Butorowy Wierch (1160 m a.s.l.) is one of those rewarding summits near Zakopane where the views come almost effortlessly. Sitting in the Gubałówka Ridge between Palenica Kościeliska and Gubałówka, this friendly peak delivers a sweeping panorama of the entire Tatra range — both the Polish and Slovak sides — as well as the town of Zakopane and the village of Kościelisko below.

The mountain has a pleasantly split personality: the southern slopes open up to sunny alpine meadows with dramatic Tatra backdrops, while the northern flank is wrapped in dense forest. In summer it is a perfect easy-going destination for families, and in autumn the hillside forests burst into colour, making the views even more striking. The scenic section of the Pope's Trail connecting Butorowy Wierch with Gubałówka is especially atmospheric — quiet and unhurried, with the gentle sound of sheep bells drifting up from the valleys below.

• Kościelisko (lower cable car station, parking available) — chairlift, just a few minutes, very easy
• Pałkówka — green trail, easy; the route continues beyond the summit through Budzówka, Rysiulówka and Groń all the way to Kiry, from where you can walk the floor of Kościeliska Valley to the Hala Ornak mountain hut

• A chairlift has been running from Kościelisko to the summit since 1978 — a great option for families or anyone wanting easy access to the panorama
• The ski resort here operated until 1995; the lift no longer serves ski runs
• The Pope's Trail ridge section between Butorowy Wierch and Gubałówka is one of the most scenic walking links in the area — best enjoyed on a clear day

The chairlift opened in 1978 and for years was the heart of a busy ski resort — today it still carries visitors up to one of the finest viewpoints in the Polish Highlands.