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Liepniekvalks Caves When in Dundaga, look for Liepniekvalks Caverns, also known as Peldanga Labyrinth – one of the longest and most complex labyrinths of caves in Latvia. The five-meter high and twenty-meter wide riverbank houses a complex system of underground caves with five entrances. The total length of them is 70 meters. The labyrinth is made up of one larger and two smaller bifurcated cavities, connected with tunnels. There are several pillars and sandstone columns in the cave. However, all sandstone caves eventually cave in, and this is what happened to Liepniekvalks Caverns. From what we know, before Guntis Eniņš and his team got down to cleaning out the caves in 1988, it was a true paradise for foxes and badgers. When debris was cleared, people could go and see the unusual underground kingdom, but these days it can only be viewed from the outside, because further inside they have caved in once again. Yet there is much to see on the outside, too. Nature has painted a fantastic range of pastel shades here, where grey alone is in hundreds of shades. There are stripes of yellow, pink, grey laid out in raggedy patterns. Where the sandstone has held for longer, the ceiling is dark emerald green, almost black in spots. It is a little frightening here, and quiet! And if you happen to spot a bat sleeping in its usual posture, head down, you may well consider your visit to the underground realm a success. When you find yourself sitting at the bank of the narrow stream, listening to its tireless murmur and watching colors play on the sandstone wall, you feel how many mysteries there are in nature.
When Going to See Caves in Latvia:
O Keep in mind that sandstone caves are not eternal, that they may cave in, which is why entering caves alone is not recommended.
O Only use electric flashlights. O Do not make fires in caves. O Do not draw anything on the walls, or damage them otherwise. O Do not disturb the hibernating bats. O Do not make noise in caves, do not disturb the peace and quiet of the underground – also for your own safety.
O Do not leave trash in caves or at cave entrances. www.mammadaba.lv
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