Kasprowy Wierch

Kasprowy Wierch, located in the Western Tatras, reaches an altitude of 1,987 meters above sea level and enjoys great popularity among tourists and skiers. Its name comes from Kasprowa Clearing, which, according to local legends, is associated with a highlander named Kaspers. The peak has been a tourist destination since the 19th century, with the first recorded winter descent taking place around 1890. By 1910, it had gained popularity among skiers, and today, during the season, it attracts up to 4,000 visitors daily. Several cable cars and ski runs have been built on its slopes, and Kasprowy Wierch is also home to the High Mountain Meteorological Observatory, constructed in 1938, which now operates as part of the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW) and the Greenhouse Gas Measurement Laboratory (KASLAB). The area around Kasprowy Wierch and Sucha Przełęcz offers a variety of hiking trails, including green, yellow, and red routes, leading to other attractive destinations in the Tatra Mountains. Kasprowy Wierch is also a renowned ski resort, featuring three cable cars—including a cabin lift from Kuźnice—and two ski runs: Gąsienicowa and Goryczkowa, both designed for experienced skiers. Despite its stunning landscapes and attractions, the region faces environmental challenges, such as accelerated soil erosion and vegetation degradation. In 1997, Pope John Paul II visited Kasprowy Wierch, and in 2018, the first theatrical performance was held at the upper cable car station. The peak and its surroundings boast a rich history, including visits by prominent figures such as Polish presidents. Beyond its role as a tourist hub, the area is also a research site for botany, where rare plant species have been discovered. Thus, Kasprowy Wierch is an exceptionally significant location not only for its architectural structures but also for its cultural, natural, and historical values, attracting enthusiasts of nature and history alike.