Čedičové varhany u Hlinek, Natural monument near Nové Kounice, Czech Republic
Čedičové varhany is a site of columnar basalt formations that rise vertically in a striking arrangement near Nové Kounice. These columns developed through natural cooling and contraction of lava flows and display the distinctive hexagonal cross-sections typical of basalt formations.
The formations originated approximately 22 million years ago when a tertiary volcano erupted and its lava cooled into the regular hexagonal columns visible today. This geological process left behind a remarkable record of the region's volcanic past.
The site takes its name from its resemblance to organ pipes, a comparison that immediately captures visitors' attention. The columnar formation shapes how people experience and understand this protected landscape today.
The site is accessible via a marked hiking path located about 1 kilometer (3,280 feet) southeast of the nearby settlement. An information board at the location provides geological details to help visitors understand the natural formations they see.
The protected area is home to specialized wildlife such as European vipers and viviparous lizards that thrive in this particular geological setting. These adapted species make the location scientifically valuable beyond its geological features.
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