Zloty Stok Gold Mine

Zloty Stok - the name means golden slope - was one of the richest gold sources in Central Europe from the thirteenth century, and mining here continued in one form or another until 1961, latterly for arsenic rather than gold, since the two occur together in the ore. The mine is now open as a visitor attraction with several kilometres of galleries, of which a section is walked: the Gertruda and Czarna adits, the medieval workings, and the Sopel waterfall, an eight-metre fall inside the rock which is described as the only underground waterfall in Poland open to visitors. There is a narrow-gauge train through part of the route. The arsenic history is not hidden - the mine produced white arsenic on a large scale and the exhibition covers both the industrial process and the poison's reputation. Gold panning is offered on the surface. It stays around eight degrees underground all year.

What to look for

• Seven centuries of working - gold from the 1200s, arsenic until 1961.
• The Sopel waterfall - an eight-metre fall inside the rock, underground.
• Medieval galleries - hand-cut workings on the walked route.
• A mine train - narrow gauge through part of the tunnels.

When to go

April to October. Half a day.

What to expect

Entry is by guided tour on a timetable and books up in summer. It is around eight degrees below ground - bring a layer. Passages are low and wet in places. Not suitable for anyone uneasy underground.

Nearby

Zabkowice Slaskie is north; Klodzko is west.

Key facts