The Rudnicka Cave

Address:

Klucze

GPS:

50° 20' 9.8016" N 19° 33' 8.8236" E

A small cavern, located in the area of the characteristically wide Jałowce hill (Czubatki), on the western edge of Klucze, on the small Klucznica mountain ridge, is quite a picturesque spot.  The steep northern slope reaches down to a valley with two ponds:  the Zielony (Green) and Czerwony (Red) Ponds. Both are former iron ore excavation sites. What interests us, however, is the western slope, where the entrance to the 27 m cave is situated, a dozen or so metres above the old mine drift opening.  The cavern is a natural one, though it was significantly widened as a result of iron ore exploitation. The interior may be accessed through a narrow passage which evolves into a wide chamber with a boulder in its middle. Two blind corridors branch from the chamber, each featuring traces of excavation as well as the entrance. The cave lies very close to ground surface – in its roof, there are visible plant roots. Since the roof is quite cracked, exploring the cave may be very dangerous.