Zadni Kościelec, Mountain summit in High Tatras, Poland.
Zadni Kościelec is a mountain summit in the High Tatras reaching approximately 2162 meters, featuring steep granite walls and rough rocky slopes. The peak offers multiple marked trails and can be approached from several starting points in the region.
The first documented ascent was made in 1805 by Antoni Hoborski, which drew more mountaineers to the Tatra region. A devastating avalanche on the northeastern slope in 1909 later prompted the creation of a mountain rescue service.
The mountain's name comes from the Polish word meaning church, because the summit profile resembles a church spire when viewed from the north. Hikers today still notice this distinctive silhouette when approaching from certain angles.
Most hikers start from Zakopane, taking a bus to Kuznice before following marked trails through Hala Gasienicowa toward the summit. Having appropriate gear and knowledge of mountain conditions is important, since weather and terrain difficulty change significantly with the season.
The mountain is known for its unstable snow slopes where avalanches frequently form, particularly in late winter and spring. This hazard made the area critical for developing mountain rescue techniques and safety improvements over time.
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