Kletno

Introducing Kletno

Kletno is an elongated hamlet stretching some 3km. But it’s not the smattering of cottages or even the spectacular scenery along the road from Międzygórze, 41km to the southwest, that brings visitors to Kletno (Klessengrudn in German). Poland’s most beautiful cave is hidden in the trees beyond the village. Bones belonging to a cave bear, which lived here during the last Ice Age, were found and gave the place its name, the Bear’s Cave (Jaskinia Niedźwiedzia; 074 814 1250; www.jaskinia.pl; adult 11-18zł, concession 6-13zł; 10am-5.40pm Feb-Apr & Sep-Nov, 9am-4.40pm May-Aug, closed Mon & Thu).

The cave was discovered accidentally during marble quarrying in 1966, and a small 400m section of the 3km labyrinth was opened to the public 11 years later. You enter through a protective pavilion that houses a snack bar and a small exhibition focusing on the cave’s history, then proceed into the spectacular corridors and chambers, festooned with stalactites and stalagmites. The humidity inside the cave is nearly 100% and the temperature is 6°C all year, so bring something warm. Visits are by 40-minute tours (Polish only) in groups of up to 15 people, starting every 20 minutes.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009