Europe Explored » natural phenomenon https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Pindus Mountain – the spine of Greece and one of the greatest natural wonders https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/02/pindus-mountain-the-spine-of-greece-and-one-of-the-greatest-natural-wonders/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/10/02/pindus-mountain-the-spine-of-greece-and-one-of-the-greatest-natural-wonders/#comments Sun, 02 Oct 2011 11:11:02 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5022 In the northern part of Greece, at the border with Albania, there is one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the country, the mountains of Pindus (known also as Pindos or Pindhos). Pindus area has only few inhabitants and includes two national parks, the second largest gorge in Europe and the mountain peaks, which […]

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In the northern part of Greece, at the border with Albania, there is one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the country, the mountains of Pindus (known also as Pindos or Pindhos). Pindus area has only few inhabitants and includes two national parks, the second largest gorge in Europe and the mountain peaks, which are among the highest in Greece.

Pindos massif composed of several separate mountain units (Smolikas, Tymfí, Aigo, Lakmos, Athamanon, Oros Iti, Karava and others). The highest peak is Smolikas reaching an altitude of 2637 meters. It is the second highest mountain in Greece, after Mount Olympus.

Pindus Mountain - the spine of Greece and one of the greatest natural wonders
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by dementia_inc

The Pindus mountain features two national parks that protect the original and almost intact nature. National Park Vikos-Aoos stretching over an area of ​​3360 hectares, was founded in 1973 and occupies an area around the Vikos gorge, characterized by its vertical walls, which often reach heights up to 950 meters. The gorge is 12 km long considered one of the greatest natural wonders. There are just several tourists here, so be aware of the fact that during the trip you can meet only a few people. The best time to visit the gorge is the beginning or end of summer, when water flows quiet.

There are two major rivers Aoös and Vikos, powered by a water from melting snow. They flow along the hiking trails, which are inaccessible when the snow is melting. A unique natural phenomenon in the area is 405 m deep Cave of Provatina and the nearby Chasm of Epos, where is an underground lake in a depth of 469 m. This area also includes Astraka plateau and Tymfí massive.

The larger Pindos National Park, which history dates back to 1966 is a home to the bears and wolves, deer, wild boars, chamois, wild cats and also snakes.


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Peričnik waterfall – one of the most beautiful and famous waterfall in Slovenia https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/25/pericnik-waterfall-one-of-the-most-beautiful-and-famous-waterfall-in-slovenia/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/25/pericnik-waterfall-one-of-the-most-beautiful-and-famous-waterfall-in-slovenia/#comments Wed, 25 May 2011 08:37:05 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4161 Peričnik Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Slovenia. It is situated in the Julian Alps, about 5 km from the village of Mojstrana. Falls from the Ice Age Pericnik Waterfall consists of two parts. Higher one is 16 meters high and the lower one 52 meters. A beautiful waterfall is […]

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Peričnik Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Slovenia. It is situated in the Julian Alps, about 5 km from the village of Mojstrana.

Falls from the Ice Age
Pericnik Waterfall consists of two parts. Higher one is 16 meters high and the lower one 52 meters. A beautiful waterfall is a relic of the Ice Age, when the local largest glacier in the valley of Vrata, located on the northern side of the Julian Alps, created the beautiful valley stretched from the village Mojstrana to the northern foothills of Triglav.

Peričnik Waterfall is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Slovenia.

Above the waterfall there is Vrtaška plateau, which is known for its rich fauna and flora. Waterfall flows into the stream of Bistrica. The waterfall is beautiful also in winter, when there are countless icicles that have subtle shades of blue and green colors.

Peričnik Waterfall is protected as a natural phenomenon and is included in Triglav National Park.

Access to the lower waterfall is easy, since it is possible to get almost here by car from Mojstrana. In Mojstrana be aware of the exit road to the valley of Vrata. After about three kilometers of driving, you come to the Cottage under Peričnik. Here there is a sign of the administration of Triglav National Park with information on the waterfalls. Then walk just a few steps through the trail and you’re already under a magnificent 52-meter-high lower Peričnik Waterfall. You can also walk around, but it is recommended to take a waterproof jacket (and helmet) with you.


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Ochtinská Aragonite Cave – the only Aragonite cave of that kind in the world | Slovakia https://europeexplored.com/2011/02/19/ochtinska-aragonite-cave-the-only-aragonite-cave-of-that-kind-in-the-world-slovakia/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/02/19/ochtinska-aragonite-cave-the-only-aragonite-cave-of-that-kind-in-the-world-slovakia/#comments Sat, 19 Feb 2011 13:14:25 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2614 Ochtinská Aragonite Cave is located in the southern part of Slovakia, in the Košice region, near town of Rožňava. Ochtinská Aragonite Cave is a unique natural phenomenon and the only Aragonite cave of that kind in the world. It is one of three aragonite caves discovered in the world so far. The main attraction of […]

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Ochtinská Aragonite Cave is located in the southern part of Slovakia, in the Košice region, near town of Rožňava. Ochtinská Aragonite Cave is a unique natural phenomenon and the only Aragonite cave of that kind in the world. It is one of three aragonite caves discovered in the world so far.

