Pyrite adits – gold for the brave!

Pyrite looks like the most valuable metal, gold. Hence it was called "Fool's Gold" when it was discovered by the Walloons in the 16th century. Meanwhile, it was used in the production of sulfuric acid. In turn, the acid produced from it was used mainly as an ingredient of cloth dyes, ink production and gunpowder.

After the Thirty Years' War, operations were discontinued. Mining resumed after 1773, with the construction of a new glass mine in Szklarska Poręba Dolna. At that time, 400 tons of pyrite began to be extracted annually. The mine was closed at the beginning of the 19th century.

The current appearance of the excavation is significantly different from the original one, because the central part has collapsed. However, this makes access to the interior of the mine very easy. Worthy of attention is the mining rock bridge supporting the walls of the workings. In total, the adit is just over 100 meters long. On the other side of the entrance there is another chamber, from which the right walkway leads to a deep mining chamber built in a circular shape. Go straight and you will reach a two-story chamber. Access to the higher level is possible via a specially prepared ladder.

How to get to the Adit?

From Zakręt Śmierci, where you can leave your car in the parking lot, go down the black and yellow hiking trails - they run together on this section. After about fifteen minutes you will reach a marked place where you should leave the trail and turn right. A narrow path will lead to the former mine.

Discover the nooks and crannies of Szklarska Poręba on the Walloon Trail.