Stalactites and stalagmites surround the walking paths of the famous and public cave, illuminated by decorative lights.
Gökgöl Cave, which includes the geomorphological and hydrological development stages and characteristics of the region in terms of geological structure, consists of four different floors. The mouth and its surroundings, which form the first floor (the first part of the cave to form), and the second floor, which contains the dripstones found in the Great Depression Hall, are completely fossilized. On the third and fourth floors, which are the youngest part of the cave, there is the Damlataşlar Hall, the underground stream and the active small branch. The cave has three mouths, two fossilized and one active. The larger of the fossil mouths that provide the entrance attracts attention with its magnificent appearance. The active mouth, which is narrow and watery, is not suitable for entry. Gökgöl Cave, which has a total length of 3350 meters with its branches, consists of the main gallery developing in the east, southeast – west and northwest directions and two large side branches. After the main gallery, which ends with a narrow and watery siphon, an underground stream can be seen in the Great Depression Hall, formed by the combination of waters coming from the side branches. This stream, located on the walking path and crossed by bridges, flows into Erçek Stream from the active mouth of the cave.
Gökgöl Cave, which is extremely rich in terms of dripstone accumulation inside the cave, is decorated with flags, curtains and flowing dripstones, as well as travertine, stalactite and stalagmite columns. On the active and semi-active floors, there are wall dripstones, pasta stalactites, cave roses, cave needles and water-filled dripstone pools. These dripstones, which are still developing, are signs that the formation in the cave is still continuing. The first 875 meters of Gökgöl Cave have been opened for tourism purposes. This section, which extends from the entrance to the Great Depression Hall, is 2-15 meters wide and 1-18 meters high, and is described with names such as Fossil Entrance, Dripstones Gallery, Depression Hall, Magnificent Hall, Great Depression Hall and Hall of Wonders. In this illuminated area, there are walking tracks, bridges and observation terraces.
Full ticket: 40 TL. Discounted ticket: 20 TL. 2023
The construction of Gökgöl Cave Visitor Center, located on the 3rd kilometer of the Zonguldak-Ankara highway, has been completed. Gökgöl Cave is open between 10:00 and 19:00, except Mondays.1
The first researches in Gökgöl Cave were carried out in 1976 by geologist Temuçin AYGEN and British cave researchers Chris BAUER and Harvey LOMAS.
The interior of Gökgöl Cave is extremely rich in terms of drip stone accumulation. The sections of the cave from the entrance to the large collapse hall are described with names such as Fossil entrance, Asthma Hall, Wonders Hall and Miracles Hall.
An underground stream flows within the cave, which has a 875-meter walking path, the flow of which increases during rainy periods.
Due to its microclimate, the cave is also of great importance in terms of health tourism. With the restoration completed in 2016, the cave, which has a separate formation on each meter, was freed from general lighting that caused damage to the formations by emitting heat, and instead of these, the visual beauty of the formations was revealed by object lighting with LED lighting that does not emit heat.
Our cave is worth seeing with its formation lighting, walking track, glass bridges and viewing terraces.
One of the largest and longest caves I have ever seen. It is beautifully lit inside, but there is no light in the last 50 meters. The stalactites and stalagmites are extraordinary. The underground water formed a river in it. It has a very cool atmosphere. You can reach the end in half an hour by walking slowly. Going is different, coming back is different. Entrance is paid. 40 TL for full, 20 TL for students. Museum cards and credit cards are not accepted. The staff are extremely helpful.
Very impressive. 340 million year old stalactites and stalagmites.
I recommend visiting the cave with someone who knows it.
It is not possible to see fossil starfish and corals unless you travel with someone who knows them.
It's always a cool cave. Take in plenty of air to clear your breath.
Be careful with the ground, some parts are very slippery. Lighting is sufficient. Since a cave cannot be illuminated like a hall, be very careful when walking inside, especially if you have children with you.
It is a nice place to visit with its souvenir shop and cafe. If you are in Zonguldak, I definitely recommend you to stop by.
Would I come again?
I wish I had the opportunity....
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