Difficulty: ModerateWestern Tatraswestern tatrascavechainsexposure

Jaskinia Raptawicka

1130 m a.s.l. · trail black · start: Polana Pisana (Kościeliska Valley)

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Trail openBulletin as of 21 października 2026
Official TPN bulletin

No reported closures or obstacles on this trail according to the official TPN bulletin (21 października 2026).

PolecanyPolana Pisana – Raptawicka

Wysokość
1130 m a.s.l.
Dystans
0.5 km
Czas przejścia
30 min
Suma podejść
76 m
Start
Polana Pisana
Meta
Polana Pisana

Czas i dystans dla całej wycieczki, z powrotem do startu.

Tempo

30 minSzacunek od czasu z opisu, bez kolejek i postojów.

  • medium (ladder + chains)
    • black
  • Western Tatras
  • Dla rodzin: Nie
  • Z psem: Nie
  • Ślad GPX (.gpx)

Warianty wejścia

Polecany jest na tej stronie. Inny start ma osobną kartę — własny opis i mapę.

Warianty wejścia
WariantStartCzas przejściaŁańcuchyKolor szlaku
Polana Pisana – RaptawickaPolecany

Steep on rock, the ladder, the hall, the same way down. There are chains. The figures at the top of the page count this loop.

Polana Pisana30 minTakChains on the approach and a 4 m ladder into the opening.
  • black
With Mylna

Mylna first, then black to the ladder. Separate page for the labyrinth: Jaskinia Mylna.

Zobacz ten szlak →		Polana Pisana1 h 20 minTakLadder on Raptawicka. On Mylna a chain on the exit from the opening.
  • red
  • black
From Kiry

The valley plus the cave. Separate page for the floor: Kościeliska Valley.

Zobacz ten szlak →		Kiry2 h 30 minTakChains and the ladder only at the cave. The valley without.
  • green
  • black

Polecany

Polana Pisana – Raptawicka

Steep on rock, the ladder, the hall, the same way down. There are chains. The figures at the top of the page count this loop.

Mapa i profil trasy

Polana Pisana – Raptawicka

Profil wysokościowy trasy

Wykres podejść wygenerowany ze śladu GPX. Przesuń kursor lub palec po wykresie, aby sprawdzić profil podejścia i punkty kulminacyjne.

GPX · 0.5 km
Punkt kulminacyjny
1130m n.p.m.
przy 0.25 km
Najniższy punkt
1054m n.p.m.
Podejścia (suma)
+74m
Zejścia (suma)
-75m
Dystans profilu
0.5km
1000 m1100 m1200 m0 km0.5 km🏔️ 1130 m

Ślad GPX do nawigacji

Wgraj trasę do zegarka sportowego (Garmin, Coros, Suunto, Apple Watch) lub aplikacji nawigacyjnej (Mapy.cz, Komoot, Locus Map, Strava) i nawiguj po szlaku w trybie offline bez zasięgu.

Pobierz ślad GPX (.gpx)
Kompatybilność:GarminCorosSuuntoApple WatchMapy.czKomootStrava
Jak wgrać plik GPX?
  1. Kliknij przycisk „Pobierz ślad GPX”, aby zapisać plik .gpx na telefonie lub komputerze.
  2. Otwórz plik w aplikacji Garmin Connect, Coros, Suunto, Mapy.cz, Komoot lub wyślij na zegarek GPS.
  3. Zapisz trasę w trybie offline, aby w Tatrach nawigować pewnie i bez obaw o brak zasięgu sieci komórkowej.

Jaskinia Raptawicka is a massive hole suspended high in Raptawicka Turnia, towering over the Kościeliska Valley. Unlike the neighbouring Jaskinia Mylna, you do not have to crawl in the mud here. The main attraction (and challenge at the same time) is the entrance to the cave itself, which requires negotiating a vertical wall.

💡 In a nutshell – Jaskinia Raptawicka:

  1. Access: From Polana Pisana (Kościeliska Valley), turn onto the black trail. The approach and return from the valley floor takes about 30 minutes.
  2. Difficulties: You descend into the cave via a vertical, 4-metre steel ladder. Before that, there is a short section with chains.
  3. Inside: The main chamber is huge and lit by daylight (you can stand up in it). A headlamp is only needed for the side corridors.
  4. Warning: The trail is two-way. Only one person can be on the ladder at a time, which causes queues in season.

It is a short but exciting adventure, ideal for people who want to try their hand at chains and a ladder, but are not yet ready for high peaks.

Trail description: Vertically upwards

The figures at the top of the page show the time and distance for the approach to the cave itself, starting and finishing at Polana Pisana (in the Kościeliska Valley). To get here, you first have to walk from Kiry (about 1 h).

Stage 1: Approach to the wall

From Polana Pisana we set off on the black trail (initially it goes together with the red trail to Jaskinia Mylna).

