Helme Caves
| Helme Caves | |
|---|---|
| Helme koopad | |
Entrance to the Helme Caves in Estonia. | |
Location within Estonia | |
| Location | Tõrva Parish, Valga County, Estonia |
| Coordinates | 58°1′5″N 25°52′45″E / 58.01806°N 25.87917°E |
| Geology | Sandstone (Burtnieki formation) |
Helme Caves (Estonian: Helme koopad) are a group of artificial caves carved into the Burtnieki sandstone cliffs beneath the ruins of Helme Castle in Tõrva Parish, Valga County, Estonia.[1][2] The caves were first formed by natural spring erosion and were later modified and expanded by human activity.[3] The cave system historically consisted of seven chambers, with passages reaching up to 3 meters in height and extending approximately 20 to 30 meters into the hillside.[4] They are believed to have been used for practical purposes such as shelter and storage during earlier periods.[5]
References
- ^ "Protected area profile of Helme Caves from Estonia's Nature Conservation Register". infoleht.keskkonnainfo.ee (in Estonian). Archived from the original on 2024-12-08. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "Subterranea of Estonia: Helme Koopad". Show Caves of the World. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "Overview of the Historic Helme Caves". visitestonia.com. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
- ^ "Protected ancient and natural monument status of the Helme Caves, as listed in Estonia's Nature Conservation Register".
- ^ "Photographic Documentation on Helme Cave". 7is7.com. Retrieved 2025-06-27.