Golubinsky Proval, often translated as the "Funnel of Golubino" or "Golubino Sinkhole," is a prominent karst cave located in the Pinezhsky Nature Reserve in Arkhangelsk Oblast, northern Russia. Situated near the village of Golubino on the right bank of the Pinega River, it lies approximately 188 km northeast of Arkhangelsk along the road to Mezen and about 17 km downstream from the town of Pinega. This cave is part of the expansive Golubino karst area, which hosts around 385 caves with a combined passage length of roughly 120 km, making it one of the largest karst systems in Europe. The region is characterized by its remote taiga forests, river valleys, and unique subterranean features, drawing adventure seekers, geologists, and nature enthusiasts.
Golubinsky Proval is a classic example of gypsum karst, formed
through the dissolution of Permian gypsum and anhydrite bedrock by
groundwater over millions of years. The Pinega karst landscape,
including this cave, developed in a thick layer of evaporite rocks,
similar to other gypsum cave systems in Russia and Ukraine. The cave's
structure reflects multiple stages of erosion and hydrological activity,
with three distinct tiers of passages indicating phased development. The
roof lies 17 to 37 meters below the surface, and the cave is
predominantly dry, though it features two short watercourses: a northern
one about 30 meters long and a southern one about 20 meters.
Water-mechanical sediments, such as clays and sands deposited by ancient
streams, are common, contributing to the cave's textured floors and
walls.
The cave's cold climate plays a key role in its geology,
acting as a "cold trap" where frigid air accumulates, leading to
perennial ice formations. These include frost-covered walls in the outer
passages (where temperatures hover near zero degrees Celsius), ice
crystals that sparkle like rays piercing the air, and frozen "streams"
that appear to spill from cracks in the grottos onto the ceilings.
Gypsum speleothems of freezing origin, such as needle-like "yozh"
(hedgehog) formations, are also present, formed by sublimation and
recrystallization processes in sub-zero conditions. Detached stone
layers in some sections give the illusion of movement, resembling
enormous snake tongues frozen in place, while the overall environment
creates an "inverted" perception of space and time due to the echoing
sounds of hidden brooks in otherwise silent rock.
The cave begins with a dramatic collapse doline—a large,
funnel-shaped sinkhole that serves as the entrance, giving the site its
name. Visitors descend via wooden stairs and ladders into the initial
chamber, known as the Santa Claus Cavern (or Grotto), which measures
about 9 meters high and 15 by 20 meters wide. This room is adorned with
thick ice layers on the floors and walls, creating a wintry, ethereal
atmosphere. From here, passages branch out horizontally, making the cave
relatively accessible compared to vertical abysses like Veryovkina Cave
in Georgia.
The interior involves stooping and crawling in sections,
with narrow corridors leading to broader halls. The total explored
length includes multi-tiered galleries that end in a siphon (a
water-filled blockage). Notable features include erosion forms in the
ceilings, such as scalloped patterns from water flow, and
frost-encrusted surfaces that glisten under headlamps. The cave's
acoustics amplify the mournful drips and flows of underground streams,
enhancing the sense of isolation and mystery. Unlike wetter caves with
stalactites and stalagmites, Golubinsky Proval emphasizes cryogenic
(cold-formed) speleothems and sedimentary deposits, offering a unique
glimpse into subarctic karst processes.
Little was known about Golubinsky Proval until the mid-20th century, and it wasn't documented in literature before then. The first systematic exploration occurred in August 1967 by cavers from Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), who mapped its passages and tiers. Since the establishment of the Pinezhsky Nature Reserve in 1974, the cave has been protected as part of a geological reserve, with efforts to balance conservation and tourism. In recent decades, it has become a key attraction in the developing eco-tourism hub around Golubino, supported by infrastructure like the Golubino Tourist Complex.
The cave is open year-round with no entry fees or restrictions, but
guided tours are recommended for safety and are organized through the
Golubino Tourist Complex or local operators. Visitors are provided with
protective gear, including camouflage suits (often repurposed military
attire), rubber boots, gloves, helmets, and headlamps—essential for the
muddy, cold, and uneven terrain. Tours typically last 1-2 hours and
involve moderate physical activity, such as descending ladders and
navigating tight spaces. An extra fee (around 400 rubles as of recent
reports) may apply for the outfit.
The best time to visit is winter,
when ice formations are at their peak and the frozen ground makes access
easier. To reach it, take a bus from Arkhangelsk to Pinega (about 4-5
hours), then arrange local transport or join a tour to Golubino.
Alternatively, trains go to Karpogory on the Pinega River, followed by
bus or taxi. Be prepared for sub-zero temperatures inside, even in
summer, and note that the cave is undeveloped beyond basic stairs—no
lighting or paths.
Golubinsky Proval is embedded in a broader natural and cultural
landscape. The Pinezhsky Reserve offers hiking, white-water rafting on
the Pinega River, fishing, camping, and mountaineering. Nearby, the Holy
Spring waterfall and other caves like Malaya Golubinskaya and
Pekhorovsky Proval provide additional exploration opportunities.
Krasnaya Gorka (Red Hill), the highest point in Arkhangelsk Oblast,
features alpine skiing, the ruins of Krasnogorskiy Bogoroditskiy
Monastery, and panoramic views. Accommodation is available at the
Golubino Forest Hotel, making it a base for multi-day adventures.
Scientifically, the cave contributes to studies of gypsum karst and
cryogenic speleogenesis, highlighting how climate influences
subterranean features in northern latitudes. For visitors, it offers an
immersive experience of Russia's wild north, blending geological wonder
with the thrill of underground exploration.