Krakow Gorge and Dragon's Lair Cave in Kościeliska Valley
Town: Kiry Nearby: Zakopane
warning Difficulties for parents with a toddler in a baby carrier
beach_access Route in the shade
restaurant Restaurant or bar nearby
directions_car Access by car
wc Toilet along the route
Wąwóz Kraków is a narrow, rocky gorge about 100m long, ending with a cave called Dragon's Lair, through which we can pass to Polana Pisana. The entrance to the gorge is located approximately halfway through the Dolina Kościeliska (Kościeliska Valley) [link].
Wąwóz Kraków (Krakow Gorge)
It is a magical corner of the Tatra Mountains! The name of the gorge comes from the narrow streets in Krakow. The widening at the end of the gorge is called the Market Square. It is considered the most beautiful rocky gorge in the Western Tatras for a good reason. The moss-covered side walls give the place a fairytale atmosphere.
While in the Dolina Kościeliska, it's worth taking a detour from the beaten path and visiting even for a moment! The bottom of the gorge is rocky, so it can be slippery after rain. If you are with younger children, after passing through the gorge, you will have to turn back. At the end of the gorge, there is a ladder and a steep rocky ascent with chains leading to the Dragon's Lair cave, which is challenging and requires some agility!
Dragon's Lair Cave
For older children, entering the Dragon's Lair can be a great attraction and challenge. It is a small-sized rocky tunnel that takes about 2-3 minutes to pass through. The cave is open for self-guided tours, but it is difficult and requires some agility. It's a good idea to have a headlamp with you, as although the cave is short, it can get completely dark in the middle section. The trail from the ladder is one-way, and to reach the cave entrance, we have to overcome a steep rocky threshold with chains. Inside the cave, we will also encounter chains. Although the entrance is easy, the approach to the cave exit is slightly more challenging, as the rocks can be slippery.
Pisana Glade
After passing through the cave, we come out near Polana Pisana, from where we descend to Dolina Kościeliska, not far from where we started our hike. Mentions of the clearing have appeared in very old documents, which is probably where its name comes from.
Publish Date: 2012-12-29
Last Updated: 2021-10-16
More in the Region Zakopane (Zakopane)
Total Length 152 km
