Jaskinia Omszała is a small but intriguing cave in the Mała Łąka Valley, tucked away on the slopes of Małołączniak. It is a spot for hikers who like to step off the main trail and explore something beyond the usual mountain views - a slice of the underground world of the Western Tatras, damp, quiet and cool.

The cave entrance sits at 1904 m above sea level, above the Kotliny area. The cave itself is only 33 metres long with a vertical range of 10 metres, yet its interior is surprisingly varied - a tight 2-metre shaft, a small chamber, two parallel pipe-like inclines, and a wider transverse passage. The walls are constantly damp and covered in moonmilk, and bats sometimes roost in the darkness. It is a raw, atmospheric place, definitely not for the claustrophobic, but a real treat for cave enthusiasts and lovers of the wilder side of the Tatras.

How to get there

• From the Mała Łąka Valley, heading towards Małołączniak - a demanding approach requiring good fitness, difficulty: moderate to demanding due to steep terrain and the need to leave the marked trail
• The cave entrance lies off the marked tourist trail, above Kotliny - reaching it requires good orientation skills

Practical information

• The cave is home to bats - visitors should stay quiet and avoid disturbing them
• The walls are permanently wet and the interior stays cool year-round
• The entrance is located off-trail, so caution and preparation are needed

The cave was discovered on 8 September 1966 by A. Kobyłecki from Kraków and P. Malinowski from Zakopane, and Kobyłecki himself created its first description and map.