Dragon’s Cave Krakow

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Smocza Jama: The Legendary Dragon’s Cave in Krakow

Location near Wawel Castle and Historical Significance

“Smocza Jama” or ‘Dragon’s Cave’ is a limestone cave at the foot of Wawel Hill in Krakow, Poland. Wawel Hill is famous for its historical sites, particularly Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral, which date back to the Middle Ages. However, the cave is equally famous for the legend of the Wawel Dragon, which has become a symbol of Krakow’s mythical heritage.

Eirne at English Wikipedia, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (image)

The cave is deeply rooted in Polish folklore, with its history dating back to the 13th century. Legend has it that a fearsome dragon terrorized the people in the area, demanding livestock (and sometimes even humans) for food. There are several versions of the legend, but one of the most popular tells the story of a clever cobbler who filled a lamb with sulphur and tricked the dragon into eating it. The dragon became so thirsty from the sulphur that it drank half of the Vistula River before exploding. Today, a large metal sculpture of the Wawel Dragon, created in 1972 by Polish artist Bronislaw Chromy, stands near the cave entrance and spits fire at regular intervals, about every 5 minutes, much to the delight of the many tourists with their cameras.

Tours of Wawel Castle: We recommend booking one or more tours of the great castle of Krakow. Tours with a guide are inexpensive if you book online in advance. You can book the tours using this link

Information about the visit

Location of the Dragon Cave Wawel: Smocza Jama is located at the foot of Wawel Hill in Kraków near the Vistula River. The entrance can be reached from Wawel Castle, access starts near the Thieves’ Tower (Baszta Złodziejska).

Opening hours of the Dragon Cave Kraków: The cave is not open all year round, usually from April to October. Opening hours are usually between 10:00 and 17:00. During the winter months, the cave is closed for safety reasons.

Entrance fees Wawel Cave: There is a small entrance fee to enter the cave. In recent years, the fee has been around 1 euro for adults and even less for students, children and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the cave or at the main ticket office of Wawel Castle.

The Truth Behind Dragon Cave

The cave itself is a modest but fascinating geological formation, measuring around 270 metres in length, of which only around 81 metres are open to the public. The tunnel, created by water erosion over the millennia, has been enlarged over the centuries to accommodate visitors. It is not a huge cave, but it offers a unique, somewhat eerie atmosphere as visitors walk through the dark passageways and imagine the time when the legendary dragon is said to have lived there.

The cave consists of three main chambers, the largest of which serves as the main attraction. Inside it is cool and damp, a refreshing change from the often hot summer weather in Krakow. At the end of the tunnel, the visitor emerges near the Vistula River and is greeted by the dragon statue.

Visiting Dragon Cave: What do you see?

The tour of Smocza Jama is self-explanatory and relatively short, usually taking 15-20 minutes. Visitors descend a spiral staircase (known as the Dragon Staircase) of about 135 steps before entering the cave. The cave is well-lit and safe, but the floor can be uneven and slightly slippery, so good shoes are recommended. Although the cave is not particularly challenging, it may not be suitable for elderly or slightly disabled visitors.

Dragon Sculpture: A highlight of the visit is the large dragon sculpture just outside the cave. This fire-breathing statue erupts with an explosion of flame every few minutes. It is a popular photo opportunity, especially for families with children. There are benches nearby where visitors can sit and enjoy the spectacle. The views of the Vistula River are also excellent.

Nearby attractions: Since the cave is located on Wawel Hill, visitors can combine their visit with a tour of Wawel Castle, the Royal Apartments and Wawel Cathedral. There are also beautiful views of the Vistula River and the surrounding city from here. Visitors often stroll along the river bank, which is ideal for walking, cycling and picnicking.

Getting there/walking route to Wawel Cave (Dragon’s Cave)

The cave is located in Krakow’s Old Town, so it is easily accessible on foot from the city center. It is about a 10-15 minute walk from the Main Market Square (Rynek Glowny). There are also public transport options such as buses and trams that stop near Wawel Castle. Those arriving by car can park nearby, although parking may be limited during peak season.

Other articles in this guide about the Wawel complex:

Wawel Hill (overview of buildings and sights)
Wawel Cathedral
Sigismund Bell Wawel
Wawel Castle