In the heart of the Balkans, the small nation of Albania has quietly been guarding an extraordinary natural treasure beneath its rugged landscape.
Recently brought to light by a team of Czech researchers, this remarkable find has reshaped our understanding of subterranean ecosystems. What they discovered is nothing short of astonishing—the largest geothermally-heated underground lake on Earth.
An Accidental Discovery in Leskovik
The story begins in 2021, when a group of scientists from Czechia ventured into the remote region surrounding the Albanian town of Leskovik, near the Greek border. Their mission was scientific exploration, but what they stumbled upon was completely unexpected.
Political instability in the area eventually forced them to cut their investigations short, yet not before they made an incredible observation—a towering column of steam rising from the hillside.
Curiosity led the team closer. As they approached, they were confronted with a gaping abyss plunging 330 feet (100 meters) into the earth. Descending into this vast cavity, they discovered a mesmerizing turquoise lake, warmed by geothermal energy deep within the Earth’s crust. However, their initial findings would have to wait for a more stable period to be fully explored.
A Return Fueled by Scientific Ambition
Three years later, in 2024, circumstances allowed the Czech scientists to return. This time, they were supported by a research grant from the Neuron Foundation, an organization based in Czechia dedicated to empowering groundbreaking scientific endeavors. The additional funding enabled them to launch a comprehensive study of the cave and its hidden lake.
With the help of cutting-edge technology, including a mobile LiDAR scanner, the team embarked on an ambitious mapping and surveying project. This equipment allowed them to create detailed three-dimensional models of the cave systems, providing new insights into the vast underground spaces.
Along with Atmos Cave, which houses the geothermal lake, the team also mapped nearby caves known as Sulfur, Breška, and Kobyla—sites they had first charted during their initial visit in 2021.
“It’s something that could have a huge impact on understanding underground ecosystems and geological processes,” explained Marek Audy, a seasoned caver and member of the research team, in an interview with Nat Geo CZ.
“We want to look at other parts of the cave, learn more about the geology and biology of this area,” added Audy.
The Magnitude of Lake Neuron
Their meticulous efforts revealed astonishing details about what they found beneath Leskovik. The lake itself spans an impressive 454 feet (138 meters) in length and reaches a depth of 138 feet (45 meters).
Holding over 8,000 cubic meters of water—equivalent to more than three and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools—it now stands as the world’s largest known geothermally-heated underground lake. It surpasses the previous record holder, located in Hungary, in both size and volume.
In honor of the organization that made their groundbreaking return possible, the scientists named the lake “Lake Neuron.”
Scientific Support Making a Global Impact
The achievement has garnered praise from the Neuron Foundation, whose support was instrumental in the success of the expedition.
“I am incredibly proud that we could support Czech scientists in such a groundbreaking project,” said Monika Řasa Vondráková, director and co-founder of the Neuron Foundation, in a statement.
She went on to emphasize the significance of such explorations, “This achievement underscores the importance of supporting scientists directly in the field, where their expertise and dedication lead to new discoveries. Expeditions like these are vital for advancing science and expanding our understanding of the world around us.”
The Future of Exploration
As scientific interest in Albania’s underground marvel grows, Lake Neuron stands as a testament to the power of curiosity, international collaboration, and the value of investing in field research.
Researchers are hopeful that further studies will unveil even more secrets from this remote and largely uncharted region, deepening our understanding of the planet’s hidden geological and biological wonders.
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