Barac Caves

The Barac caves at Nova Krslja were opened to visitors in 1892, which makes them among the earliest show caves in this part of Europe - the local people had known them far longer and used them as refuges during the Ottoman period and again in the twentieth century. Tourism stopped for most of the twentieth century and the caves were closed; systematic work began again after 2004 and the upper cave now has a path, lighting and guided tours. Bones of cave bear and other Pleistocene fauna have come out of the sediments. The tour runs through chambers with columns, curtains and flowstone, about forty-five minutes underground.

What you actually see

• A show cave since 1892 - among the earliest in the region.
• Used as a refuge - in Ottoman times and in the twentieth century.
• Reopened after 2004 - path and lighting installed then.
• Cave bear remains - from the sediments inside.

When to go

April to October; tours run less often outside summer. Two hours.

Honest expectations

Guided access only and the schedule thins off season - booking is sensible. The path has steps and uneven sections. It is cool and damp inside. Only part of the system is open.

Nearby

Plitvice is south; Rastoke and Slunj are north.