Caves hide fascinating treasures underground. Some of the bigger ones are world famous for unique formations and stunning atmosphere. Tourism-Review.com invites you to explore the longest and most beautiful caves around the world.
TOP 6 LONGEST CAVES OF THE WORLD
Tourism Review News Desk
- Aug 1, 2011
Hölloch Cave, Switzerland
Hölloch Cave is a 197 km (122 miles) long cave situated between the river Muota and the area of Pragelpass in the valley of Muotha in Switzerland. As such it is the biggest cave of Switzerland and the second longest of Europe. It was the first cave in the world whose explored length reached 100 km.
Lechuguilla Cave, USA
Lechuguilla Cave is the fifth longest cave in the world with 207 km (128 miles) long passageways. Well known for unusual geology and rare formations, large amount of gypsum and lemon-yellow sulphur deposits are to be found there. The cave is located in New Mexico in the Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Wind Cave, USA
Wind Cave in western South Dakota is notable for its frostwork but it is mainly known for its displays of the calcite formation known as boxwork. On average, four new miles of the cave are discovered every year. The passageways that are 216 km (134 miles) long form the densest cave system in the world.
Optymistychna Cave, Ukraine
The Optymistychna Cave is the longest gypsum cave in the world. It is located near the Ukrainian village of Korolivka. It has 230 km (143 miles) of mapped passageways and is the largest cave complex in Eurasia. The passages are rather low and often blocked with mud. They form a dense network on several levels, earning the cave a nickname of a "maze cave."
Jewel Cave, USA
Jewel Cave is the second longest cave in the world, with over 240 km (150 miles) of known passageways. Located in South Dakota’s Black Hills the cave is a national monument and is open year round. Visitors can look forward to some surface trails as well. Reservations are recommended especially during the summer seasons.
Mammoth Cave, USA
The Mammoth Cave system, or officially the Mammoth-Flint Ridge Cave System, with over 630 km (390 miles) of passageways is the longest natural cave system in the world. It is located in central Kentucky, USA, and is a part of the Mammoth Cave National Park. The Mammoth Cave system centered around the Green River is well over twice as long as the second-longest cave system, Jewel Cave.
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