Mlynki

Earlier on the site of today's undergrounds there was mining and extraction of gypsum rock. Speleologists discovered a rather large and incredibly beautiful cavity after the exploratory work was stopped. Specialists say that it is the longest lasting of all existing gypsum caves in Ukraine. In its untouched nature Mlynky still preserves its amazing pristine beauty. Note that a small beam of light directed at the wall, gets the glow of crystal. The unusual effect is due to the structure of white, gray and brown crystals of secondary gypsum.

Description of the Mlynky Cave

The object, in comparison to other similar underground caves, is considered to be rather young by its age of discovery. It is a geological natural monument of national importance and can give every desperate thrill-seeker a wonderful trip down the narrow rocky paths. The narrow corridors in the light of spotlights get fantastic views. Inside, it's quite humid and damp. Some argue that this place is a great choice for those who want to beat claustrophobia.

The cave is inhabited by bats, which can fly by at any moment, so it is recommended to always put your long hair in your helmet and keep quiet. Many visitors are very interested in the names of certain areas of the cave, including Torba, Moldavanka, Japan and others. Everyone gets to see the real gypsum rock, still in the "bud" with the characteristic crystalline formations during the underground journey.

Video from the Mlynky cave

History of discovery

The first references to the area date back to the time when the Sarmatian Sea was located on the territory of modern Ternopil region. Scientists argue that today's cave passages are a result of the sea cracks that formed then, which increased over time under the influence of water flows. Hundreds of years later, the water area has dried up completely, leaving behind a plaster "pillow", with numerous tunnels and voids. The Mlynka cave runs along the valley of the same name. It is located from the southeastern part of the area to the northwest, passing into a recess in the north.

Speleologists classified the cave as a sub - horizontal formation of the labyrinthine type. The features of the object made it attractive to connoisseurs of extreme recreation, who want to get another dose of adrenaline. The cave got its name after the settlement of the same name, which in ancient times was home to four large mills. By the 18th century, one of them was used to process gypsum rocks, which were delivered from the quarry. The villagers' chosen line of work allowed them to earn a good income for their livelihood and development.

Morphometric indicators

The length of the Mlynka tunnels is 40 kilometers. The temperature of the underground in winter and summer is constant - about 9-10 degrees. The height of the underground passages can range from 0.5 to 20 meters. The humidity of the cave is constant, up to 100%. Almost all the passages of the grotto are quite narrow. Separately we should note the clean air, which is also recognized by scientists as useful for the human body. Entrance to the cave is located at an altitude of 270 above sea level.

The bottleneck of the cave is considered to be "Devil's Throat". Those who want to immerse themselves in childhood will like "Cossack slides," from which you can make quite a merry descent. You will need to overcome the most difficult, narrow and longest passage, passing in one place at a right angle, thereby creating a vertical cave "Roddom" to enter the "light" and see the cave.

Cave galleries

The interior of Mlynka attracts tourists with crystals of different colors, as well as stalactite formations and lamellar gypsum. The entrance to the cave is always closed, as it is not intended for independent visits by tourists for safety reasons. Access to the cave is controlled by one of the district speleological clubs. In total in the cave there are several districts, galleries, each of them has its own name and a characteristic interior decoration.

Interesting facts

The cave is the object of regular regional and all-Ukrainian competitions in caving. The cave was 6 expeditions, work in which lasted up to 16 hours a day in fairly difficult conditions from 1960 to 1963. There was found a new narrow and inaccessible area, which was given the name "Happy" during the period of independence of Ukraine. In 1998, a large location "Christmas" was opened, as it was discovered on the eve of the great holiday. As a result of blasting, another large area, the Global, was later discovered, which almost doubled the area of the entire cave.

Visiting Conditions

It is recommended to take a good flashlight as there is no artificial light in the cave. Given the small size and height of the tunnels, it is not superfluous to have special clothes, equipment and means of communication in case of emergencies. All the necessary equipment for a difficult journey can be found at the only base in the village, which has a rental office.

Location

The cave is located in Zalesie village, Ternopil region, at Polskaya St. The easiest way to get to the cave is by train, taking the route Ternopil - Ivano-Puste. The trip will take about 3 hours. A good alternative is to take the E-85/M-19 highway and drive in the direction of the highway T-2001. When you get to the Chertkove exit, you'll need to take the fourth way and drive to the villages of Shmankovchiki and Zavodskoye.