Czarny Staw Polski — literally 'Polish Black Tarn' — is one of the most stunning glacial lakes in the Tatra Mountains, sitting at 1,722 m above sea level in the southern part of the Valley of Five Polish Lakes. With a depth of over 50 metres and an air of wild, untouched solitude, this is the kind of place that stays with you long after you've left.

The lake is framed dramatically by the steep slopes of the Liptovské Múry ridge descending from Gładki Wierch to Kotelnica in the south, while a glacial moraine ridge shelters it from the north — a reminder of the ancient ice that carved this entire valley. The stream draining the lake flows down to the nearby Wielki Staw, forming beautiful wetland meadows along the way, rich in rare bog and peat plants. In summer the water shimmers with clarity; in winter the frozen surface transforms the whole scene into a striking alpine wilderness. Spring, when snow still clings to the surrounding peaks, is perhaps the most dramatic time to visit.

• From the trail junction in the Valley of Five Polish Lakes — blue trail, passing alongside the lake towards Szpiglasowa Pass. Approx. 1 h 45 min uphill, 1 h 25 min downhill. Difficulty: moderate.

• The lake lies within Tatra National Park — staying on marked trails is mandatory; camping and fishing are prohibited.
• An entry fee applies for Tatra National Park.

Fascinating fact: before brook trout were illegally introduced — probably in the 1960s — the water was so clear that a Secchi disc remained visible at depths of 15–18 metres. Today that figure has dropped to around 4–5 metres, a stark reminder of how fragile high-mountain ecosystems truly are.