Kościołek (2262 m a.s.l.) is one of the most striking rock formations in the entire Tatra Mountains — a solitary spire rising from the middle of Batizovská Valley, its silhouette resembling a Gothic church tower. Unconnected to any surrounding ridge, it stands completely alone, which makes it utterly unlike anything else in the High Tatras.

Geologists classify Kościołek as a nunatak — a rocky outcrop that once protruded above an ancient glacier. Today it rises directly from the upper section of Batizovská Valley, opposite the famous Batizovská Próba route used for descents from Gerlach. In winter, encircled by snow and ice, it looks almost surreal. In summer, its two summits — the higher one to the north — offer sweeping views across the valley and toward the Gerlach massif. The atmosphere here is remote and raw, even by Tatra standards.

Kościołek is a destination for climbers rather than hikers. Several routes lead to the top, using the western and south-eastern faces (each around 100 metres) as well as the ridgelines. From the base, completing a route takes roughly half an hour.

• Batizovská Valley (Popradské pleso) — approach via Pastrnákova Priehyba col, demanding, for experienced climbers only

• Kościołek is on the Slovak side of the Tatras — a Slovak TANAP climbing permit is required
• First ascent: 29 July 1905, by Janusz Chmielowski and highland guide Jędrzej Marusarz Jarząbek, via Pastrnákova Priehyba
• First winter ascent: 18 February 1912, by Julius Andreas Hefty and Viennese alpinist Siegfried Neumann

On 4 August 1933, two accomplished Polish climbers — W. Stanisławski and Witold Wojnar — perished on the western face. Exactly three years later, on the same date, three Polish climbers completed that same route in their memory — one of the most poignant tributes in Tatra mountaineering history.