Jaskinia nad Percią is a small but intriguing cave tucked away in the Kościeliska Valley, hidden in a rocky outcrop on the slopes of Upłazkowa Turnia. It's a great stop for anyone who enjoys stepping off the main trail to explore the lesser-known corners of the Western Tatras.

The entrance lies in the Kraków Gorge, above the Jaskinia przy Perci cave, at an elevation of 1240 meters. The cave itself is a nearly straight passage leading upward, starting in a small chamber by the modest entrance and ending in an impassable crevice. Inside, the atmosphere feels raw and damp - the walls are wet, coated with calcite moonmilk and distinctive mushroom-shaped mineral deposits, with no vegetation in sight. It's more a spot for geology and caving enthusiasts than a long rest stop, but well worth a quick visit if you're passing through.

How to get there

• Kiry - yellow trail through the Kościeliska Valley, then into the Kraków Gorge, time depends on pace, moderate difficulty
• Can be combined with a visit to the nearby Jaskinia przy Perci cave, located lower down

Practical information

• Small cave - only 15 meters long with a 5.5 meter elevation difference
• Narrow entrance located in a hard-to-reach rock outcrop on the slope
• Walls are wet and slippery - caution advised

The cave was first explored by J. Nowak in October 2006, who along with J. Ślusarczyk created its first description and map - making it one of the more recently documented caves in this part of the Tatras.