Niżnia Kopa (1711 m a.s.l.) is a compact but striking rocky threshold in the Polish High Tatras, separating the Valley of Five Polish Lakes from the Roztoka Valley. It may not be a classic summit destination, but virtually every hiker heading to the beloved PTTK mountain hut passes right beneath it.

Rising just 43 metres above the surface of Przedni Staw (the Front Lake), Niżnia Kopa presents a bold, sheer wall of several dozen metres on its Roztoka Valley side, while its remaining slopes are gentler and blanketed in mountain pine scrub. Hidden within that scrub grows the service tree — a species remarkably rare in Poland. The views from around the peak take in the glittering surface of Przedni Staw and the craggy ridges enclosing it. Neighbouring Świstowa Czuba and Wyżnia Kopa, with the Litworowy Couloir dropping steeply between them, complete a wonderfully raw alpine scene. In winter the whole area transforms into a serious high-mountain challenge.

• Junction in the Roztoka Valley — marked trail, approx. 40 min, moderate. The path runs along the slopes of Niżnia Kopa beneath its northern wall; hut staff affectionately call it 'Popod Kopę' ('Under the Kopa').

• In winter the 'Popod Kopę' route becomes dangerous due to avalanche risk and ice. The recommended winter alternative is the 'Poza Kopę' ('Beyond the Kopa') route, which follows a shallow depression between Niżnia Kopa and Świstowa Czuba down to the shore of Przedni Staw.
• The PTTK mountain hut in the Valley of Five Polish Lakes is located very close to the peak.

In the winter of 1976, two experienced hikers perished from exhaustion on the slopes of Niżnia Kopa during a fierce blizzard — just a few metres from the hut door — a sobering reminder that even seasoned mountaineers must respect the Tatras in winter.