The main attraction of the cave is called Milky Way Hall, where you can see the white branches and clusters of aragonite shining like stars in the Milky Way. There are fantastic shapes of flowers and Aragonite crystalline formations.

Ochtinská Aragonite Cave was discovered accidentally in 1954 by Jan Bystricky and open later to the public in 1972. However its length is only 300 meters, and only 230 meters are accessible, it is famous for its rare aragonite filling. In 1995 Ochtinská Aragonite Cave has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List together with other caves in Slovak Karst.

The cave is open daily except of Mondays from April to October. Basic admission is €6.


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Dunajec River Canyon in Pieniny national park in Slovakia https://europeexplored.com/2011/01/10/dunajec-river-canyon-in-pieniny-national-park-in-slovakia/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/01/10/dunajec-river-canyon-in-pieniny-national-park-in-slovakia/#comments Mon, 10 Jan 2011 14:48:50 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2264 Dunajec River Canyon is a gorge and a famous tourist attraction on the borders between Poland and Slovakia. Due to its beauty and uniqueness of Dunajec River Canyon it is also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The canyon separates the Małopolska Voivodship (Poland) and Prešov Region (Slovakia). It is a natural phenomenon […]

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Dunajec River Canyon is a gorge and a famous tourist attraction on the borders between Poland and Slovakia. Due to its beauty and uniqueness of Dunajec River Canyon it is also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The canyon separates the Małopolska Voivodship (Poland) and Prešov Region (Slovakia). It is a natural phenomenon where the Dunajec River breaks through the Pieniny mountain range and creates a narrow valley and a romantic ravine in the limestone reefs. The area is home to the rare plants and animal species. Dunajec is the only river that takes waters from the Slovak territory to the Baltic Sea.

Dunajec river canyon is very popular among tourists. Visitors can pass on the river on a flatboat and enjoy unforgettable adventure. This tradition dates from the early 19th century.

Towering cliffs along the canyon reach an average height of 300 meters. Dunajec River Canyon is a narrow gap in which the river has created seven turns. Most of the Pieniny national park is forested. Local peaks are generally conical shape.

You can find there many architectural attractions such as Castle Niedzica, or ruins of the castle Czorstyn directly above the Dunajec river. Slovak village Červený Kláštor is an excellent starting point for walking or cycling along the canyon.


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Liechtenstein Gorge – one of the most beautiful gorges in Alpine region | Austria https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/23/liechtenstein-gorge-in-austria/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/05/23/liechtenstein-gorge-in-austria/#comments Sun, 23 May 2010 01:38:15 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=249 When it comes to the Alps, there are countless gorges that can be found throughout the entire mountain range. However many people consider one of the most beautiful and of course the longest gorges in the entire Alpine region to be none other than that of Liechtenstein Gorge. Perhaps the biggest reason why the Liechtenstein […]

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When it comes to the Alps, there are countless gorges that can be found throughout the entire mountain range. However many people consider one of the most beautiful and of course the longest gorges in the entire Alpine region to be none other than that of Liechtenstein Gorge.

Perhaps the biggest reason why the Liechtenstein Gorge has become so popular, is that it is one of the deepest and easily accessible ravines within the entire mountain region. While there are countless gorges that are just as deep, if not deeper, many of them are not as easily accessed.

Liechtenstein Gorge, Austria1
Liechtenstein Gorge, Austria by Heather (Gruber) Williams

It was back during the last Ice Age that towering glaciers more than 3000 meters above sea level sat above the location of the Liechtenstein Gorge. As the Ice Age came to an end and the glaciers began to recede and melt, the torrential water began to cut a narrow slit into the sides of the Alpine mountains as the water made its way to lower altitudes.

In many places, the Gorge is so narrow, and the walls are so tall that light is almost nonexistent within the Liechtenstein Gorge. Due to the dangers of crossing the Gorge, countless bridges have been built over the centuries to make access to the Liechtenstein Gorge much easier. Many of which can be accredited to the Prince of Liechtenstein who ruled over the region back in 1875.

A view from Liechtenstein Gorge, Austria
A view from Liechtenstein Gorge, Austria by Heather (Gruber) Williams

For hundreds of years the Liechtenstein Gorge has been attracting people from all over Europe and the world. Today, it is estimated that more than 10 million people from around the world have visited the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Liechtenstein Gorge.

And while there are countless gorges and regain second be found throughout the Alpine region, not one of them has been visited as much over the centuries. Millions of people have made their way to Austria in order to walk the length of the Liechtenstein Gorge and stare in awe at its breathtaking beauty.

You can visit the gorge from early May to end of October, openning hours vary on the season and the basic admission is €4,50. For more information visit liechtensteinklamm.at.

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