Bear Cave

Bear Cave in Kletno is the longest cave in the whole of the Sudetes. It lies in the Śnieżnik Massif, in the Kleśnica valley, and is open to visitors with a guide.

Discovery and dimensions of the cave

The cave was discovered in 1966 during the quarrying of marble, within the Stroma hill, 1166 metres above sea level. Its total length is about 4500 metres, and its depth range reaches 118 metres, from minus 29.7 to plus 88.6 metres. The cave's entrances lie at 800 and 807 metres above sea level.

Tourist route

The middle sector, about 700 metres long, has been open to visitors since 1983. The route follows comfortable walkways and takes about 45 minutes, with a guide leading the group and describing the cave's history and formation. The lower parts of the cave were shown to a wider audience through a film made in 2003. Those looking for a more demanding trip can choose the extreme route, intended for more experienced visitors.

Speleothems

The interior of the cave is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, cascades, domes, rimstone pools and flowstone draperies. On 2 May 2012 a new part of the cave was discovered, named Mastodon Hall, about 115 metres long, 30 metres wide and up to 30 metres high.

Cave bear bone finds

About 20,000 animal bone remains from the Pleistocene epoch have been recovered from the cave. Almost 90 per cent of them belonged to the cave bear, after which the cave is named. The finds included five nearly complete skulls and one complete skeleton.

Conditions inside

The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 6 degrees Celsius throughout the year, and humidity is close to 100 per cent. It is worth bringing warm clothing for the visit, regardless of the season on the surface.

Nature protection

The cave and its surroundings are covered by a nature reserve of 89 hectares, established in 1977.

Nearby

Just next door, about 100 metres away, is the Earth Museum in Kletno. Within a few kilometres there are also the Jaskinia Niedźwiedzia nature reserve and the Wilczka Waterfall along with the reserve surrounding it. Those planning a longer mountain trip can also head from here to Śnieżnik.

Practical information

• Address: Kletno, Stronie Śląskie municipality, Kłodzko County
• Entry hours: 9:00-16:40, the cave is closed on Mondays and Thursdays outside the summer season, details are worth checking on the official website before a visit
• Entry to the tourist route requires prior booking, and the number of daily places is limited
• Access for wheelchair users is provided; animals are not allowed on the tourist route
• The car park is some distance from the entrance, with the walk taking about half an hour