Zbójnicka Igła is a small but distinctive rock tower in the northwestern ridge of Gubałówka's Gubalec in the Polish Western Tatras. It's a place wrapped in legends of brigands and hidden treasure, though you should know upfront - this area is off-limits to hikers.

Built of sedimentary carbonate rock, the tower rises above Skała Pisana, about 800 meters south of Polana Pisana. It's visible from several points in the Kościeliska Valley and from Ornak, giving a glimpse of its distinctive silhouette against the Gubalec ridge. It's separated from the higher Zbójnicka Turnia by the Niżni Zbójnicki Przechód saddle, from which a short walk through the forest leads to the 8-meter rock step of the Igła itself. The surrounding area hides other unnamed rock formations and numerous caves, including Jaskinia pod Zamkiem, located below the Igła on the forested slope descending into the Kraków Gorge.

How to reach the summit

• The entire Gubalec area is a strict nature reserve and is closed to hikers and climbers - reaching the summit is not possible through regular tourism.
• Climbing the right side of the rock step is rated grade III in difficulty, but access is limited to scientific research or special permits.

Practical information

• Strict nature reserve - no legal tourist access.
• First recorded ascent: Władysław Cywiński, 8 May 1995.

The name Zbójnicka Igła, like other 'brigand' names in the area, stems from local legends that highland outlaws once lived in the nearby caves and stashed their treasures there. It's no wonder these mysterious corners also attracted miners and treasure hunters centuries ago.