Schron przy Arkadzie is a small but intriguing cave tucked into the rocky slopes of Kościeliska Valley in the Western Tatras. It's a great find for hikers who love exploring beyond the main trails - right nearby you'll also find three other caves: Arkada, Dziura pod Arkadą, and Jaskinia nad Arkadą, making this whole area a little paradise for karst enthusiasts.

The cave itself is simple - a narrow fissure passage just 6 meters long, beginning at a tall entrance with a small 1.5-meter step. The walls are damp, with moss growing near the entrance and interesting mushroom-shaped mineral deposits visible further inside. In summer, it offers a pleasant escape from the heat, while the surrounding Wąwóz Kraków gorge impresses with its raw, rocky landscape in every season.

How to get there

• Kiry (parking at the entrance to Kościeliska Valley) - yellow or black trail towards Wąwóz Kraków, approx. 1-1.5 hours, moderate difficulty
• From the main trail through Kościeliska Valley, branch off onto the side path leading into Wąwóz Kraków, then look for the entrance on the slope below Upłazkowa Turnia

Practical information

• The entrance sits at 1200 m above sea level on a steep slope - caution and sturdy footwear are recommended
• Moss and mushroom-shaped mineral deposits grow inside the cave - please avoid disturbing them

Though small, the cave has likely been known for a very long time - its first detailed description and map weren't made until 1977.