The mine was part of the secret 'Kowarskie Kopalnie' enterprise, which supplied uranium exclusively to the Soviet Union for their nuclear program.
The site contains a geological exhibition featuring radioactive minerals like uraninite and autunite.
Mining operations in this specific adit were halted in 1958 due to the exhaustion of high-grade deposits and high operational costs.
During the early years of operation, the facility was heavily guarded by security services and remained off-limits to the local Polish population.
The underground tunnels are drilled into the granite massif of the Rudawy Janowickie mountain range.
Kopalnia Uranu Sztolnie Kowary is an underground tourist route located in the former R-1 uranium mine, which operated under strict Soviet secrecy between 1948 and 1958. The site features a 1,200-meter-long trail that leads visitors through tunnels where uranium ore was extracted during the early Cold War era. Displays include historical mining equipment, geological samples, and documentation regarding the exploitation of the Sudetes mountains. The route maintains a constant temperature of approximately 8 degrees Celsius year-round. It serves as a historical site commemorating the intensive, often forced, industrial mining activities that characterized the region post-World War II. Visitors move through chambers that showcase both the geological mineral veins and the physical remnants of the mining infrastructure.
The illuminated main mining chamber featuring authentic vintage machinery.
Bring a warm jacket regardless of the season, as the underground temperature remains near 8 degrees Celsius.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the damp and uneven underground surfaces safely.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled group entry time to handle registration.
Do not attempt to touch or remove geological samples, as some minerals in the region contain varying degrees of radioactivity.
Open year-round, but operates exclusively as guided tours; individual unguided exploration is prohibited.
Visitors must wear protective helmets provided by the facility and strictly follow the guide to remain within safe, ventilated zones.
