Kościelisko is a large tourist destination in Podhale, which is an excellent starting point for excursions in the Western Tatras and in the Gubałowsko-Gliczarowski range. In winter, there are several ski lifts here, and the vicinity of Zakopane, Witów and other towns in Podhale provides much wider access to numerous slopes.
The town was created by merging several shepherd settlements, the first records of which date back to the 17th century. Until the beginning of the 20th century, its inhabitants were mainly shepherds and forest workers. It was only the rapid development of mountain and ski tourism that changed the character of the village into a holiday resort.
Although it is customary to think of Kościelisko as a Tatra village, in fact its largest part lies on the slopes of the Gubałowsko-Gliczarowski Range, which does not belong to the Tatra Mountains. Thanks to its location on the opposite slope, you can admire beautiful views of the Western Tatras.
In the village there is an inlet to the Kościeliska Valley, which is one of the most visited parts of the Tatra Mountains by tourists. Its attractions are numerous caves, including the open-access Smocza Jama, Mroźna Cave and Mylna Cave, as well as Raptawicka Cave and Wielka Śnieżna Cave intended for cavers.
The main attractions of Kościelisko are the local mountain trails. Apart from the Kościeliska valley, they lead to the Mała Łąki Valley, Przysłop Miętusi and to the Lejowa Valley. In the direction of the Gubałowsko-Gliczarowski Range you can go, among others to Butorowy Wierch, Gubałówka and to Chochołów via Dzianisz.
In winter, the town is a good starting point for skiers. There are several small ski resorts with a total of approx. 20 km of slopes. In Kiry, at the entrance to the Kościeliska Valley, there are cross-country skiing and biathlon routes.
