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Velna Grāvis: Devil's Ditch on the Nāružiņa River

Explore the mystical Velna Grāvis, a unique geological formation steeped in Latvian folklore, where the Devil is said to have dropped his load of stones.

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Velna Grāvis, or the Devil's Ditch, is a unique natural formation on the Nāružiņa River in Latvia. It features a 30-meter-long accumulation of boulders within a deep, wooded ravine. According to local legend, the Devil himself dropped these stones, creating the unusual landscape.

A brief summary to Velna grāvis uz Nāružiņas upes

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain around Velna Grāvis can be uneven and slippery, especially near the water.
  • Visit in the spring to witness the river's powerful flow as the water foams and swirls over the stones.
  • Combine your visit with a hike in the surrounding forests to appreciate the area's natural beauty.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Ogre, take the regional roads towards Mazozoli Parish. Once in Mazozoli, follow local signs towards Nāružiņa River and Velna Grāvis. Be aware that the final part of the journey involves parking near the meadow (Lat, Lon: 56.931186, 25.544602) and walking approximately 400 meters to the site. Parking is free but limited. Road conditions can vary, especially during wet weather.

  • Walking

    After parking your car, follow the signs towards Velna Grāvis. The walking path leads through a meadow and into the forest, covering a distance of about 400 meters. The path can be uneven and muddy, so wear appropriate footwear. The walk is relatively short and easy, suitable for most fitness levels.

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Discover more about Velna grāvis uz Nāružiņas upes

Velna Grāvis, translated as Devil's Ditch, is a captivating natural landmark located on the Nāružiņa River in the Mazozoli Parish of the Ogre Municipality. This intriguing site features a roughly 30-meter-long accumulation of large stones nestled within a deep, tree-lined ravine in the upper reaches of the Nāružiņa River. The Nāružiņa, a tributary of the Ogre River, stretches for 12 kilometers. Local legend explains the unusual rock formation: it is said that the Devil was carrying the stones in his apron one night when a rooster crowed. Startled, the Devil dropped the stones directly into the river, thus creating the 'Devil's Ditch'. Beneath the stones, the river flows calmly, but during the spring, the water swirls into white foam as it rushes over the rocks. The site is considered a natural dam created as the river eroded through stony moraine, forming a valley with steep slopes. Specialists from the Nature Museum have found that the river contains a high amount of manganese, giving the stones a distinct black color. Visitors can also observe interesting natural formations and rare plants in the surrounding area.

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