Lummelunda Cave
Gotlands län
Lummelunda Cave, also known as Lummelundagrottan, is one of Sweden's longest caves, extending approximately four kilometers beneath the limestone bedrock of Gotland. It is located about 13 kilometers north of Visby, nestled within a 17-hectare nature reserve established in 1989. The cave features a narrow underground riverbed where the Lummelunda stream flows for over 1.3 kilometers underground, emerging at the coastal cliffs. Visitors can explore impressive dripstone formations, fossils, and spacious chambers such as the "Bergakungen's Hall" and the "Chapel," accessed through guided tours. The cave maintains a constant temperature between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius year-round, creating a unique microclimate. The discovery and exploration of the cave began in the early 20th century, with significant expansions in the 1950s and 1980s, including underwater passages explored by divers. Today, the cave attracts around 10,000 visitors annually and offers both standard guided walks and adventurous extended tours deeper into the cave. Surrounding the cave are scenic walking paths along forested cliffs and access to the historic Lummelunda mill area, known for its large water wheel and industrial heritage dating back to the Middle Ages. The site combines natural beauty, geological significance, and cultural history, making it a remarkable destination on Gotland.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Lummelunda Cave is between May and September when guided tours operate regularly. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for the popular guided cave tours and the adventurous extended cave exploration. Visitors should dress warmly due to the cave's cool and constant temperature. The site is accessible by car, bike, or bus from Visby, and parking is available on-site. Consider exploring the surrounding nature reserve and visiting the nearby café and shop for local products. Discounts may be available for groups and children.
Faits intéressants
- •Lummelunda Cave is the second longest cave in Sweden, measuring about four kilometers in total length.
- •The cave maintains a constant temperature between 8 and 12 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
- •The largest water wheel in northern Europe is located at the Topmost Mill in Lummelunda, powered by the Lummelunda stream.
- •The cave was significantly expanded after a large rockfall in 1950, opening a 20-meter passage known as 'The Boys' Passage'.
- •Underwater exploration in 1985 revealed additional large chambers and passages beyond four water locks within the cave.
Histoire
The name Lummelunda likely originates from the medieval vicarage known as Lomalunda in 1350, with 'lund' meaning grove, possibly indicating a sacred grove.
Archaeological finds in the area include Stone Age graves and Iron Age burial fields, evidencing long-term human presence.
The Lummelunda stream has powered mills since the Middle Ages, with the Topmost Mill housing the largest water wheel in northern Europe.
The cave itself was first partially explored in 1924 by zoologist Torsten Gislén, but full exploration began in the late 1940s when local boys discovered a wider entrance after a rockfall.
Subsequent exploration expanded the known cave system, including underwater passages discovered in 1985.
The nature reserve protecting the cave was established in 1989 to preserve its unique geological and ecological features.
Guide du lieu
Bergakungens sal (The Mountain King's Hall)
The first large chamber encountered on the guided tour, featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites with remarkable dripstone formations that create an enchanting atmosphere.
Kapellet (The Chapel)
A beautifully decorated chamber visited during the guided tour, known for its delicate formations that resemble a chapel's interior, adding a mystical ambiance to the experience.
The Tourist Entrance1959
The man-made entrance created in 1959 to allow public access to the main chambers of the cave, facilitating safe and guided exploration.
The Underground Riverbed
A narrow underground river channel where the Lummelunda stream flows for over 1.3 kilometers beneath the limestone rock, shaping much of the cave's passages and formations.
Contact
Téléphone: 0498-27 30 50
