Wielka Szczelina is a small but striking cave in the Kościeliska Valley, shaped less like a typical cave and more like a tall crack splitting straight through the rock. Rising 7 to 10 metres high with two entrances, it's a great pick for hikers who enjoy the lesser-known corners of the Western Tatras.

The cave sits in the rocks above Kazalnica in the Stoły area, at roughly 1280-1285 metres above sea level. Inside, the atmosphere is raw and untouched - there are no dripstone formations or vegetation, but the walls reveal thick veins of hematite giving the rock a rusty tint. From the lower entrance, the passage drops via a 2.6-metre step, continues steeply downward, and reaches another 4-metre step just before the upper opening. It's a stark, rocky spot where the only sound is often the wind slipping through the gap. In summer the surrounding Kościeliska Valley is lush and green with fine views of the ridges, while in winter the approach can get icy and demanding.

How to get there

• Kiry - Kościeliska Valley, trail toward the Stoły and Kazalnica area, time depends on route chosen, terrain demanding, good fitness and caution recommended
• Can be combined with a longer hike through the Kościeliska Valley for more experienced walkers

Practical information

• Entering the cave requires care due to steep steps and lack of lighting
• The area lies within the Tatra National Park - nature protection rules apply

The cave has been known for a long time, but it was only properly explored by cavers from Zakopane in the 1940s - today it remains a geological curiosity thanks to its visible hematite veins.