Raj Cave

Raj - paradise - is a Devonian limestone cave near Kielce, found in 1963 by schoolboys who noticed a draught from a hole in a quarry face, and it is not large: about two hundred and forty metres are open on a route of roughly a hundred and eighty. What makes it worth the trip is density. The formations are extraordinarily concentrated - in the Kolumnowa chamber the stalactites are packed at a rate that is among the highest recorded in Europe, with straws, columns, curtains and pearls on almost every surface - and because the cave was found intact and immediately protected, they are unbroken, which is rare, since most accessible caves were stripped long before they were studied. Neanderthal traces have been found in the entrance. Access is by timed guided group with a daily cap on numbers to control humidity and breath, and booking ahead matters in season.

What you actually see

• Exceptional density - stalactites packed at among the highest rates recorded in Europe.
• Unbroken formations - the cave found intact in 1963 and protected immediately.
• A 1963 discovery - schoolboys noticing a draught from a quarry face.
• Capped entry - timed groups with a daily limit to protect the humidity.

When to go

All year; check winter closures. Two hours including the wait.

Honest expectations

Daily visitor numbers are capped and tickets sell out in season - book ahead. The route is short, about 180 metres, and the visit is brief. It closes for part of the winter. It is cold inside and photography is restricted.

Nearby

Checiny castle is close; Kielce and Kadzielnia are north-east.