5 Ukrainian caves worth exploring in winter

The frosty season is a time not only for celebration, but also for outdoor activities. Some people try to flee to warm countries, while others go to the snowy Carpathians. However, there are those who never stop exploring the unique locations of our country. Today, we are going to tell you about the mysterious attractions that everyone should see. Read below to find out where to enjoy the beauty of underground labyrinths.

Atlantyda

Atlantyda (Atlantis) is located within the Kamianets-Podilskyi district of Khmelnytskyi region. Since 1975, the location has become a geological natural monument of national importance.

The cave is a three-level karst cavity with a total length of over 2,500 meters. It is characterized by numerous crystal formations of various colors and sizes. To see this natural wonder, you need to climb to a height of seven meters.

There are mysterious halls, narrow galleries, mysterious grottoes and long corridors. You can also meet the winged inhabitants of the dungeon - bats.

Be prepared for the fact that during the expedition you will have to walk, crawl, climb rocks, and even get covered in clay from head to toe.

You can rent the necessary equipment, namely durable overalls and bright flashlights, from experienced cavers.

Popeliushka

It is located in the Chernivtsi region near the village of Podvirne. It is considered the third longest gypsum cave in the world. The attraction was opened in 1977, as there was water here until the XX century.

By the way, a significant part of it is located in the border zone of Moldova.

The dungeon stretches for more than 90 kilometers and has 3 levels. Tourists can stroll through the large galleries, see lakes and crystal figures and the Popeliushka (Cinderella) sculpture.

It is said that these caves have a unique air that is similar to the air of oceanic depressions. It is believed that inexhaustible reserves of speleological resources are located here.

Kryshtaleva

It is located on the outskirts of the village of Kryvche, Chortkiv district, Ternopil region. It is believed that the cave was discovered by a Jesuit monk Gabriel Zhanzhynsky. The dungeon was explored during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

The average width of the tunnels is 2 meters and their length is over 28 kilometers. Even those who have no experience in caving can move comfortably here. The caves also have a lighted tour route that lasts about an hour and a half.

The attraction is characterized by a dry atmosphere and a constant temperature of +10.6°C throughout the year. The tunnels are dominated by crystals of cream and pink-amber color.

No special equipment is required to explore the Kryshtaleva (Crystal) Cave, but it is better to bring a change of shoes.

Skytska

It is located near the village of Zveniachyn in the Zastavna district of Chernivtsi region. The cave was discovered in the 1950s on the site of the Skytskyi quarry in the Hostri Hovdy (Sharp Hills) tract, which is also the second name of the cave.

The tunnels are more than 3.5 kilometers long.

During the tour, tourists will hear many interesting names that cavers gave to different passages.

However, most of all travelers want to get to the Hall, where the walls and ceiling shine with thousands of gypsum crystals of various shapes and colors.

Optymistychna

Located in the Korolivka forest tract in the Chortkiv district of Ternopil region. It is considered to be the world's longest gypsum cave and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

The dungeon's passages stretch for more than 267 kilometers. And their depth is about 20-80 meters. To date, they have not been fully explored.

In addition to the gypsum walls, tourists will see huge crystals and bizarre helictites.

The Optymistychna (Optimistic) Cave is characterized by 15 distinctive areas. In Zaozerne, there are camps where you can rest and have a snack. Also, if the hike is planned for several days, all the conditions for overnight stay and cooking are met.

Ready to become an explorer? Discover the mysterious underworld!

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