Beneath the picturesque landscapes of the country lies a realm of wonder shrouded in darkness. As we embark on this underground journey, we invite you to leave the surface behind and delve into the mesmerizing depths of the mysterious caves in Bulgaria.
The Most Scenic Caves in Bulgaria
Whether you're an adventurer, a geology enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a unique experience, these caves offer a mesmerizing journey through Bulgaria's natural wonders.
1. Magura Cave
Magura Cave is a fascinating cave near the town of Vidin. It was formed 15 million years ago. Stunning formations and prehistoric drawings are among the features making it one of the most unique caves in Bulgaria.
The cave had a primary gallery and three distinct branch sections. Within one of these branches, is where local champagne wine is crafted and aged for three years, benefiting from the optimal conditions.
Magura Cave features a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. But what sets it apart is the ancient rock art. The site preserves Bronze Age remnants, ancient drawings, and settlements. The largest hall preserves evidence of life from 3100 to 900 years BCE (early Iron Age). A side gallery boasts remarkable ritual drawings, likely a prehistoric cult shrine.
Due to its significance, the Magura Cave is part of the UNESCO tentative list. It's a cultural monument and natural site, open to visitors, with measures for preservation.
Best Time to Visit Magura Cave: Year-round.
Cave Temperature: 11-13°C (52-55°F)
2. Yagodinska Cave
Yagodinska Cave is a hidden gem nestled in the enchanting Buynovo Gorge, near the village of Yagodina in the Rhodopes. It is one of the longest caves in the country, known for its impressive galleries and formations.
Just 4 meters beyond the cave's natural entrance, lies a remarkable Eneolithic dwelling. It was a local ceramic center, a one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon in all of Europe. Among the cave findings and artifacts are ceramic containers, tools for work, charred grains, a ceramic kiln, and hand-operated mills from the Stone-Copper Age.
The cave also boasts geological features and whimsical formations, resembling figures such as the Virgin Mary and Child, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Santa Claus, Pijo and Penda (from Bulgarian folklore). Among these marvels is the Lake of Luck, where people traditionally toss coins to secure ongoing good fortune.
In the middle of the Yagodinska Cave, guests come across the Wall of Sin. A place where, following tradition, coins are affixed to the cave walls, as a test of your moral integrity. Successfully keeping your coin upright signifies a clear conscience.
For adrenaline seekers, the cave offers rock climbing (with equipment) to access the second and third levels of the Yagodinska Cave.
Best Time to Visit Yagodinska Cave: Year-round.
Cave Temperature: 6-7°C (43-45°F)
3. Devil's Throat
Devil's Throat Cave (Dyavolsko Garlo) is located in the heart of the Tridgrad Gorge in the Rhodope Mountains. The eerie name of the cave comes from its entrance's shape, resembling a devil's head. Another striking feature that makes it a part of the unique caves in Bulgaria is the dramatic underground waterfall.
The cave route starts through a 150-meter man-made gallery, leading to the vast Thundering Hall. The massive underground chamber takes the visitors' breath away, with a waterfall dropping from the ceiling into a deep abyss. There is also an exciting 300-step climb, where visitors get to ascend, surrounded by the scenic water feature.
But that's not the only baffling phenomenon occurring in the Devil's Throat. One of the highlights is how the underground waterfall waters disappear into a siphon gallery, only to reappear in the Devil's Den, another nearby cave. There are actually boat expeditions where guests lay in tiny boats and navigate against the flow of the underground river.
If you want to do the boat experience, you need to book it in advance with a Bulgarian cave club. Please note, that the space is very tight and thus, the boat adventure is not appropriate for people with claustrophobia, panic attacks, or anxiety
Best Time to Visit Devil's Throat: Year-round.
Cave Temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F)
4. Devetashka Cave
Near the town of Devetaki is where you will find one of the most unique Bulgarian caves. Devetashka Cave stuns with its enormous size and distinctive rock formations. Throughout history, it served various purposes including as a dwelling and a military site. As well as a filming location for international productions.
The monumental entrance spans approximately 35 meters in height and 30 meters in width, making it an awe-inspiring sight for visitors. The cave's interior is equally impressive, with intricate stalactites and stalagmites formations, accumulating thousands of years.
Two pathways branch off from the central chamber, extending about 200 meters from the entrance. The longer (left) branch is home to a small stream that flows through the central chamber before merging with the Osam River. The shorter (right) branch is devoid of water and offers a warm, dry environment.
Devetashka Cave has a significant role in the natural and cultural history of the region, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the late Paleolithic period. So it's also a notable site of archaeological interest.
Best Time to Visit Devetashka Cave: April, May, August, and September. The cave is NOT accessible from June 1st to July 31st, due to bat breeding season.
Cave Temperature: 15-18°C (59-64°F)
5. Prohodna Cave
Among some of the most unique caves in Bulgaria is the visually striking Prohodna cave in the Iskar Gorge. Bulgarians also call it "The Eyes of God" due to its two large openings resembling eyes.
These openings allow light to penetrate the cave, creating a stunning play of light and shadow within. Locals claim when it rains, water trickles from these crevices, resembling tears, as if the eyes are shedding "tears."
