Czarna Ławka is a high mountain pass at 1968 m a.s.l. in the main ridge of the High Tatras, sitting right on the Polish-Slovak border. It is a place where two worlds meet: to the north lies the Valley of Five Polish Lakes with the dark Czarny Staw, while to the south the scenic Koprová Valley opens up. If you are looking for a wild, crowd-free Tatra pass with rewarding views in both directions, this is the spot.

The terrain around the pass is classic high-alpine — grassy and scree-covered slopes, raw ridge rocks and wide-open panoramas. On the northern slopes you can spot a distinctive horizontal rock ledge, the feature that gave the pass its name ('ławka' meaning 'bench' or 'ledge' in the Tatra naming tradition). In spring the area is still snowbound and demanding; in summer it offers a fine ridge walk; in autumn the slopes glow with golden hues of dwarf pine and mountain grasses. The atmosphere here is raw and unspoiled — far from the busy tourist trails.

• Valley of Five Polish Lakes (mountain hut) — follow the trail toward Czarny Staw and then along the ridge toward the pass; difficulty: moderate to demanding
• From the Slovak side — Ciemnosmreczyńska Valley (a branch of Koprová Valley) — ascent via grassy and scree southern slopes; difficulty: moderate

• The pass lies on the state border — carry a valid ID if you plan to cross into Slovakia
• Best time to visit: July–September, when the ridge is free of snow
• Mountain weather can change rapidly — always pack a waterproof layer

Legend has it that as early as 1792, the pioneering naturalist Baltazar Hacquet may have crossed here — making this informal shepherds' passage one of the oldest known Tatra crossings, long before any marked trail existed.