When someone throws the phrase “Kłodzko” around, we almost instinctively think of that majestic fortress that has looked down on the city for centuries. But do you realise that an equally intriguing, if not more mysterious, world lies just beneath our feet?

We invite you on a journey that you can hardly find on standard maps. We want to show you what the underground tourist route in Kłodzko really hides. Because this is not just some underground city. It’s more like a time capsule that teleports you right into the turbulent history of the region. Get ready for a walk through the somewhat dark corridors, where the whisper of the past still echoes off the stone walls. This guide will give you all the information you need to plan this unusual adventure. You will find ticket prices, visiting times and lots of practical tips. And our reviews will help you understand why this Kłodzko underground route is one of the most interesting in all of Poland. See for yourself how fascinating a story told in whispers can be.

From the pages of history: how were the Kłodzko underground created and what role did it play?

The history of the Kłodzko underground is as confusing and multi-layered as the underground itself. Prudent and enterprising inhabitants of the former town are responsible for the creation of this underground labyrinth. It was they who, somewhere from the 13th to the 17th century, dug multi-level cellars in the hard rock, located just under the buildings of the Old Town. The purpose was twofold: on the one hand economic, on the other defensive. In this way, step by step, a whole network was formed, which over time became the bloodstream of the urban organism, a silent witness to its successes and failures.

From medieval merchant cellars to strategic war shelters

Kłodzko, with its strategic location on the ancient trade route from Bohemia to Silesia (a branch of the famous Amber Road), has always been a temptation and a target for military attempts. This precarious situation forced the inhabitants to look for unconventional solutions. The development of the cellars was therefore closely linked to the defence system of the entire town. In times of peace, the cellars were used as storage facilities. When war came, however, the corridors were transformed into safe shelters where the civilian population could wait out sieges and invasions. This military role of the underground was invaluable and often saved the lives of the inhabitants of Kłodzko, making Kłodzko a difficult bastion to conquer.

The golden age of Kłodzko’s trade and the role of the underground in its development

But it was not defence alone that the town lived by. The economic development of Kłodzko was largely based on trade, and the underground chambers played an absolutely key role in it. The first cellars began to be built around the former Market Square, today’s Bolesław Chrobry Square, which was surrounded by the tenements of the wealthy bourgeoisie. Traders very quickly recognised the potential of these places. The low and, more importantly, constant temperature prevailing underground created ideal conditions for storing a wide variety of goods, including perishable foodstuffs. Particularly famous was the local Kłodzko beer from the Kłodzko Brewery. This beverage, valued throughout the region, lingered precisely in these deep, cool cellars, which is said to have given it a unique flavour. Some of the passageways connected directly to the Town Hall and merchants’ houses, creating an extremely efficient logistical system that fuelled the local economy.

When the underground became a threat: the story of the great rescue operation of the Kłodzko Old Town

After the Second World War, when a new Polish population arrived in the area, the underground seemed to have been forgotten. The lack of any maintenance caused the centuries-old corridors to become a gigantic problem. Rainwater began to flood the dungeons, undermining the foundations of buildings on the surface. In the 1960s, the Kłodzko Old Town literally stood on the brink of a building disaster. The walls of historic tenements were cracking, and whole quarters were in danger of collapsing. The situation was so dramatic that in April 1962 a special team was established, made up of scientists from the AGH University of Science and Technology (AGH) in Kraków and experienced miners from Wałbrzych – and their titanic work, consisting first of drawing up precise plans and then of securing and strengthening underground excavations, made it possible to save the most valuable part of the town.

What really hides under the market square? A walk through the dark corridors under the Kłodzko old town

The result of this long-lasting rescue operation was not only the saving of the Old Town, but also the idea to make part of the underground available to tourists. This is how the 1000th Anniversary of the Polish State Underground Tourist Route was born. The project was conceived in 1966, as part of the celebrations of this historic anniversary, and the official opening took place on 4 December 1976. Just one month later, on 3 January 1977, the site was entered in the register of historical monuments.

