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Ukraine is more than its ancient cities and picturesque countryside—it’s also where some of Europe’s most captivating underground worlds await. Hidden under the rolling hills and forests lie Ukraine Caves that are not only geological marvels but also the ideal scenic retreat. A curious explorer, nature lover, or just a seeker of serene solitude, these world-famous Caves in Ukraine have it all—a fascinating combination of mystery, beauty, and adventure. These natural wonders are more than stones and passages.
Top 10 Ukraine Caves For A Scenic Retreat
Some of the most scenic and important caves in Ukraine include:
1. Optymistychna Cave, Ternopil Oblast
Photo: Педагог Світлана / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Podillya region near the village of Korolivka, Optymistychna Cave is not only one of the most popular caves in Ukraine but also the world’s longest-known gypsum cave. Along with the passage of more than 260 kilometers, this natural phenomenon is a maze of complex tunnels and hidden chambers formed millions of years ago. Cave gypsum crystals, colored mineral deposits, and curl-up narrow routes offer a real underground trip to thrilling explorers. Unlike most deep caves, Optymistychna is mostly horizontal, and it is easily toured by amateur and professional spelunkers.
Location: Korolivka, Ternopil Oblast
Best Time To Visit: Spring to Autumn
Access: Guided tours only with pre-approval
2. Atlantida Cave, Khmelnytskyi Oblast
Photo: ЯдвигаВереск / Wikimedia Commons
Located close to the village of Zavallya, Atlantida Cave is one of the significant caves in Ukraine due to its unique three-level cave formations. It was discovered in 1969 and is now part of the National Geological Reserve and revered for its beautiful mineralogical formations—stalactites, stalagmites, and uncommon crystals. As opposed to other gypsum caves within the area, Atlantida Cave has an orderly structure and thus is visited frequently for both scientific research and eco-tourism. Its three horizontal levels, each characterized by different features, consist of broad halls, subterranean lakes, and thin sinuous passages.
Location: Zavallya, Khmelnytskyi Oblast
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Access: Local tour operators and speleological clubs
3. Mlynky Cave, Ternopil Oblast
Photo: Бондар Володимир / Wikimedia Commons
A real underground maze, Mlynky Cave is a multicolored gypsum cave that provides some of Ukraine’s most physically demanding passages. With crevices to squeeze through, turns, and twists, this ain’t no walk-in-walk-out affair — it’s a hands-and-knees crawl through one of the world’s most dramatic sculptures. Why Mlynky Cave is unforgettable: multicolored walls — reds, oranges, and blues naturally created centuries ago. Perfect for those looking for an active, physical, and immersive retreat. Suit up, prepare to squeeze, and find a kaleidoscope of geological history inside these renowned caves in Ukraine.
Location: Zalissia, Ternopil Oblast
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Access: Basic fitness level needed for guided tours
4. Ozerna Cave, Ternopil Oblast
Photo: Zysko serhii / Wikimedia Commons
Ozerna Cave literally “Lake Cave” does the name justice with a series of stunning underground lakes that mirror the cave’s natural gypsum formations. Located close to the village of Strilkivtsi, the 120 km long cave is one of the biggest in Ukraine and Europe. Guests can look forward to a calmer, more contemplative environment here. The fresh air, gentle drips of water, and natural reverberations create an ideal refuge from the din of daily life. The cave remains partly unmapped, adding an element of mystery and wonder to your escape.
Location: Strilkivtsi, Ternopil Oblast
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Access: Speleo clubs and pre-approved guided groups
5. Crystal Cave, Ternopil Oblast
Photo: Andrew Currie / Wikimedia Commons
Kryshtaleva Cave, or Crystal Cave, is generally regarded as the most stunning of Ukraine’s gypsum caves. Situated in the vicinity of Kryvche village, this 23 km long cave features broad passages and breathtaking chandelier-like, coral-like, and even frozen fountain-like formations. It’s well-lit, so it’s one of the region’s most visited and tourist-friendly caves. What makes Crystal Cave stand out is its beauty. The walls are adorned with shining mineral formations, and most areas are high enough to stand and walk through easily.
