Tatra Mountains (Poland) - Mylna, Mroźna & Raptawika Caves via Ornak Hut

Our last day in the Tatras was somehow short as the rain returned and everything got covered in clouds. There was really no point of trying to get up the mountain, so instead we decided to explore a nearby valley, Kościeliska, famous for its caves.

As always, public transport is gold when you don't have a car, and luckily we didn't have a problem finding minibuses to take us around the mountain. This time, we started from the small village Kiry. After paying for the park entrance, a broad unpaved road takes you deeper into the valley alongside Kirowa river. It's an easy walk on flat ground, but several junctions allow one to break away from the main path and venture into the forest to explore some of the caves in the area.

First on our stop is Mroźna cave. For a small fee, you can go inside and follow a maintained and illuminated route. There is no other way through once there but to take the cave path. It's reasonably easy and the more difficult passages are secured with metal bars and steps. Overall a fun experience but nothing spectacular. The exit brings you further up the valley, quite high, in the middle of a rocky face. A series of wooden stairs help you descend back to the main path.

Continuing on the same broad road, after a series of bridges over the river, on the right a red dot marks the exit of another cave system. To access it, one has to take right at a junction further ahead. It is steep, and very slippery when it rains. Even with metal chains in place, my boots are not able to get any purchase on the muddy rock. But after some struggle, you get to another junction. Uphill, after a series of metal chains, you reach a metal ladder and drop down into a cave, Raptawika. There's no light inside and nothing to guide you inside. If you venture through the tunnels, make sure you're able to come back. After reaching a dead end, we bailed and returned to the junction. Here, continuing on the slippery path on a series of rock steps and then on flat ground, you reach Mylna cave.

The cave is probably one of the most interesting in the area. It has several entrances, but only one of them has a marked route. There is no light inside and a head torch is mandatory. There's no need for a helmet, but watch your head! At times some crawling is required, and some of the galleries are very low. Waterproof trousers are a good comfort item, mainly to protect you form the mud, but water can sometimes raise a few cm from the floor. Be aware that some of the entrances are more difficult than others and is recommended that you stick to the route if unexperienced. The main gallery is short and even after waiting behind some tourists, we're out in roughly 20 minutes. The system is 1 way and the exist takes you back to the road further down, where we've seen the red doted path. A fantastic experience and something to remember for a long time.

A bit muddy, but full of energy and adrenaline, we continue our hike uphill, to Ornak hut. More of a walk really, and in good weather it will make a good day out for a family with kids. The old stone made building is crowded but the smell of food invites us inside. We don't want to queue for food and are happy with a beer and the famous apple tart. The rain has stopped by now, and we take a seat on one of the wet wooden benches in front of the hut. The air is cold, crisp and fresh, and the tart, delicious.

After a good rest we head back to the village following the same broad unpaved road and take the bus back to Zakopane. I enjoy my last day spoiling myself with local food and beer in a rustic restaurant with live music - Karczma Zapiecek. Delicious food, good service and great music.
#zakopanehiking #tatrahiking #besthikingeurope
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Song: LAKEY INSPIRED - In My Dreams (Vlog No Copyright Music)
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Video Link: https://youtu.be/PiKks_6yC8Q

Видео Tatra Mountains (Poland) - Mylna, Mroźna & Raptawika Caves via Ornak Hut канала Alpine.Trails