Wierzchowska Górna Cave

Wierzchowska Górna Cave (say "vyeh-HOV-skah GOOR-nah") in the village of Wierzchowie is Poland's longest show cave, about 15 km (9 miles) northwest of Kraków in the Kraków Valleys Landscape Park. A lit, guided route of about 700 m (2,300 ft) winds through large chambers where cave bear bones and traces of Stone Age people were found. If you are looking for things to do near Kraków with kids, or a rainy-day alternative to hiking, this is one of the best.

A cave with a long visitor history

The cave was first recorded in 1853. In the 1870s and 1880s, archaeologists Jan Zawisza and Gotfryd Ossowski dug here and found Neolithic pottery, tools and hearths, plus bones of Ice Age animals such as cave bears and cave hyenas. Remarkably, it was already one of Europe's first caves fitted out for tourists in the 19th century, with a fence, lantern lighting and local guides. Today it is a protected natural monument.

The tour

The passages total about 975 m, with three entrances. Visits are guided only and last about 50 minutes, through electrically lit corridors and halls such as the Ballroom and the Hall of Primitive Man. You may spot hibernating lesser horseshoe bats. It is a constant 7.8°C (46°F) inside, with very high humidity, so bring a warm layer even in summer, and wear sneakers or hiking shoes.

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

According to the official website:

• September 1 – October 31: daily 10:00 am–4:00 pm, with tours for individual visitors on the hour.
• May – August: 10:00 am–5:00 pm. April: weekends from April 11, 10:00 am–4:00 pm.
• January, February, March and November: 10:00 am–3:00 pm, by phone reservation only.

Tickets: adult 35 PLN, reduced 28 PLN (children from 4, students under 26, seniors), family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children 115 PLN; under-3s free. The guide is included, and cards and cash are accepted. Tours are in Polish; foreign visitors are welcome but must bring their own interpreter, so read up beforehand or use a translation app. Reservations: +48 504 298 438.

How to get there from Kraków

Drive north on national road 94 toward Olkusz. In Murownia, turn onto ul. Dziurawiec (by a furniture store); the cave's signed parking lot is about 300 m on, followed by a 10-minute walk. Minibuses between Kraków and Olkusz stop at Murownia on road 94. Total drive from central Kraków is roughly 30 minutes. Hikers can also arrive on the black-marked trail from Modlnica through the Kluczwoda Valley.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes. It combines well with a hike through the Kluczwoda Valley and the Bolechowice Gate, or with Ojców National Park a few kilometers east. Note that the route has steps and slippery sections and is not wheelchair-accessible.