Shelter by the Dzika Cave

The Shelter by the Dzika Cave is a small cave on the left slope of the upper part of the Kluczwoda Valley, in Wierzchowie in Wielka Wieś municipality. It lies in the Olkusz Upland, a part of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland (Polish Jura).

What it looks like

It is a rock niche (nyża) with a narrow passage running into the rock, 8 m long and with no difference in level. It formed in Late Jurassic massive limestones on a vertical fissure. The openings are at an altitude of 400 m above sea level and face south-west.

Inside there are no stalactites or similar deposits, and the walls are covered with black coatings. Near the opening the sediment is rocky and sandy, deeper in it is stony. In winter the shelter freezes through. Its owner is the State Treasury, and it is managed by the State Forests.

Nearby

The Kluczwoda Valley has larger caves, including ones open to visitors, such as the Upper Wierzchowska Cave, about 200 m away. The Mamutowa Cave is also close by.

Practical information

• Village: Wierzchowie, Wielka Wieś municipality, Kraków County.
• The site is small and undeveloped, with no infrastructure for visitors. Check the conditions of access before setting out.