Gładka Turnia is a small but striking rocky peak in the Western Tatras, tucked into the right-hand slopes of the Kraków Gorge (Wąwóz Kraków). It's a destination for climbers and lovers of wild, rocky corners of the Tatras rather than casual trail walkers.

The peak drops toward the Kraków Gorge in a rock wall bordered on one side by a shallow gully partly overgrown with grass tufts, and on the other by a chimney with small niches. The wall's standout feature is a smooth slab about 70 meters high, inclined at 70 degrees and capped by an overhang - the source of the peak's name (Gładka meaning 'smooth'). The surroundings have the raw, rocky character typical of the Kraków Gorge, with views toward the steep slopes and nearby Ptakowa Turnia. The atmosphere here is one of solitude and wilderness, far from the crowded main Tatra trails.

How to reach the summit

• From Ptakowy Przechód - an easy approach with just a few dozen meters of elevation gain, suitable for those with some scrambling experience
• A climbing route runs up the pillar on the wall, rated VII- and VI- with two pitches, reserved for experienced climbers only

Practical information

• The climbing route on the pillar was first ascended on 18 August 1995 by Dariusz Stawarz and Jacek Stawarz
• The summit is separated by a small traverse from the main line of the south-western ridge of Upłazkowa Turnia
• This is rugged terrain requiring good orientation and rock scrambling experience - not a standard marked tourist trail

Gładka Turnia is one of those Tatra spots best appreciated by a skilled climber looking for a technical challenge on a strikingly steep slab.