Ķūķu cliffs, Protected geological monument in Raiskums Parish, Latvia.
Kūķu cliffs is a protected geological formation in Raiskums Parish featuring layered sandstone and limestone deposits from ancient times. A natural cave opens in the middle section, carved by water and revealing the rock formations that built up over millions of years.
The cliffs formed through millions of years of river erosion by the Gauja River, creating the layered rock structures visible today. Local river travelers named the site because of the strong rapids and currents that flow past the rock face.
The geological site represents a key educational resource for researchers and students studying the Devonian period rock formations in Latvia.
Visitors can explore the cliff area from the river, though the cave entrance becomes accessible only when water levels drop. The best time to visit is autumn and winter when water is typically lower.
In colder months, ice forms across the rock face, transforming how the cliffs look completely. These frozen formations show how water and cold continuously reshape the landscape.
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