Wąwóz Kraków and Smocza Jama

Wąwóz Kraków is a place straight out of a fantasy film. It is a side karst branch of Kościeliska Valley, where the vertical rock walls come so close together that they sometimes block out the sky. There is a unique, cool microclimate and silence here.

It is a short but intense adventure. You will find everything here: a walk through a canyon floor, climbing a ladder and crawling through a cave.

Part 1: Walk to Rynek (for everyone)

We start the trip at Hala Pisana in Kościeliska Valley (turn left onto the yellow trail). The first part of the route follows the flat canyon floor. It is a magical walk among moss-covered boulders and massive walls. After about 15 minutes we reach the so-called Rynek - a widening of the gorge. Up to this point, children can walk here without any difficulty.

Part 2: The ladder and Smocza Jama (for fit hikers only!)

The walk ends at Rynek and the climb begins (one-way trail!).

1. The ladder: To leave the gorge, you have to climb a vertical steel ladder attached to the rock. It is several metres high and can be slippery.
2. The climb: Farther on, the trail climbs steeply over rocks protected by chains until you reach the cave entrance.
3. Smocza Jama: This is a short, dark tunnel cutting through the rock. The passage is secured with a chain.

• Note: It is dark inside (a torch is needed!) and very slippery (mud).
  • Variant: It is possible to bypass the dark tunnel via an exposed traverse on the outside (protected by chains), but it is exposed.

Return

After leaving Smocza Jama, the trail leads down through the forest, bringing us back to Hala Pisana (the descent is steep, watch your roots!).

Where does the name come from?

The highlanders, entering this rocky labyrinth, associated it with the narrow streets of Kraków’s Old Town. They named the square “Rynek”, and the pinnacles above the gorge reminded them of the towers of St Mary’s Basilica and the Town Hall. That is where the name “Wąwóz Kraków” came from.

Practical information

• One-way traffic: The ladder and cave section can only be taken uphill! Do not descend the ladder against the flow.
• Who is it for: If you are afraid of heights or claustrophobic, end the hike at “Rynek” and return the same way.
• Conditions: After rain, the rocks in the gorge and cave are extremely slippery. Be especially careful.