Cow cave, Karst sinkhole in Karajimiškis Landscape Reserve, Lithuania
The Cow Cave is a karst sinkhole in the Karajimiškis Landscape Reserve in Lithuania with a funnel-shaped opening roughly 10 to 12 meters across. From the bottom, several underground passages branch off, including sections known as the Wet Cave, Narrow Hole, and Bat Hole.
This geological formation began taking shape roughly 200 years ago through natural dissolution of gypsum, sandstone, and dolomite by groundwater. The process that created this sinkhole continues to shape the landscape across the region.
Local residents named this place after an incident where a cow fell into the ground, with only its chain left behind at the surface. The story has stayed alive in the community and shapes how people think about the opening today.
A visit is best during dry weather since some passages become slippery after rain. Sturdy shoes and a flashlight are essential, as the underground sections are dark and uneven.
The surrounding region contains over 9000 such sinkholes, with this area displaying more than 200 per square kilometer. This concentration makes the place a remarkable window into karst landscapes.
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