Jaskinia Psia, the Dog Cave, is the largest cave in the slopes of Gubałec descending into the Kraków ravine in the Kościeliska Valley. With over a kilometer of passages hidden inside the rock, it is a fascinating destination for anyone drawn to the underground world of the Western Tatras.

The cave entrance sits 180 meters above the floor of the ravine, surrounded by the wild, dramatic scenery typical of this part of the Tatras. Inside, the cave impresses with an abundance of speleothems - stalactites, stalagmites, columns and flowstone coatings that decorate several chambers in striking detail. The cave has a multi-level structure, with chambers, shafts and chimneys connecting different levels, making it one of the morphologically richest caves in the area. Bats live here too, so visitors should move quietly and respectfully through their habitat.

How to get there

• Kiry or Kościeliska Valley - trail leading into the Kraków ravine, terrain is demanding, the approach to the cave entrance is the more difficult section
• Alternatively via the Kościeliska Valley from the side of the Miętusia Valley

Practical information

• The cave entrance is located at 1410 m above sea level, 180 m above the floor of the ravine
• Visiting requires caving equipment and experience - this is not a show cave open for casual visits
• Bats inhabit the cave - keep noise and lighting to a minimum
• Located within the Tatra National Park - nature protection rules apply

The cave was discovered in 1961 by cavers from Wrocław, guided by local highlanders, and as recently as 2016-2017 explorers found and surveyed the so-called Poznań Section - proof that even well-known Tatra caves still hold new secrets.