Kowary Uranium Mine (Sztolnie Kowary)

Sztolnie Kowary (SHTOL-nyeh ko-VAH-rih, "the Kowary Adits") is an underground tour through the former Liczyrzepa uranium mine in Kowary, a small town at the foot of Poland's Giant Mountains. On a one-hour guided walk you follow tunnels where, after World War II, uranium ore was mined in secret and shipped to the Soviet Union for its nuclear program. It is one of the most unusual Cold War sites in Central Europe and an easy rainy-day trip from Karpacz.

Where it is and how to get there

Kowary lies in Lower Silesia, southwest Poland, roughly 15–20 km from Jelenia Góra and a short drive from the resort of Karpacz. Wrocław, the nearest large city and airport, is roughly two hours away by car. The mine is in the Podgórze district on the southern edge of town. There is a large free parking lot at ul. Podgórze 48; the entrance (ul. Podgórze 55) is about 450 m further on foot, so the operator asks visitors to arrive 30 minutes before their tour. Note that a different attraction, the Podgórze mine, is about half a kilometer away and has its own operator and tickets.

History: from iron to the atomic age

Kowary has been a mining town since the Middle Ages, mostly for iron ore. According to the operator, the Liczyrzepa mine was opened in 1850–1858 to extract fluorite; uranium was noticed in the 19th century and larger deposits were found around 1910. The real "atomic" chapter began after 1945, when the state enterprise known as Industrial Works R-1 searched for and mined uranium ore here under strict secrecy and sent it to the USSR. Mining ended in 1973; afterwards the Wrocław University of Science and Technology used the tunnels for research and teaching. The tourist route opened on April 24, 2000.

What you will see

The route is about 1,200 m long and fully lit. Highlights include:

• displays on secret Soviet operations in the region and on uranium enrichment,
• veins of real uranium ore and a demonstration of Geiger counters,
• a mineral collection,
• uranium glass that glows green under UV light,
• a light-and-sound simulation of a nuclear explosion,
• legends of Liczyrzepa (lee-chih-ZHEH-pah), the mountain spirit known in German as Rübezahl.

Is it safe? The route has 13 dosimetry points monitored by the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Łódź, and the operator states that radiation levels do not exceed the natural background found in granite mountains.

Practical tips

• Tours are guided only, last about 60 minutes and are in Polish; ask in advance about other languages.
• It is about 8°C (46°F) and 98% humidity underground all year — bring a warm layer and closed shoes.
• The route is suitable for all ages, and the operator says it is accessible for visitors with disabilities.
• Restrooms and a small shop are at the entrance; the Jelenia Struga hotel restaurant is next door.

Hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

• Guided tours run daily year-round, starting on the hour from 10:00 a.m. In summer and school holidays, extra tours leave every 20–30 minutes.
• The operator lists opening hours as 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., and 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. outside the summer season, so check before visiting in winter 2026/27.
• Tickets: adults PLN 49, children 6–16 PLN 45, under-6s PLN 1, family 2+2 PLN 160, 2+3 PLN 190.
• Booking online guarantees your time slot; tickets are also sold at the booth by the parking lot (card or cash).
• Contact: +48 780 108 854, info@kopalniauranu.pl.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you are interested in the Cold War, science or simply need an indoor plan in the mountains. The language barrier is the main drawback for English speakers, so it works best for visitors who are happy to follow visually or come with a Polish speaker.

Nearby

• The Podgórze uranium mine, a longer tour by miners' lamps.
• The Lower Silesian Monuments Miniature Park in Kowary.
• Karpacz, with Vang Stave Church and the Kopa chairlift.