Gronligrotta

Gronligrotta lies in the limestone and marble belt around Mo i Rana, an area riddled with some two hundred caves formed as water from the Svartisen glacier worked down through the soluble rock. It was first explored in 1914, by the geologist Oxaal, and it is the only lit show cave in Scandinavia, with electric lighting along a guided route of about twenty minutes through chambers, passages and a section beside an underground river, including a granite block wedged in the passage and a stretch where the roof lowers. The temperature holds around six degrees year-round. The neighbouring Setergrotta offers a rougher alternative: a two-hour caving trip with overalls, helmet and lamp through unlit passages, crawls and squeezes.

Background

Grønligrotta, a karst cave in marble, lies in Rana Municipality in Nordland county, up the Røvassdalen valley, and people first explored it in 1914. It reaches a depth of 107 m with 2 km of explored passages and is probably linked with the nearby Setergrotta, and it has electric lighting and is open to visitors on guided tours.

Source: Wikipedia, "Grønnligrotta"

The landscape

• The lit passages - the only electrically lit show cave in Scandinavia.
• The underground river - water running through the lower chambers.
• The wedged granite block - a boulder jammed in the passage roof.
• Setergrotta nearby - an unlit caving trip for those wanting more.

When to go

June to August, which is the operating season for tours; the caves close outside summer. The temperature inside is constant, so warm clothing is needed even in July.

Practical notes

The tour is short, around twenty to thirty minutes underground, and runs at set times in groups. The passage is wet, uneven and low in places, unsuitable for wheelchairs and awkward for tall visitors. Photography is limited by the low light.

Nearby

Marmorslottet is a short drive along the river; Svartisen and Mo i Rana lie either side.

Key facts