Kluczwoda Valley

Kluczwoda Valley, also called Wierzchówka Valley, runs for about 6 km between Wierzchowie, Bolechowice and Wielka Wieś on the Olkusz Upland. The Kluczwoda stream, which flows into the Rudawa, runs through it. It is one of the eight valleys of the Kraków Valleys Landscape Park.

Caves and rocks

In the upper part of the valley, near Wierzchowie, are the largest caves of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland (Polish Jura): Wierzchowska Górna Cave, the longest on the Jura open to visitors, and Mamutowa Cave, visited by climbers thanks to routes of difficulty up to VI.8. On the eastern slope rise the Mączne Rocks, with a wide panorama of the upper stretch of the valley, and also Zamkowa Rock with the remains of a knightly castle from the early 14th century.

Reserve and nature

Below the Mączne Rocks lies the Kluczwoda Valley forest reserve, covering about 35 ha and protecting hornbeam woodland, Carpathian beech forest, the Turk's cap lily and the landscape. About 500 plant species grow here, including 130 xerothermic ones, and 17 are under strict protection.

The former border

During the Partitions the stream marked the Austrian-Russian border. At the upper entrance to the valley, reconstructed border posts stand on both sides.

Practical information

• The valley lies in the Kraków Valleys Landscape Park, close to the Bolechowicki Gorge.
• Check the trails and the rules for moving around the reserve before you set out.