Nature

Komoniecki Grotto

Komoniecki Grotto, also called Komoniecki Cave, lies in the eastern Little Beskids in the headwaters of the Dusica stream. It is a natural rock shelter measuring about 115 m², up to 2 m high and about 15 m wide. The formation is protected as an inanimate nature monument. A visit combines a mountain walk with geology and local history, but current conservation rules are important.

History and character

The first known description dates from 1704, when Andrzej Komoniecki, the mayor of Żywiec, recorded it in his “Dziejopis Żywiecki”. His name became the grotto’s modern name. This is a rock shelter, not a long cave with an underground visitor route. In winter, water over the niche can form ice features, giving the place a different appearance from summer.

Dusica and Madohora

The nearby Dusica waterfall is also called Dusiołek. The grotto lies in the Madohora Nature Reserve, where visitors may use only routes currently designated by the nature authorities. Older hiking descriptions do not replace current signs and notices.

Safety and access

According to the 2026 notice from the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection in Katowice, the approach to Komoniecki Cave is designated for visitors, but entering the grotto is dangerous and not permitted under the access rules. View it from a safe place, do not climb and do not leave the route. Approaches from Targoszów, the village of Las or the Madohora area are mountainous and uneven. Take an offline map and shoes with good grip, and check the RDOŚ notice before travelling.