  • The path climbs sharply up over stones. The approach is short, but very steep and tiring.

Stage 2: Chains and ladder

We reach a vertical rock wall. This is where the real fun begins.

  • First we have to negotiate a short section secured with chains. The rock here can be polished and slippery.
  • Then comes the highlight of the program: a 4-metre steel ladder lowered vertically down into the cave opening. You have a lot of “air” under your feet. Only one person can be on the ladder at a time, so in the summer season queues often form here.

Stage 3: The Main Chamber

After descending the ladder we find ourselves in the massive Main Chamber of Jaskinia Raptawicka.

  • The chamber is 10-15 metres high and is illuminated by daylight entering through two large openings. You can stand freely here.
  • Side, blind corridors branch off from the Main Chamber. They are completely dark – if you want to look into them, you will need a torch (preferably a headlamp).
  • We exit the cave the same way (up the ladder and down the chains).

Logistics and warnings

  • After rain: The limestone rock and the steel ladder become extremely slippery after rain. In such conditions, entering the cave is very dangerous.
  • Fear of heights: The ladder is short, but completely vertical. If you have a fear of heights, abandon the climb even before the chains.
  • Two-way traffic: The trail is two-way. You must let people descending/ascending the ladder pass.

Who is this absolutely NOT for?

Do not drive a pushchair in here (leave it on the valley floor). Do not bring a dog here (TPN ban). Do not try to climb the ladder in flip-flops or sandals. If you are looking for a long wander in the dark and crawling, choose the neighbouring Jaskinia Mylna. If you are only interested in a flat walk, stay on the main trail in the Kościeliska Valley.

Getting there, parking & buses

Trailhead logistics – reach the start smoothly without parking hassle.

Trailhead:Polana Pisana (Kościeliska Valley)

Parking & car access

Paid on site (private & municipal car parks)

Kiry car parks (at Kościeliska Valley entrance)

Parking fee: 30–40 PLN / day

Numerous parking lots line the road in Kiry. On sunny weekend mornings they fill up after 8:30 AM. Some accept cards, but cash is recommended.

Navigate to parking (Google Maps)

Bus & transit access

Buses from Main Station towards Kościelisko & Kiry

Route & bus stop: Zakopane Main Station ➔ Aleje 3 Maja ➔ Kościelisko ➔ Kiry (bus stop right by TPN gate)

Fare: ~8–10 PLN one-way

Buses marked „Kiry / Dolina Kościeliska” depart every 10–15 minutes.

Local buses and transit help bypass morning traffic and parking hassles.

Transport guide in the Tips section

Complete guide to Tatra car parks, buses, and TPN reservations.

Read the guide in Tips

Tool

🎒 What to pack? Interactive checklist

Check off items as you pack, switch between summer/winter and clear the list before your next trip. Progress is saved automatically.

Open checklist →

What you will see

  • A 4-metre ladder
  • Main Chamber
  • View of Kominiarski Wierch

Questions

Is the 30 min from Kiry?

No. 30 min and 0.5 km are from the turn-off at Polana Pisana. From Kiry the valley plus the cave is about 2 h 30 min. The valley floor has its own page.

Is the ladder hard?

Four metres, vertical, air under your feet. One person on the ladder. Fear of heights turns around at the bottom, not halfway up the rungs.

Do I have to crawl like in Mylna?

No. The main hall is high and bright. Side passages are dark — a headlamp there. The combo with Mylna has a separate page for the labyrinth.

Can I bring a dog or a pushchair?

No. TPN. Chains and a ladder are not for a pushchair.

Jaskinia Raptawicka: are there chains on the route?

Yes. Chains on the approach and a 4 m ladder into the opening.

Jaskinia Raptawicka: how long does it take?

Start: Polana Pisana (Kościeliska Valley), finish in the same place. The whole route is 0.5 km and takes 30 min of walking without breaks, with about 76 m of ascent. Add time for rests and photos.

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Next trail in this area

Planning your next hike? From the same starting point and area, we recommend:

📍 Polana Pisana (Kościeliska Valley)
Jaskinia Mylna
#western tatras#cave#chains

Jaskinia Mylna

Mylna Cave in the Kościeliska Valley: an unlit labyrinth, crawling, a chain on the way down and Pawlikowski's Window. 57 min from Polana Pisana, about 3 h from Kiry.

⏱️ 57 min📏 1 km🎯 moderate (crawling, chain on the exit)
View trail

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Read also

Plan your trip

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Before you head to the mountains

  1. Check the weather forecast, mountain weather changes dynamically
  2. Match the trail to your abilities, don't overestimate your strength
  3. Take appropriate equipment: comfortable hiking boots, rain jacket, warm clothing, map, charged phone, first aid kit, power bank, food and water
  4. Inform someone about your plans, provide the route and expected return time
  5. Save the emergency number GOPR/TOPR, 601 100 300 or 985
  6. Buy a ticket to the Tatra National Park