Hala Gąsienicowa is a meadow below the peaks of the Tatra Mountains in Poland. The place offers magnificent views of the Murowaniec shelter and plenty of traditional wooden huts scattered across the meadow.

The huts and their surroundings also tell part of the region’s history. They stand on the site of an old farm where shepherds grazed their sheep for centuries. Today, the meadows are gradually recovering from overuse, and kosodrzewina (dwarf mountain pine) is replacing sheep in some of the pastures. The wooden huts, however, remain an important part of the area’s history.

What I personally found most charming about this particular place was its scenery. The surrounding landscape stretches out before your eyes, creating an unforgettable experience. Wooden buildings contrast with the Tatra Mountains and their wilder character.

I took this picture on my way back to Zakopane, as I was walking down from Hala Gąsienicowa. It was one of the most memorable views I had on the hike, and a fitting finale to exploring the Murowaniec area.

---

If you’d like to see more from this hike, take a look at my post about Kasprowy Wierch via Murowaniec. More hiking stories, landscapes and adventures from Poland are waiting to be explored on Shutter & Saddle.