Sztolnie Kowary
Underground tourist route through the former Liczyrzepa uranium mine in Kowary, visited with a guide for about an hour.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Liczyrzepa Mine in Kowary is the oldest mine in the town. The workings were driven in 1850–1858, initially in search of fluorite. Uranium ore was encountered as early as the 19th century, larger deposits were discovered in 1910, and uranium mining began in 1948. The ore was sent to the Soviet Union, and the mine and its strategic importance were shrouded in secrecy.
Mining ended in the 1960s, and from 1973 the Wrocław University of Science and Technology conducted research and classes for students in the mine. The underground tourist route “Sztolnie Kowary” was opened to visitors on 24 April 2000. The radiation level is constantly monitored at 13 dosimetry points by the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine in Łódź.
The route runs through authentic adits; the guide talks about the geology of the Karkonosze uranium deposits, prospecting and mining methods, uranium enrichment and Soviet supervision of the mine. Visitors see a collection of minerals, uranium glass glowing under UV light, and a laser show simulating an atomic explosion.
Highlights
- guided visit to an authentic uranium mine
- route of about 1,200 m with 13 dosimetry points
- collection of Karkonosze minerals and uranium glass
- laser show simulating an atomic explosion
- history of Soviet supervision of the mine
Permanent exhibition
- Podziemna trasa turystyczna Sztolnie Kowary – Route through the authentic adits of the former uranium mine, with a collection of minerals, uranium glass and a laser show of an atomic explosion.
- Founded
- 2000
- Operated by
- Jelenia Struga Medical SPA Sp. z o.o.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | 49 zł |
|---|---|
| Reduced | 45 złchildren and young people aged 6 to 16 |
| Children & teens | 1 złThe child ticket (up to age 6) costs PLN 1 and is available only together with the purchase of other tickets. |
| Groups (20+ people) | –Organised groups of more than 20 people book their visit via the enquiry form. |
| Families | 160 złFamily ticket 2+2; family ticket 2+3 costs PLN 190. |
| Family ticket 2+3 | 190 zł |
Buying tickets online in advance guarantees entry on a chosen day and at a chosen time; tickets are also available at the ticket office by the car park (card or cash payment).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | 160 zł · Family ticket 2+2; family ticket 2+3 costs PLN 190. |
|---|
The route is lit and, according to the organiser, suitable for children too; family tickets are available.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking · 450 m to the entrance
Free car park at ul. Podgórze 48; there are no parking spaces at the mine entrance (ul. Podgórze 55).
The walk from the car park to the entrance is about 450 m. Distances: centre of Kowary 4 km, Karpacz 13 km, Jelenia Góra 20 km, exit from the S3 expressway (Kamienna Góra) 22 km.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Toilets and a small shop with souvenirs, snacks and drinks at the entrance to the route; a restaurant operates in the neighbouring Jelenia Struga hotel.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits only with a guide, in Polish. The temperature underground is about 8°C; warm clothing and comfortable closed shoes are recommended. School groups can use the educational programme. |
