Staw Zielony Pond in Klucze

At the foot of the northern slope of Rudnica hill, on the edge of the Błędów Desert in Klucze, lie two ponds: Green and Red. Both formed in old excavations left after iron ore mining, flooded with water once the activity ended. Water in the middle of the sandy desert surprises everyone walking here for the first time.

Getting there

The yellow Desert Trail leads from the popular Czubatka viewpoint towards the open sands. At some point water flashes among the treetops: it is enough to leave the trail slightly to stand on the shore of the Green Pond. The second option is Rudnicka or Sosnowa street, from which you reach the Red Pond first and the Green Pond next. All variants are shorter than one kilometre. By the ponds begins a nature trail leading across the desert to the Biała Przemsza river, which divides the largest area of shifting sands in Poland, covering about 33 square kilometres.

The legend and the cave

According to the local legend, castles of two feuding knights, Zbyszko and Miron, once stood here. Their quarrels angered the heavens so much that lightning destroyed both strongholds, leaving only two hollows flooded by the waters of the Biała Przemsza. Nearby opens the Rudnicka Cave, artificially enlarged by mining works. Its ceiling is heavily cracked, so entering the cave is not recommended.

The area is available around the clock, and Rudnicka, Sosnowa and Górna streets make access easy.