Piwnica Miętusia is a small but fascinating cave tucked into the slopes of Dziurawy in the Miętusia Valley, right next to the mouth of Mała Świstówka. It's a great spot for anyone curious about the underground world of the Western Tatras without needing a full-blown caving expedition - the cave stretches 196 metres with a modest elevation difference, so exploring it doesn't require special equipment.
The entrance, facing northeast, opens into a wide passage leading to a sizeable chamber measuring 19 by 6 metres, from which several branches spread out - some end in dead ends, others lead to small chambers and chimneys. Inside you'll find delicate mushroom-shaped formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and moonmilk deposits, and the walls stay permanently damp. In winter the cave often serves as a hibernation spot for bats, so it's worth keeping quiet and not disturbing them. The surrounding area holds over a dozen other caves, including Jaskinia Miętusia and Świstowa Szczelina, making this region a real haven for cave enthusiasts.
How to get thereThe cave has been known for a long time, as shown by old inscriptions near the entrance and remains of wooden supports inside, though it was first properly explored in 1923 by Stefan and Tadeusz Zwoliński, guided by tips from a local shepherd.