The cave, as an element of nature with unique underground landscape, constant climate at any time of the year, creates unusual and even extreme conditions: lack of solar radiation, absolute darkness, lack of shift between day and night, constant temperature, elevated ionization of the air. At the same time the cave has an aesthetic importance for its unusual landscapes, expression of forces of nature. One can explore in it various layers of sediments of the ancient sea that covered ones Moldova.

Located 2 km north from city Criuleni in a forest line on the right bank of river Dniester, it was discovered by amateur speleologist in 1970's. The cave has three entrances, two of which are very difficult. It was created as a result of tectonic movements of the earth's crust, in blocs of sediments of limestone. Represents a network of cracks and holes, which in some places have enlarged forming big halls ("Golden Ring", "Elevator", "Metropolitan", "Cinema Hall" etc.), as well as deep wells, sometimes even dangerous. The overall length of it is about 1700 m. This is a horizontal cave in two-three levels.

Climate

Being a big cave, it maintains constant humidity and temperature. Average temperature is around 12-14°C above zero, relative humidity - 75-80%.

Air

The cave is well ventilated, doesn't contain other gases except those in the air on the surface.

Flora and fauna as usual in caves of such type is not very rich. There are several micro colonies of bats. Apart from that there were found and registered several species of invertebrates (pseudoscorpions, arahnids, miriapode & crustacee terestre etc.)

The cave of Surprises doesn't have stalactites and stalagmites, but presents a special sporting opportunity. Sometimes it is necessary to crawl very uncomfortably, make an additional effort to pass certain obstacles. Some narrow galleries leave undressed those in thick coats, with plenty of external pockets, straps… It is also sad for those more round, because many of them cannot slip through such narrow cracks.

Advancing will be made mostly without any special equipment Except for some places which have already pre-installed ropes and a ladder, on most of the trail the main contact will be with walls of the cave. In such conditions, in order to advance efficiently and without much exhausting over plenty obstacles on the way, it is necessary to use proper technique of movements, which will be explained on site by the guides.

Necessary personal equipment:

Electric flash-light (frontal) - installed on head

Soft sport cap - to protect the head from hitting walls in direct sense and from temperature of just +14°C.

External layer of clothes should be thin, but from a resistant and slippery (less friction) material to allow advancement without being easy caught in narrow passages.

On the body it is recommended to have just a thin layer, preferably woolen

Shoes - not-slippery, which you allow to be worn off between walls.

Shoes used in caves are not different from those used in hiking/mountaineering.

Gloves to protect hands - could be without fingers (for cycling).

! It is not recommended to wear jewelry and watches.

! It is not recommended to have long nails.

The cave is dry and rubber boots are not necessary.

If you take a backpack inside, it must be small and have less things on the outside to be caught in narrow passages.

The transport will bring the group about 100 m close to the cave's entrance. In the transport you will leave external thick clothes and those clean for the way back home, taking to the cave just personal caving equipment (see above).

Duration of the tour in the cave: 4 hours (for average physical fitness of participants). Please take a good breakfast in the morning and with you just some snacks and tea/coffee in thermos (to be consumed preferably after exiting the cave).

Be prepared to change in clean external layer of clothes after the cave.

Distance from Chisinau : 48 km

Departure from Chisinau at 9:00.

Return to Chisinau at 16:30.

Main rules of conduct:

"Leave nothing, but footprints / Take nothing, but pictures / Kill nothing, but time"

FAQ:

Q: Are caves dangerous for people? What dangers can we find in caves?

A: Caves in general are not dangerous for people. Since ages people use them for shelter and storage. Nevertheless, visit to the cave is accompanied with risks of accidents due to tougher conditions inside and more accidental landscape. In particular in the Cave of Surprises there are, among other things, jumps, wells, poles, slopes with studs, zones with clay or slippery). Unnecessary accidents can be avoided with proper equipment, lighting and respecting specific rules of visiting each cave.

Q: How are underground surrounding affecting people?

A: In lack of light the time is expanding. Medical specialists established that caves' air has sometimes miraculous effects. In Italy were healed rheumatic children or those with convulsive coughing. In France were healed cases of furuncles. In the cave of Klutert (Germany) asthma is treated. Many countries practice speleotherapy. Energizing effects of the underground environment were also verified on sportsmen.

Q: Is it necessary to have special equipment to visit the Cave of Surprises?

A: Only that indicated in the list of personal equipment.

Q: Why do we find bats in caves? Are cave bats dangerous for people?

A: As people, bats use caves for shelter. These animals are adapted to pass through underground holes due to special organs of orienteering using echolocation based on ultrasound. Bats are not dangerous for people. They are fragile beings, which feed mainly on insects and therefore are very important both for the underground and external ecosystems. One bat can consume up to 600 insects per hour, which makes them most efficient insecticide.

Q: Is there ice in the cave of Surprises?

A: Being dry and with temperature of +14°C, the Cave of Surprises doesn't have ice.

Q: Can we rent a flash-light and other equipment?

A: Yes, with advance notification.

Rent: flash-light = 10 lei, gloves without fingers = 10 lei, backpack = 10 lei .

Cost of the trip per person (Lei MD)

Cost Includes: transportation, guiding, special equipment, first aid

Booking is made by a non-refundable deposit of 100 lei.

Contact person - Leonid (tel. 0,69258006)

Satelite Map :