Caves of Gorski Kotar

Gorski Kotar is a picturesque region located in the heart of Croatia, known primarily for its stunning natural beauty and diverse landscapes. While it is a mountainous area that primarily attracts hikers, thanks to its karst terrain, Gorski Kotar is also home to numerous caves among its natural riches. Caves, like other underground karst formations, play a crucial role in preserving most of Croatia’s drinking water. The unique microclimate, shielded from sunlight and external influences, has also enabled the development of endemic species underground. Furthermore, among the most fascinating features of caves are the abundance of speleothems, including stalactites, stalagmites, underground streams, and columns. These formations are created by the slow deposition of calcium carbonate (limestone) from dripping water over thousands of years. Exploring the interior of a cave is like entering a magical underground world adorned with beautiful natural sculptures.

Lokvarka
Lokvarka is one of the most famous caves in Gorski Kotar, located near the town of Lokve. It was discovered by accident in 1911 during limestone excavation. The entrance is at an elevation of 760 meters above sea level, and the cave is 1179 meters long and 275 meters deep (or at least that much has been discovered so far). It consists of six levels, of which the first four are open to visitors, while access beyond that is permitted only to authorized speleologists. The temperature inside the cave is always between 6 and 8°C, and visitors who come during rainy periods or snowmelt can enjoy the sights of waterfalls and streams formed by the influx of water. Lokvarka is home to numerous Croatian endemic species, including the Croatian cave beetle (Croatodirus ozimeci), which has only been found in this cave. Lokvarka is protected by law as a geomorphological natural monument.

Vrelo
The cave Vrelo is another natural wonder of this region, located near the tourist town of Fužine. It was also discovered by accident during stone excavation for the construction of the Bajer dam and reservoir in 1950. The cave entrance is at an elevation of 723 meters, and the cave is 300 meters long and 12 meters deep. Thanks to its shallow depth, the accessible part of this cave does not have stairs, making it possible for people with disabilities and visitors of all ages to explore. What sets Vrelo apart from other caves is its water features. As its name suggests, this cave has a spring, a lake, and a stream, making it highly attractive to visitors. It is also famous for its rich cave formations, some of which are as old as 500,000 to 600,000 years. The entire cave is estimated to be 3.5 to 4 million years old. The temperature inside the cave remains around 8°C throughout the year.

Muževa hišica
Embedded in the rock at the end of the Vražji prolaz canyon is the entrance to the cave Muževa hišica (Husband’s House). The cave is about 200 meters long, and at its end, there is a small lake where the endemic olm (Proteus anguinus), also known as the human fish, has been found. The cave’s name comes from a legend about a “husband,” a benevolent forest spirit, who lived in the cave and helped the local residents.

Bukovac
The Bukovac cave is also located near Lokve. It is a shorter cave, measuring only 50 meters in length, and its significance lies mainly in its archaeological findings. Inside the cave, evidence of the presence of Paleolithic humans in these areas has been found, including a finely crafted spearhead made of deer antler and traces of a hearth. The hearth also contained charred remains of various Pleistocene animals that early humans consumed (snow leopard, alpine ptarmigan, cave bear, etc.).

These are just some of the many caves that Gorski Kotar hides. While exploring these underground wonders, you will gain a deeper understanding of the intricate and fascinating world beneath the surface of this extraordinary region. For the best accommodation to rest after your explorations, look for options on the Molo Longo agency’s website.