Today, the route is about 600-700 metres long and leads through a veritable labyrinth of narrow corridors, ramps and chambers. They wind under Tumska, Kościelna, Spadzista streets and under the Church Square, creating a mysterious and truly peculiar atmosphere.

A journey back in time: from the bakery, through the laundry to the gloomy execution chamber

A visit to the underground is much more than a simple stroll through the old cellars. It is a fascinating journey through time, allowing you to almost touch the past. Thanks to a number of re-enactments using mannequins, visitors can see scenes from the everyday life of the Kłodzko people of the past. We will see how hard the craftsmen worked and what their workshops looked like. We will visit, among others, a former bakery or laundry. The route has been enriched with numerous information boards, and each room tells a different story. In the words of a guide friend of mine: “These walls have seen more than any chronicle can record”. Particularly impressive is the chamber dedicated to the war thread in the history of Kłodzko, where replicas of weapons and ammunition have been collected. However, the greatest emotions (and shivers on the back) are aroused by the dark torture chamber, full of terrifying instruments of torture (this place really works on the imagination, I do not recommend it to people with weak nerves). In one of the chambers you will also see an impressive well, drilled into solid rock more than 60 metres deep. It is worth taking souvenir photos here, although the prevailing twilight can be a challenge for cameras.

History brought to life again: multimedia, sounds and the famous Kłodzko rats

The trail creators focused on an interesting combination of history and modernity. During the walk, we are accompanied by the sounds of the old town played from loudspeakers – the bustle of a market, the sound of a feast in a tavern or the clang of weapons. All this makes us immerse ourselves even more deeply in the atmosphere of Kłodzko in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. A real hit, especially among younger tourists, are the interactive multimedia. Or rather, a hit with everyone, because who doesn’t like it when history interacts with them? These animations, as they display the famous Kłodzko rats that react to the movement of people passing by, add an element of fun and surprise to the tour.

Planning a visit to the underground: a handful of practical tips

Before you set off to conquer the Kłodzko Underground, it is worth taking in some practical information. A well-planned trip is a guarantee of a successful adventure. We have put together everything you need to know so that your visit goes smoothly and without unpleasant surprises.

Opening hours and ticket prices: what you need to know before you go

The Kłodzko Underground Tourist Route is open all year round, although opening hours vary according to the season. The expected tour time is about 30-40 minutes. Remember that the constant temperature inside is around 7-8 degrees Celsius, so it’s worth taking warmer clothes even on the hottest day if you’re ready for such a solid chill.

• Opening hours:
  • Summer season (1 April – 31 October): daily from 9am to 6pm (last entry at 5.30pm).
  • Winter season (1 November – 31 March): daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30).
• Price list for tickets:
  • Normal ticket: 28 PLN
  • Reduced ticket: 22 PLN (available for children, schoolchildren, students, pensioners and disabled persons with a carer)
  • Family ticket: 75 zł (for 2 adults and 2 children)
  • Children under 4: free admission.

It is always advisable to check the current price list and hours immediately before you arrive, as these details like to change sometimes.

Location, access and parking – how do I figure it out?

Finding the entrance to the underground is fortunately very easy. The distinctive, modern entrance pavilion stands on Czeska Street, just at the foot of the Kłodzko Fortress and a stone’s throw from the Market Square. The exact address is 39 Czeska Street, 57-300 Kłodzko. The route is one-way and the exit is near Zawiszy Czarnego Street, not far from the entrance to the fortress walls. And what about parking? Well, it varies in the very centre, although finding a free space during the peak tourist season can be quite a challenge. The nearest paid car parks can be found on ul. Braci Gierymskich and ul. Zawiszy Czarnego, which is convenient as you land close to the route exit.

