzeptowski, a leader of the Goralenvolk movement, in 1944. The name "Stoły" may come from the flat, table-like shape of the clearing or from the word "sztolnia" (adit), referencing past iron ore mines. Although the clearing is gradually being reclaimed by forest, it remains one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Tatras, accessible to families and all hikers.