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.

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.

View Pindus Mountain – the spine of Greece and one of the greatest natural wonders in a larger map

The post Pindus Mountain – the spine of Greece and one of the greatest natural wonders appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo by seegrotte.com

In the past, up to 1800, the cave was used for making red and white plaster. During World War II the cave housed also the factory for the production of combat aircraft. The first jet fighter in the world (Heinkel He162) was constructed right here.

The underground lake was explored in the 30′s of last century, and later open to the public. There are 9 °C in the cave and the tour lasting 45 minutes includes a boat trip. Seegrotte is now great tourist attraction with about 250,000 visitors a year. It is open every day, all year-round. The basic adult admission is €9 or €6 for children.

Open:
1st April – 31 October from 9.00 to 17.00
1st November – 31 March from 9.00 – 12.00 and 13.00 – 15.00

Seegrotte is one of the most impressive natural attractions in the world. Being also a cultural monument it should be definitely included in your list of places to visit when travelling to Austria.

For further information visit Seegrotte official site.

View The Hinterbrühl Seegrotte in Austria in a larger map

The post Seegrotte in Austria – the largest underground lake in Europe appeared first on Europe Explored.