Optymistychna Cave

Optymistychna is a gypsum maze under the fields near Korolivka with something over two hundred and sixty kilometres of passage mapped, which makes it generally counted the longest gypsum cave in the world and the longest cave in Eurasia by any measure. It was found in 1966 and has been surveyed by Ukrainian caving clubs ever since, with new passage still being added. It is not a show cave: there is no lighting, no laid route and no casual access.

What you actually see

• The scale - over 260 kilometres of surveyed passage under a small area of field.
• The maze pattern - narrow corridors crossing in a dense three-dimensional grid.
• The gypsum crystals - crystal formations through the passages.
• The ongoing survey - new passage still being mapped by caving clubs.

When to go

May to October is when club expeditions are most frequent. The cave holds a constant cool temperature year round. Access must be arranged well in advance.

Honest expectations

This is not a tourist cave: entry is only with an experienced caving club and requires equipment and fitness. The passages are tight and getting lost in a maze of this size is a genuine danger. Casual visitors should go to Kryshtaleva instead.

Nearby

Kryshtaleva cave is south at Kryvche, and Borshchiv is northeast.