Polana na Stołach

Polana na Stołach is a protected mountain meadow at 1,300 meters elevation on the eastern slope of the Stoły massif in the Western Tatras. The clearing faces the Kościeliska Valley and contains wooden structures that date from its pastoral past.

The meadow was once part of Hala Stoły, a large pastoral area filled with numerous shepherd huts used until grazing activities ended. After the huts were abandoned, natural forest growth accelerated and shrunk the open space substantially.

Three wooden shepherd huts with low frames and specially designed wind-resistant roofs stand here, adapted to the harsh mountain conditions. These structures are registered in the national monument database and show how herders once lived and worked on the mountain.

Visitors reach the meadow via a marked blue trail from Kir through Dolina Kościeliska in about one hour and thirty minutes of hiking. The path is well marked but involves steady climbing and should only be attempted in good weather conditions.

The meadow's open surface shrank by more than half between 1955 and 2004 as forest naturally returned following the end of grazing. This dramatic transformation shows how quickly mountain landscapes can change when human use stops.

GPS coordinates: 49.24940,19.85640

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:03