Kalatówki

Kalatówki is a mountain glade located between 1160 and 1250 meters in elevation, divided by a lateral moraine left by the former Bystra glacier. The open terrain offers views of surrounding slopes and serves as a hub where different hiking routes through the park converge.

The glade hosted the first organized ski competitions in the Tatra Mountains in 1910, featuring slalom, downhill, and jumping events. This event marked the beginning of structured winter sports in the region and established the location as an early center for skiing development.

The glade hosts a mountain hotel and a monastery of the Albertyn Sisters, both designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz. These structures shape how the place functions as a gathering point and spiritual retreat for visitors and residents alike.

Visiting requires purchasing an entry ticket to Tatra National Park at the park office before accessing the glade. The location is reached via hiking trails that start from lower elevations and typically take several hours to reach on foot.

During spring months, the glade transforms into a field of blooming crocuses that briefly color the landscape. At the same time, shepherds manage sheep herds on the meadow under park supervision as part of maintaining traditional land management practices.