Who is the route for? accessibility and safety rules

The Underground Tourist Route is an attraction for almost everyone, but its specifics impose certain restrictions. Due to the narrow passages and stairs, the route is unfortunately not suitable for people with mobility impairments who use wheelchairs. The tour is also not recommended for people suffering from claustrophobia, fear of heights or epilepsy. Admission is prohibited for people under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Children and young people under the age of 16 may visit the underground only if accompanied by an adult.

Kłodzko is just the beginning: an underground adventure in Lower Silesia

A visit to the Klodzko underground is a great starting point for further exploration of the charms of the city and the entire Klodzko Land. Kłodzko itself has much more to offer than just underground labyrinths, and the entire region is a veritable hub of mysterious underground sites, which together form a fascinating trail for adventurers.

What to see in Kłodzko when you come to the surface?

After all, Kłodzko is not only about what is underground. After leaving the gloomy corridors, it is worth turning your steps towards the sun and discovering the city’s other treasures. An obligatory point on the map is, of course, the monumental Kłodzko Fortress, which offers a panorama of the town and its surroundings that is simply breathtaking. Also not to be missed is a stroll through the charming Old Town with its beautiful Neo-Renaissance Town Hall. Also a must-see is the unique Gothic stone bridge over the Młynówka River, often compared to the famous Charles Bridge in Prague. And if you have more time, drop by the Museum of Kłodzko Land to immerse yourself even more deeply in the history and culture of the region.

On the trail of underground mysteries: the Kłodzko route is part of a larger puzzle

When I recently browsed through a map of underground attractions in Lower Silesia, I was struck by how densely it is dotted with such points. The Kłodzko Underground Tourist Route is part of a larger project that promotes just such sites. So if you have an appetite for more, the region offers a whole range of similar sites. You can set off on a fascinating route that includes the Old Mine in Wałbrzych, the mysterious Walimskie Adits (the Rzeczka Complex), the Underground Town of Osówka, the mighty Silver Mountain Fortress, the Gold Mine in Złoty Stok, the Uranium Mine in Kletno, the St. John Mine in Krobica or the undergrounds of Książ Castle. Each of these places has its own unique atmosphere and history, and visiting a few of them allows you to understand how important a role underground complexes played in the history of the region.

Legend versus fact: are the underground really connected to the fortress?

An extremely fascinating legend has been circulating among locals and tourists for years. It speaks of the existence of a secret tunnel, which would connect the underground under the Old Town with the extensive system of dungeons and mine passages under the Kłodzko fortress. Is there a grain of truth in this? Such a tunnel would be of gigantic strategic importance, allowing for covert communication and even evacuation in the event of a siege. In fact, from a military perspective, its construction would seem logical. Unfortunately, despite repeated searches and research, to this day no evidence, not even the slightest, has been found to confirm the existence of such a passage. Although historians and explorers remain sceptical, the legend continues to live its own life. And perhaps that is a good thing? It adds even more aura of mystery to the Kłodzko underworld and effectively stimulates the imagination of anyone going beneath the city’s surface.

Descending into the underground world of Kłodzko is an experience that stays in the memory for a long time. It is not a typical, tick-box tourist attraction, but a lively, interactive history lesson that engages all the senses. Walking through the cool stone corridors, you feel a shiver of excitement on your back, hear the echoes of centuries gone by and see with your own eyes the conditions under which the former inhabitants of this remarkable town lived, worked and fought.

What distinguishes the Kłodzko route from other similar places in Poland is its authenticity. These are not artificially hollowed-out tunnels, but real medieval cellars that served key functions for hundreds of years. Their history, from merchant’s storerooms to a dramatic rescue operation in the 20th century, is a fascinating tale of human resourcefulness. The Kłodzko cellars masterfully combine the old with the new, and this is probably the key to their success – on the one hand we have austere walls remembering the Middle Ages, on the other modern multimedia that bring the past to life in a way that appeals to everyone. It is this ability to tell history in the language of the present that makes a visit here an absolute must on the tourist map of Poland.