Inčukalns Velnala Cave

The road to Inčukalna Velnala Cave leads through vast meadows with large, dead trees. Twisted in such strange shapes they appear bewitched... The atmosphere in Velnala Cave is eerie too. It is always veiled in semi-darkness and one can always hear the quiet flow of water underground. The cave seems to be shying away from visitors’ eyes!

The entrance of the Inčukalna Velnala cave is about a meter wide and leads to a slightly larger cavity inside. The interior of the cave is mysterious. The roof of the cave curves upwards to the height of 4 metres and seems to be forged with supernatural powers.

An ancient tale speaks of a narrow passageway on the right side of the cave that leads to the sleeping chamber of the cunning Devil. The passageway is so narrow it can be crossed only when crouching.

According to the tale, the Devil lived in the cave for several years until he got the Thunder’s danders up. The Thunder aimed for the Devil but missed and cleaved off a large chunk of the cliff! The Devil realised that he will have no peace in this cave and quickly left his abode.

By the left wall of Velnala Cave you will see a little spring that hides an incredible power of water in itself! Over the years it has changed the shape of the cave and eaten away the sandstone walls. In ancient times people went to Velnala Cave to get water from the spring because it was believed to have healing powers.

Free of charge

Facts

• Inčukalns Velnala Cave is the 19th longest cave in Latvia
• It is 16 m deep and its floor covers 35 m2
• Inčukalns Velnala Cave started forming about 5000 years ago
• A greyish yellow cliff of more than 10 m in height stands in front of the cave
• A small spring flows next to Velnala Cave

For your convenience

• Free car parks arriving at the bottom of the top of the cave
• Free picnic spot
• The top of Inčukalns Velnala Cave cliff can be reached by stairs
• Accessible to people with disabilities (arriving at the bottom of the cave)

Other nearby attractions

• Leisure base Zuši has a well-maintained area with tables, benches and fire pits, and a pond for swimming, fishing, and boat and raft riding. The base offers horse riding, droshky rides in summers and sleigh rides in winters. Phone: +371 28327110. Address: Zuši, Inčukalna pagasts, Inčukalna novads, on the bank of the Gauja.
• Patiltes Cave, or Upes Cave. A small cave on the left bank of the Gauja with a spring flowing out of it. Address: Inčukalna pagasts, Inčukalna novads. Located underneath the Rāmkalni toboggan track and a wooden pedestrian bridge. About 30 m from Murjāņi bridge.
• Nukšu Velnala Cave. Greyish white sandstone outcrop with cavity at the height of 3 m with tree roots growing through it. Three springs flow out of the 2.5 m deep cave. Address: Inčukalna pagasts, Inčukalna novads.