Szeroki Żleb is a secluded, forested ravine in the Western Tatras that few hikers even know exists. It's a place for those seeking quiet solitude rather than dramatic summit views.

This narrow gully cuts into the northern slopes of Upłaziańska Kopka, forming the left-hand branch of the Miętusia Valley. The entire ravine is covered in dense forest, giving it a wild, untamed character - there are no sweeping panoramas here, just the authentic atmosphere of Tatra wilderness. Springs at its mouth feed the Miętusi Potok stream, though higher up the streambed only carries water occasionally, after rain or snowmelt. In winter, when snow covers the valley floor, the ravine has historically served skiers as a descent route from Ciemniak down to the Kościeliska Valley, though this becomes increasingly difficult each year as the forest reclaims the terrain.

How to get there

• Kościeliska Valley (parking at Kiry) — no marked trail leads directly into the ravine; approach via the black-marked Ścieżka nad Reglami trail, which passes right above its mouth — moderate difficulty

Practical information

• No official hiking trail runs through the ravine itself
• The old path is only visible in the lower section; higher up it has completely disappeared
• The area is mainly visited by forest foragers, both legal and illegal

Fun fact: there are several ravines and valleys in the Tatras called Szeroki Żleb, so it's worth double-checking which one you mean when planning a trip.