Mała Gawra is a small cave shelter tucked away in the Kraków Gorge, deep within the Kościeliska Valley. It's a great little detour for hikers who enjoy stepping off the main trail to explore the rocky nooks of the Western Tatras - right nearby you'll also find the Gawra Cave and the Jagnięca Cave, making it easy to combine into one short caving adventure.

The Kraków Gorge is one of the most scenic corners of the Kościeliska Valley, with limestone walls, shaded forest, and a damp, cool microclimate that feels refreshing even on a hot summer day. The cave entrance sits on the slope of Upłazkowa Turnia, descending toward the Upłazkowy Kocioł basin, at around 1300 meters above sea level. The cave itself is short - just a 3-meter downward passage that widens halfway through into a small, low chamber. There are no dripstone formations or vegetation here, just damp rock walls with a raw, untouched character.

• Kiry (car park at the entrance to Kościeliska Valley) - yellow trail, then a side path into Kraków Gorge, approx. 1.5-2 hours, moderate difficulty
• Ostrędnica - alternative starting point for a longer approach through the forest

• The entrance lies in rugged rocky terrain, so caution is advised
• The cave has no lighting or tourist infrastructure - it's a wild, undeveloped spot
• Best explored with someone familiar with the area

Although Mała Gawra had long been known locally, its first detailed description and survey map weren't made until 2006, by J. Ślusarczyk and J. Nowak - proof that even the smallest corners of the Tatras can still hold their little secrets.