World 🢖 Europe 🢖 Latvia 🢖 Vidzeme
Waterfalls 🢔 Geological wonders 🢔 Categories of wonders
Wonder
Kraulukalns Ice Grotto Falls
![Kraulukalns Ice Grotto Falls in April 2023](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kraulukalns-Ice-Grotto-Falls-16apr2023.jpg)
In short
An everchanging natural wonder is Kraulukalns Ice Grotto Falls. In spring and summer over the ledge of sandstone cliff for some 5-6 meters falls a small stream but in winter there forms a massive ice column.
26.4 %
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Name in Latvian
Stream
Height
Drops
Width
Map of the site
If you see this after your page is loaded completely, leafletJS files are missing.
In detail
There are many cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and other natural and man-made wonders in the gorgeous Brasla River Valley. Many of them do not have their official names and, frankly, Kraulukalns Ice Grotto Falls also is a free interpretation by the author.
![Kraulukalns Ice Grotto Falls in April 2023](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kraulukalns-Ice-Grotto-Falls-child-16apr2023.jpg)
This is a very recent waterfall that formed over the last few decades. A small stream was channeled to Brasla River in the 20th century and it quickly gnawed in the fragile Devonian sandstone cliffs – Kraulukalns Rock.
Thus, in 1999 (see image) the waterfall was less high, water fell directly on a large stone, splashing the sandstone walls all around it.
![Kraulukalns Ice Grotto Falls in November 1999](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kraulukalns-Ice-Grotto-Falls-Nov1999.jpg)
Now (2023) it has receded for more than 10 meters, and the splashes of water and, most likely, some springs have formed a cliff ledge. Waterfall has a smaller (around 1 m) leap and after approximately 1-1.5 m long run the stream leaps over the rim of the cliff and then falls through free air for some 5 meters.
![Ice curtain covers Kraulukalns Ice Grotto, March 2003](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kraulukalns-Ice-Grotto-Falls-8mar03.jpg)
In winter this small waterfall turns into a giant icicle. A visitor can walk all around this icicle that is several meters high, wide, and thick. Eerie experience!
![Behind the ice curtain of Kraulukalns Ice Grotto, March 2003](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kraulukalns-Ice-Grotto-Falls-inside-8mar2003.jpg)
There is another, higher waterfall – icefall some 80 meters to the west.
Linked articles
![View from Turaida Castle, Latvia](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Turaida.jpg)
Wonders of Latvia
Highlights of Latvia are the rich architectural heritage in Riga City, numerous palaces, country houses, and castles.
![Virginia Falls, Canada](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/VirginiaFalls.jpg)
Waterfalls
Some of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring natural monuments are waterfalls or locations where a river abruptly changes its elevation.
![Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest - one of the greatest Neo-Gothic structures in the world](https://www.wondermondo.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/HunParliament.jpg)
Wonders of Europe
The heritage of Europe is diverse and endlessly interesting. Incomparably rich is the wealth of European historical architecture, but this part of the world has exciting natural heritage and archaeological heritage as well.
Recommended books
Latvia (Countries Around the World)
Latvia offers complete coverage of this fascinating country, including sections on history, geography, wildlife, infrastructure and government, and culture. It also includes a detailed fact file, maps and charts, and a traceable flag.
Latvia (Bradt Travel Guide)
Touring the peaceful countryside and historic towns of Latvia is made simple with this guide. Travelers will benefit from advice on how to reach long, sandy beaches and quaint provincial villages, as well as a mass of practical information. Fascinating insights into Latvian folklore, customs, language, and cuisine are provided to intrigue the curious browser and provide food for thought for travelers during their journey.