Szczerbinka is a small but dramatic notch in the ridge of Długi Giewont, tucked away in one of the most inaccessible corners of the Polish Western Tatras. It's a place for those who know the lore of Tatra mountaineering and want a glimpse into a ridge wrapped in legend, though today it can only be admired from afar or reached by a handful of climbers.

The notch lies between the main summit of Długi Giewont (1867 m) and Juhaska Turnia. Both sides drop away in sheer rock walls — to the south steeply toward the grassy Wielki Upłaz in the Kondratowa Valley, and to the north into the wild Banie gully in the Strążyska Valley. The surroundings have a raw, alpine character — jagged towers, steep slopes, and views that impress even seasoned hikers. This is a place that commands respect rather than offering idyllic calm.

How to reach the viewpoint

• The entire Długi Giewont ridge, including Szczerbinka, is currently closed to tourists and climbers — access is restricted to rescuers and specialist expeditions only.
• Views of the Długi Giewont ridge can be enjoyed from the Kondratowa Valley and the Strążyska Valley, from where the characteristic rock walls dropping from the notch are visible.

Practical information

• Descending from Szczerbinka on the southern side requires a rope abseil of over ten metres — terrain only for experienced climbers.
• On the northern side drops the Komin Szczerbinki — a climbing route rated grade V on the UIAA scale.
• Below the notch runs the Suchy Żleb gully.

The place is steeped in legend — it's said that Father Józef Stolarczyk once got stuck in the rocks here, and had to be pulled out with ropes by shepherds from Hala Kondratowa. Sadly, the terrain remains dangerous — in 2011 a TOPR mountain rescuer died here after falling into the Banie gully.