Jaskinia Mylna

Jaskinia Mylna is the most interesting tourist cave in the Polish Tatras that does not have electric lighting. This is not a normal walk - it is a real micro-expedition. Here you will feel like a speleologist: you will crawl, get dirty and search for the way in the dark.

Unlike the “museum-like” Mroźna Cave, Mylna is wild, wet and much more exciting.

Trail description

The trail starts in Kościeliska Valley, just before Hala Pisana (marked turn-off to the left).

1. Approach: A short but fairly steep climb through the forest and over rocks brings us to the entrance.
2. Pawlikowski Window: The first chamber of the cave is lit by daylight. Two huge rock openings create “windows” with a brilliant view of Bystra and Błyszcz. This is the only place for a souvenir photo (after that it gets dark!).
3. The labyrinth: Further on we enter the one-way red route. The trail leads through narrow corridors, large chambers (Great Chamber) and low passages.
4. Exit: The trail ends at another opening, from which we descend back to the floor of Kościeliska Valley (the descent is somewhat difficult, secured by a chain).

Requirements (read this!)

Jaskinia Mylna is no joke. To enter and come out safely, you need:

• Light: A head torch is essential. A phone torch is not enough and is awkward (you need both hands for crawling). The cave is in “Egyptian darkness”.
• Clothing: It is wet, muddy and cold inside (constant temperature +5°C). Wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty. White shoes and light trousers will only be fit for the wash when you come out. It is best to take off your backpack and push it in front of you in the narrowest places.
• Mental state: If you suffer from claustrophobia, do not enter. There are sections where you need to crawl on all fours, with the ceiling right above your head.

Why “Mylna”?

The name is not accidental. The cave is a system of corridors 1,630 m long (about 300 m is open to visitors). It is easy to lose your bearings in the side branches. You must strictly stay on the trail (red triangles on the walls) and not enter unmarked holes. The route is one-way - there is no possibility (or sense) in turning back once other people are behind you.

Connection with other caves

A visit to Mylna can be combined with Raptawicka Cave (right next door, black trail, requires climbing a ladder and a chain) and Obłazkowa Cave. This is the so-called “Pawlikowski system”.