Kategorie: News
In search of hidden treasures of the old mining industry
Water is a fascinating element, and the mysterious underwater worlds have a special appeal. This is precisely what inspires many divers and draws them into the depths time and time again. But while you normally dive in lakes, rivers or oceans - i.e. on the surface of the earth - the question arises: what does an underwater landscape look like in hidden caves, deep underground? The passionate apnoea diver and explorer Jan Holland tells us about his experiences.
Rain and melt water penetrates the ground and creates an intricate network of underground passages. Some rivers originate deep inside the earth, while other lakes are connected to these hidden tunnel systems and supply them with water. On its long journey through the rock, the water is filtered and purified until it finally rises to the surface again at some point. This is why the water in caves is often crystal clear.
These cave systems created by water have developed over millions of years and present themselves as labyrinthine structures: sometimes narrow, sometimes wide passages, large halls and narrow cavities. Their surfaces vary from smoothly polished rock to rugged, bizarrely shaped rock faces - a scenery as fascinating as the crystal-clear water itself.
'I am particularly fascinated by the opportunity to experience nature in its most pristine form. This process begins with the research that precedes my dives and explorations of caves. From the initial discovery phase of a little-known cave to the actual exploration, there is often a lot of work ahead of me. During my research, I first establish whether the destination is suitable for an apnoea dive. Even if a cave is not a well-known site, there are usually cave maps that help me to assess the suitability of the cave for my diving activities and to plan my equipment.'
Searching for abandoned tunnels
'Not only natural cave systems arouse my interest. Abandoned tunnels of former mines are fascinating places and exert a magical attraction on me. In the scuba diving scene, developed mines such as Nuttlar or Molnar Janos (in Budapest) are very well known. But there are also abandoned tunnels that have not been developed for commercial use by divers. I have dedicated myself to the search for such treasures, including those that were converted into underground storage facilities during the Second World War. By decommissioning and switching off water retention systems, real natural treasures develop over the years.
The remaining mining lakes develop into oases for flora and fauna and the remains of buildings or conveyor technology exude a morbid lost place charm. Flooded tunnels, hollow chambers and braking mountains also have a special charm with their clear, blue water.
But no matter how unknown, remote and difficult to access the respective body of water is, I usually realise that at least one diver has been there before me. Only in a Bavarian quarry did I manage to find a tunnel that had never been dived in before. But you don't just find mining artefacts directly in the mine, but also in the surrounding natural waters, such as Lake Walchensee. I found the chute of a lorry there, which probably dates back to the construction of the Kesselberg tunnel.'
A very special passion
Jan Holland describes his fascination for this special environment as follows: ‘Silence, darkness and cold prevail underground. Accessing a cave is often arduous and requires a lot of effort, but once there, the hustle and bustle of the world seems far away. There is no lonelier place in the world! - In the best sense, I am down there all to myself and completely alone (apart from my buddy who accompanies me). Of course, I don't just spontaneously dive into a cave. What may seem unplanned is actually the result of careful and elaborate preparation. When I finally dive into a particular cave, I'm well attuned to the environment and approach every step consciously and carefully.’
Whether Jan is diving in lakes, rivers or the sea - or exploring cave systems deep underground - his focus is always on treating nature and the environment with respect. As a souvenir of his adventures, he brings back fascinating pictures and impressive videos, nothing else! Thank you Jan for the insights into your passion.
Jan shares a lot of videos with us on his YouTube channel: youtube.com/channel/UCRKQnFZWGxSZ_TQ4JGKyQQw
Or on Instagram: instagram.com/nn_freediver