Helme Caves
Helme koopad
Entrance to the Helme Caves in Estonia.
Map showing the location of Helme Caves
Map showing the location of Helme Caves
Location within Estonia
LocationTõrva Parish, Valga County, Estonia
Coordinates58°1′5″N 25°52′45″E / 58.01806°N 25.87917°E / 58.01806; 25.87917
GeologySandstone (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

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  1. ^ "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.
  2. ^ "Subterranea of Estonia: Helme Koopad". Show Caves of the World. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
  3. ^ "Overview of the Historic Helme Caves". visitestonia.com. Retrieved 2025-06-27.
  4. ^ "Protected ancient and natural monument status of the Helme Caves, as listed in Estonia's Nature Conservation Register".
  5. ^ "Photographic Documentation on Helme Cave". 7is7.com. Retrieved 2025-06-27.