There are two entrances to Prohodna, a large one and a small one. There is a long pathway starting at the small entrance. It passes through the entire cave until it reaches the large exit (the largest cave vault in Bulgaria - 45 meters).
Prohodna Cave is especially popular among adventurers, climbers, and tourists. Not only because it features a spectacular underground river, stalactites, and rock formations, but also because there are numerous activities for those seeking unique experiences.
Some of the adventures you can try during your visit to Prohodna are climbing routes within the cave, bungee jumping, pendulum, and alpine rappels. These extra activities are only available with pre-booked guided tours and you won't be able to book them directly on-site (unless the organizers are already there).
The cave was also a filming location for several international movies and music videos due to its otherworldly appearance.
Best Time to Visit Prohodna Cave: Year-round.
Cave Temperature: 17-18°C (63-64°F)
6. Ledenika Cave
Ledenika Cave is one of Bulgaria's most picturesque caves. The cave amazes with stunning ice formations, remarkable calcite deposits, flowstone formations, and cave pearls. The location is in the northwestern part of the country, near the town of Vratsa.
The intriguing ice formations are present year-round due to the consistently low temperatures inside the cave. Visitors can observe ice stalactites and stalagmites, as well as ice curtains and columns, creating a surreal and enchanting atmosphere.
Ledenika Cave consists of several chambers with unique geological formations and characteristics. These chambers have names such as the Concert Hall, the Altar, and the New Year's Hall.
As one of the unique caves in Bulgaria, it has historical significance. Archaeological findings indicate it was inhabited by humans during different periods of history, including the Neolithic era.
Best Time to Visit Ledenika Cave: Year-round.
Cave Temperature: 8-12°C (46-54°F)
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7. Snezhanka
Snezhanka, also known as "The Snow White Cave," is a remarkable cave in the Rhodope Mountains, near the town of Peshtera. It's a hidden treasure in Bulgaria with enchanting underground beauty. Some of the prominent geological features are impressive cave pearls, stalactites, and stalagmites, dating back thousands of years.
One of the highlights of the cave is the Crystal Hall (Kristalna Zala). A chamber bursting with crystal-like formations, shimmering and reflecting light, creating a magical and almost surreal environment.
Best Time to Visit Snezhanka Cave: Year-round.
Cave Temperature: 4-8°C (39-46°F)
8. Saeva Dupka
Saeva Dupka is one of the less touristy caves in Bulgaria. It's tucked away in the Balkan Mountains, close to the town of Lovech. The cave is famous for its rich variety of stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, and flowstone structures, forming over millions of years due to the slow deposition of calcium carbonate.
Its name originates from the two shepherd brothers – Suo and Seio, the discoverers of the cave, who found refuge in it during the Ottoman occupation. The cave offers a captivating journey into the depths of the Earth. One of the unique features of Saeva Dupka is a subterranean river that flows through part of the cave.
Numerous artifacts from the time of the Roman Empire have been unearthed within.
Best Time to Visit Saeva Dupka: April to September.
Cave Temperature: 7-11°C (45-52°F)
9. Bacho Kiro Cave
Bacho Kiro near Dryanovo is one of the most historically significant caves in Bulgaria. The cave is famous for its role as one of the earliest human settlements in the country.
The site displays evidence of human habitation dating way back to the Paleolithic period! Various tools, artifacts, and remains have been discovered inside, shedding light on the prehistoric history of the region. While its archeological importance is prominent, Bacho Kiro Cave also boasts impressive geological formations - stalactites and stalagmites.
Best Time to Visit Bacho Kiro Cave: April to September.
Cave Temperature: 10-11°C (50-52°F)
10. Uhlovitsa Cave
Uhlovitsa is another remarkable cave in Bulgaria notable for its striking geo formations. It's situated near the town of Devin in the Rhodope Mountains. As a relatively less popular site compared to the others on the list, it offers a tranquil experience for visitors.
The vertical drop to the lowest cave point is 25 meters below ground level, while the elevation at the entrance is 1040 meters. Uhlovitsa cave spans 460 meters in length and features two levels. The well-kept section of the cave concludes with a striking white travertine waterfall and four sinter lakes that fill with water in springtime.
Whether you visit during the warmer months or off-season, you can expect a comfortable and visually captivating journey, exploring the underground splendor of Bulgaria. Uhlovitsa's charm is in its intricate stalactites, stalagmites, dendrites, and various other cave formations.
If you want to top up the visit to Uhlovitsa, you can combine the experience with an exploration or boat adventure in the nearby water cave Golubovitsa! Golubovitsa cave is not open to tourists because it's filled with water almost all year. But when the water recedes (in late summer and autumn) you can request a visit with a guide and special equipment.
Best Time to Visit Uhlovitsa Cave: Year-round.
Cave Temperature: 8-10°C (46-50°F)
As we conclude our exploration of these remarkable caves in Bulgaria, it's clear that nature's artistic hand knows no bounds. From hidden chambers with breathtaking shapes to underwater rivers, waterfalls, and prehistoric carvings, these caves are a true sight to behold.
So the next time you find yourself in Bulgaria, don't miss the opportunity to delve into the depths of these unique and mysterious caves.
Learn more about the hidden gems of Bulgaria in our blog.