Miętusia Cave

Miętusia Cave, located in the Miętusia Valley in the Western Tatras, is one of the largest caves in Poland, ranking fourth in terms of length (10,780 meters) and eighth in depth (305 meters). With a picturesque entrance situated at 1,273 meters above sea level, the cave boasts the greatest horizontal extent in the entire country. Architecturally, the cave consists of a complex network of passages, chambers, and siphons, which form fascinating speleothems such as stalactites, stalagmites, and extremely rare helicites. Historically, the cave was discovered in 1936 by Władysław Gorycki, and its exploration continued for many years, leading to numerous discoveries regarding its passages, depth, and hydrological connections, including record-breaking dives reaching 283 meters. The cave is rich in small lakes, with the most notable being Gothic Lake and Emerald Lake, which attract not only cavers but also nature enthusiasts. Another interesting phenomenon is the occurrence of underground rain in several locations within the cave, adding to its unique character. Miętusia Cave is also home to bats, highlighting the biodiversity of this ecosystem. Despite extensive research, many areas of the cave remain poorly explored, presenting a challenge for future adventurers.