Łokietek's Cave is one of the best-known show caves near Kraków — a short, scenic route, an interesting history and a local legend about a king who supposedly hid here from invaders. It’s a great spot for a quick escape from the city: a walk through the valleys of Ojcowski National Park, a short visit inside the cave, and then coffee or lunch at a nearby restaurant. The cave provides pleasant cooling in summer (inside it’s about 7–8°C) and is accessible enough for families with children and visitors who don’t plan on difficult hikes.
The legend of Łokietek — the story about a spider that allegedly saved the king — is part of the place’s charm. At the cave entrance you’ll see a grille with a spider-web motif — a nod to that tale.
Keep in mind that Łokietek's Cave is a protected natural site: it operates seasonally and is managed by the park, so visiting rules take the form of a regulation that must be observed.
The cave is open seasonally — the main season covers spring, summer and early autumn. In practice, spring and summer months (roughly mid‑April through the end of August) have the longest opening hours, while in September and October visits run for shorter periods. Availability is limited in November and the cave is sometimes closed on November 1. In winter the site is usually closed to protect bats and the cave’s microclimate.
Exact opening hours and the precise start and end dates of the season may vary from year to year — so it’s a good idea to check current information with the park before you set off.
Guided entries with the duty guide take place approximately every 30 minutes; normally individual visitors do not need to reserve in advance.
In the summer season (May–August) the cave is usually open from morning until evening — often around 09:00 to 18:30 (last entry). In September and October hours are shorter (for example 09:00–17:30 in September, 09:00–16:30 in October). In November visits are limited and November 1 can be a closed day.
Typical ticket prices for reference: full price around 30 PLN, reduced around 21 PLN. Ticket sales usually end a few minutes before the scheduled entry (announcements often say sales stop 10–15 minutes before entry), and the cave entrance is about 200 m from the ticket office. Remember these figures and hours are approximate and may change. If you plan to visit during holidays or a long weekend, expect larger queues.
During busy tourist periods (sunny weekends) waiting time for entry can sometimes grow to an hour or more.
The cave stays cool year-round — inside the temperature is about 7–8°C. Bring a light but warm layer (fleece or a light jacket) even in summer. Good, non-slip footwear is essential — there are steps and wooden elements inside the cave and the walk from the ticket office can be stony.
Don’t forget water and a small snack for after the visit — there are guesthouses and restaurants nearby, but it’s handy to have a little energy boost after the walk. A flashlight is usually unnecessary because the tourist path is lit, but a small torch in your backpack can be useful for parents with small children or for the walk back to the car at dusk.
Conservation rules apply in the cave: do not touch speleothems, do not remove anything, and follow the guide’s instructions. Flash photography may be prohibited — pay attention to on-site notices and the guide’s directions.
The most popular parking areas are the lots at Czajowice and in the center of Ojców. From some parking spots you’ll need to walk several hundred meters — the cave entrance is usually about 200 m from the ticket office, and the walk from the nearest parking point can take anywhere from a few to several minutes depending on where you park.
If you arrive by car on a busy weekend in season, aim to come early in the morning or park a bit farther away and walk in — this helps you avoid traffic jams and long queues for entry. If you use public transport: buses and local connections run from Kraków to the Ojców area, but plan your route in advance as transfers and timetables can be irregular.
There are often souvenir stalls and a seasonal refreshment kiosk on site.
The show route is about 200–300 m long, and the guided visit usually takes around 30–40 minutes. Along the way the guide will point out named chambers (for example the Knights’ Hall, the Bedroom with the “Łokietek’s bed”) and will tell legends and natural-history tidbits.
Bats hibernate in the cave — this is one reason for the seasonal closures; the microclimate is protected, so during the summer–autumn season certain rules aim to minimize visitors’ impact on the cave’s flora and fauna. The route is secured and lit, with no major technical difficulties, but low sections and steps require attention.
For visitors with mobility limitations, parts of the approach and the descents may be challenging — ask park staff about accessibility details before your visit.
Arriving at peak season without planning — many visitors underestimate queues and end up waiting a long time. A simple fix: come early or visit outside the weekend.
Wearing summer clothes right before entering the cave — it’s cool inside, so even in summer it’s worth having a light jacket.
Assuming the ticket office is right at the entrance — the ticket office is usually a short walk away, about 200 m from the entrance. Buy your ticket with time to spare, as sales may close a few minutes before entry.
The cave has its legend and the spider-web motif at the gate — this is not only a children’s curiosity but also a piece of local folklore that gives the site a special atmosphere.
Protected species of bats winter in the cave — one reason the cave is only open seasonally and visiting rules can be strict.
Despite its proximity to Kraków, Ojcowski National Park can be very busy on sunny weekends — short walks sometimes turn into all-day outings with stops in local eateries and longer breaks.
If you want to eat after your visit, choose well-reviewed restaurants in Ojców or nearby villages. One popular spot in the center of Ojców is Restauracja Pod Bocianem — known for regional dishes and trout, with a comfortable garden and friendly service. Around Czajowice you’ll find traditional inns and roadside taverns (for example Karczma Maciejówka, Zajazd u Elizy) offering homemade-style food that makes a post-walk break especially pleasant.
If you plan to stay longer in the park, consider reserving a table during the high season — places can fill up in the afternoon.
For a quick bite: small seasonal kiosks and stands with ice cream or hot drinks often operate near the main entrances.
Do I need to reserve tickets? — Individual visitors usually do not need reservations; entries take place roughly every 30 minutes with the duty guide. For large groups or organized trips, contact the park staff in advance.
How long is the visit? — About 30–40 minutes on the tourist route.
Is the cave safe for children? — Yes, it’s a family-friendly route, but low parts and steps require care. Children should be supervised by adults.
Can I take photos? — Photography is allowed, but flash may be prohibited; follow the guide’s instructions and on-site signs.
Is the cave open in winter? — Generally the cave has a winter break to protect hibernating bats; exact closing and reopening dates vary by year.
Plan ahead: check current hours and park announcements before you go, visit outside peak times, bring a warm fleece and comfortable shoes.
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If you’d like a guided visit of Ojcowski National Park, consider booking with local licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find contact details via the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Enjoy your visit and watch your step on the walk to the cave!
