Earth Museum in Kletno

The Earth Museum in Kletno is a private museum of minerals and fossils operating in the small village of Kletno, in the Stronie Śląskie municipality, right by the entrance to the Bear's Cave. It grew out of the collecting passion of Arnold Miziołek, who gathered specimens from all over the world and from the surrounding mountains.

What you can see inside

The collection includes stones, minerals and fossils from around the world as well as local specimens from the Śnieżnik Massif, the Bialskie Mountains and the Złote Mountains. The exhibits include dinosaur footprints from the Świętokrzyskie Mountains, remains of Permian reptiles from the Nowa Ruda area, and fossilised life forms from 250 million years ago. The most distinctive items are four fossilised nests with dinosaur eggs, with more than forty in the collection altogether.

Jurassic Park for children

Next to the museum there is a "Jurassic Park", where children can see dinosaur models reproduced to scale and a fossilised Permian forest. This is an addition to the indoor exhibition, designed as a space for the youngest visitors.

Guided visits

The museum is always visited with a guide, which means you should expect to join a group or arrange a time in advance. The site is open daily, though it is worth checking the exact hours on the museum's website before your visit.

An area full of natural attractions

The museum lies at the heart of the Śnieżnik Massif, so it naturally connects with other trip destinations in this part of the Sudetes. The closest, practically next door, is the Bear Cave, and a little further away are the Wilczka Waterfall and the peak of Śnieżnik with its viewing tower. The region is usually visited as part of a longer trip around this part of the Kłodzko Valley.

Within a few kilometres of the museum there are also other places connected with the geology and nature of this part of the Sudetes, including Mount Oliwna in Bolesławów and the Museum of Stones and Minerals in Stronie Śląskie, which thematically complements the Kletno collection. It is a good starting point for planning a whole day of sightseeing around Śnieżnik.

Who it's for

Given the nature of the exhibition and the guided tours, the museum works well both as a family trip destination with children and as a stop on a route for couples or solo travellers. The covered exhibition also makes it a good option for a day with poor weather.

Practical information

• Address: Kletno, Stronie Śląskie municipality, Kłodzko County, Lower Silesian Voivodeship
• Getting there: by car or on foot as part of a trip around the Bear's Cave area
• What to expect: a guided tour, a collection of minerals and fossils, and an outdoor Jurassic Park for children; it is worth confirming the hours before you arrive