Opalone is a grassy, forested ridge in the High Tatras that offers one of the most breathtaking views over the granite peaks rising above Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw lakes. It's a spot that has long drawn not only hikers but also painters captivated by the Tatra scenery.

The ridge extends from Opalony Wierch in a north-easterly direction all the way to the Roztockie Siodło pass, separating the Rybi Potok Valley from the Roztoka Valley. Its slopes descending into the Roztoka Valley are largely cut by rocky cliffs, adding a dramatic edge to the landscape. On the upper part lies a grassy terrace known as Wolarnia nad Kępą (or Równia nad Kępą), once used for grazing livestock. From a group of boulders on this terrace, renowned painters such as Leon Wyczółkowski, Walery Eljasz-Radzikowski, and Wojciech Gerson once captured the Tatra landscape on canvas. On the eastern slopes of Opalone, two avalanche-prone gullies — Żleb Żandarmerii and Głęboki Żleb — drop down into the Rybi Potok Valley.

• Morskie Oko — blue trail across Opalone to the hut in the Valley of Five Polish Lakes, hiking time: 2 h, return 1:40 h

• The path across Opalone was known to shepherds long ago and was repaired in 1877 through the efforts of the Tatra Society
• The section between Morskie Oko and Wolarnia nad Kępą was rebuilt in 1888
• The earliest recorded winter crossing took place on 22 January 1894

Opalone is one of those Tatra spots where history, art, and landscape come together — it's worth pausing by the boulders on the terrace to take in the same view that inspired great painters over a century ago.