Mała Buczynowa Turnia (2172 m a.s.l.) is one of those summits that hikers on the famous Orla Perć ridge route tend to walk right past — yet a short detour rewards you with a panorama that rivals the celebrated viewpoint at Krzyżne. This triple-topped rocky tower, tucked into the long eastern ridge of Świnica in the Polish High Tatras, is a hidden gem hiding in plain sight.

The peak has a strikingly split personality. Its southern slopes descend relatively gently toward the Roztoka Valley, while the northern face drops away in a dramatic 200-metre wall to the scree fields of Zadnie Usypy in Pańszczyca. Two rocky ridges frame the broad Szeroki Żleb Buczynowy couloir on the south side, creating a natural amphitheatre of stone. In summer the views across the valley are bright and expansive; in autumn, when larch forests glow golden below, the scenery takes on a whole new warmth.

• Via the Orla Perć trail (from Zawrat toward Krzyżne) — black trail marking (Orla Perć), total traverse from Zawrat to Krzyżne approx. 6 h 40 min. The summit is easily reached as a short side-trip from the main trail and is frequently visited by passing hikers.
• The Krzyżne–Kozi Wierch section (via Zawrat) is one-directional — permitted only from Krzyżne toward Kozi Wierch, approx. 3 h 35 min.

• Rock climbing is permitted on the southern faces only — the north wall is off-limits and also dangerously loose.
• The Orla Perć is a demanding, via-ferrata-style ridge route with fixed chains and iron steps. Proper footwear and good physical fitness are essential.
• The side-trip to the summit is not a marked trail branch — pick a clear day and watch your footing on the rocky ground.

The first recorded summer ascent was made in 1900 by Rev. Walenty Gadowski with three mountain guides and porter Jędrzej Para — a reminder that even this 'minor' peak has a proper mountaineering history behind it.