Skaistkalne karst sinkholes

Skaistkalne karst sinkholes is a geological and geomorphological natural monument, and this karst territory with an area of more than 100 ha is included in the Natura 2000 list of European protected areas. In the neighborhood of Skaistkalne, the area of karst processes continues also in the territory of Lithuania, where the Biržai Regional Park has been established.
Karst process is an unusual geological process that occurs underground. There, water washes out soluble rocks, such as gypsum, dolomite, sandstone, or other rocks, which thus causes underground voids - funnels, wells, canals, hollows or caves - to appear, which, in turn, gradually expand, causing invasions. During this process, not only sinkholes, but also drybeds, sinkhole springs and sinkhole lakes can occur. The reason for the karst process can be found precisely in the area of Skaistkalne, is the fact that significant layers of gypsum stone can be found in this area, which is surrounded on both sides by two rivers - Iecava and Mēmele - as a result of underground water flow, these unique natural formations arise. Almost every local resident or those living nearby know stories about the land suddenly opening up, a horse or goat disappearing, or the farmer's fields suddenly turning into small lakes... it's not for nothing that karst sinkholes are given the corresponding names - Hay sinkhole, Goat sinkhole, Barn sinkhole, and many more!
Visitors are welcome to explore Skaistkalne karst sinkholes with a guided excursion:
Guide Laima Indriķe (phone: 26 346 250)
Guide Ingus Pavinkšnis (phone: 22 018 723)
Guide Dr. Uldis Mantons (phone: 26 396 428)