Location: Kryvche, Ternopil Oblast
Best Time To Visit: Spring through early fall
Access: Daily guided tours for people of all ages
6. Verteba Cave, Ternopil Oblast
Photo: Natalia Parkhomenko / Wikimedia Commons
Verteba Cave is not just a natural marvel — it’s an archaeological gem. Situated close to Bilche-Zolote, it’s commonly referred to as the “Ukrainian Pompeii” because of the Neolithic Trypillian culture artifacts discovered here. With some 8 km of mapped passages, the cave contains pottery, tools, and ancient skeletons that date back more than 6,000 years. Walking through Verteba is like taking a step back in time. The atmosphere is mysterious, and the combination of natural scenery and human history makes it very special.
Location: Bilche-Zolote, Ternopil Oblast
Best Time To Visit: Summer and autumn
Access: Museum-guided tours only
7. Zolushka Cave, Chernivtsi Oblast
Photo: Teadrop / Wikimedia Commons
Zolushka is the name given to “Cinderella,” and this cave glitters like a fairy tale. It’s one of the longest caves in Ukraine, with over 90 km of explored tunnels under the Dniester River area. What makes Zolushka unique is the delicate, flower-like gypsum formations that are found all over the cave. Zolushka crawling is a soothing experience. The atmosphere is arid, and the trails are more even than in bumpy caves. It’s also less crowded with tourists, providing a calm sanctuary for one who desires to be alone and tranquil in the subsurface world.
Location: Around Podvirne, Chernivtsi Oblast
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Access: Speleological permission is necessary
8. Yubileynaya Cave, Crimea
Photo: Philip Ho / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
It is situated in the Chatyr-Dag Massif in Crimea, Yubileynaya Cave features a more vertical spelunking adventure. It’s famous for its vertical shafts, abyssal pits, and slender chimneys — better suited for seasoned cavers with climbing equipment. With amazing calcite crystals and subterranean waterfalls, it’s as if nature’s gothic cathedral. Although now more inaccessible because of geopolitical issues, this cave still stands as one of the most spectacular underground formations in the history of speleology in Ukraine.
Location: Chatyr-Dag Plateau, Crimea
Best Time To Visit: Summer
Access: Restricted; expert level only
9. Marble Cave, Crimea
Photo: Pimpirossa / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Marble Cave is one of Eastern Europe’s most stunningly well-preserved show caves. Located on the lower plateau of Chatyr-Dag in Crimea, the cave is a series of magnificent chambers lined with stalactites, stalagmites, and hidden rivers underground. Its Palace Hall and Fairy Tale Gallery are more a museum in the natural sense than a cave. It’s suited for those who prefer their comfort with their adventure and provides a different cave experience than the wild gypsum networks of western Ukraine.
Location: Chatyr-Dag Plateau, Crimea
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Access: Guided tours daily in several languages
10. Katerinska Cave, Crimea
Photo: Martin Culek / Wikimedia Commons
Katerinska Cave, or Catherine’s Cave, is a tiny but breathtakingly beautiful underground phenomenon. While the other Crimean caves are noted for their fantastical ceiling formations, some describe them as cloud-like, wave-like, or even abstract paintings. It’s underrated, but precisely for that reason it’s so serene. The ideal destination for those who are seeking a short, lovely, and poignant visit to a cave. Ideally explored as part of a wider tour of the Chatyr-Dag cave system.
Location: Chatyr-Dag Plateau, Crimea
Best Time To Visit: Late spring to early autumn
Access: Easy access via local guides
Ukraine possesses a remarkable underground world that quite well unites with its breathtaking mountains, serene countryside, and vibrant cities. The above-mentioned Ukraine Caves are not only geological wonders — they are gateways to nature’s imagination, history, and serene solitude. No matter if you are an experienced spelunker or just a curious tourist seeking tranquility and mystery, these popular Caves in Ukraine guarantee an experience to remember. To explore these amazing caves, book your trip to Ukraine with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
