Author: Baraćeve špilje

The 5th Edition of the Barać Forest Trail – A Spectacular Natural Adventure in the Barać Caves!

This Saturday, in the stunning surroundings of the Barać Caves, we witnessed yet another spectacular edition of the Barać Forest Trail. Around 200 brave runners, their loyal supporters, recreational enthusiasts, and other visitors came to enjoy this unique natural event. This was already the fifth edition of the Barać Forest Trail, and also the final round of Croatia’s most popular trail league – the Kontinenttrail League.

The race attracted many participants. The ZERCA trail gathered the largest number of runners to date. More experienced runners opted for the ŠIŠMIŠ route, while the bravest chose the longest route, now well-known under the name BUNIKA.

“The Zerca trail was run on a marked pedestrian path of 7.5 km with a 173-meter elevation gain, which equals one lap. The second group of runners opted for the Šišmiš trail of 15 km with a 346-meter elevation gain, while the bravest ran a full 22.5 km, conquering an elevation gain of 528 meters. The course was entirely trail (off-road) – 100% nature,” said Leopold Špehar, President of the Plitvice Athletic Club and co-organizer of the race.

All runners received rich starting packages, while visitors, supporters, families, and friends enjoyed additional amenities at our picnic area. The fastest competitors won generous prizes from our sponsors. Of course, the youngest participants were not forgotten, with boys and girls competing in different age categories, and the top three in each category were awarded medals and valuable gifts.

In the gallery, you can find pictures showing how incredible this weekend in the Barać Caves was, and what beautiful trails lie hidden in the forests of this Significant Landscape. Below this report, we present the runners’ rankings.

The director of the Public Institution Barać Caves, as a co-organizer of the race, stated: “Runners are increasingly recognizing this race as an event that must be included in their annual race calendar. This race is important for the tourist and economic contribution to the municipality of Rakovica, which supported this event, along with Karlovac County and the Plitvice Valleys Tourist Board.”

Among other sponsors, we would like to thank Natural Wealth, Select Box, Cetina Water, Dogma, Veronika Desinić Dairy, Nikola Tesla Experience Center Karlovac, Kino Edison, Pazin Cave – Speleo Adventure, Una Kayak Safari, Cave Park Grabovača, Diva Confectionery, OPG TeaSheena, and others.

We thank everyone for their support and commit to making the race better and better each year, serving to promote the municipality of Rakovica, Karlovac County, and the Public Institution Barać Caves.”

If you missed this year’s race, the organizers invite you to join next year and be part of this magical natural adventure.

Race Results

BUNIKA M- 1. Stjepan Žanić / 2. Antun Patrčević / 3. Tonći Šegarić

BUNIKA F – 1. Maja Krčelić / 2. Andreja Ložnjak /3. Antonija Janči

ŠIŠMIŠ M – 1. Dragan Narančić/ 2. Leonardo Pavina / 3. Mateo Ledinski

ŠIŠMIŠ F – 1. Gabrijela Šalković/2. Matea Maslač /3. Mirjana Kolar

ZERCA M – 1. Amir Muminovic /2. Goran Narančić / 3. Zoran Narančić

ZERCA F – 1. Lara Nimac /2. Dora Sušak / 3. Andreja Lacković

Photo: Patricia Rubčić, Kristina Štefanac, Vedran Božičević

 

Workshop “Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – Importance in (Micro)climatic Processes of Caves and How to Monitor It” (Perušić, October 4, 2024)/

“Open Days of EU Projects”

The Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds is once again organizing the “Open Days of EU Projects,” which will take place from October 5 to 20, 2024, across the Republic of Croatia.

The public institution Barać Caves will participate in the “Open Days of EU Projects” with a free tour of Speleon – Centre of subterranean heritage, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The aim of this event is to bring EU-funded projects closer to the general public, showcasing how they have contributed to the development of local communities. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about projects in various sectors such as energy, research and development, culture, education, entrepreneurship, transportation, environmental protection, rural development, social inclusion, tourism, health, and many others.

During the “Open Days,” you can visit numerous EU fund beneficiaries across Croatia and discover how they have successfully implemented projects that improve our daily lives.

For more information, visit the official website https://strukturnifondovi.hr/en/activities/open-days/ and follow social media pages https://web.facebook.com/eu.fondovi.hrvatska?_rdc=1&_rdr

#100%eufondovi

CULTURAL HERITAGE – RESTORATION OF FINDS

Barać Caves are a well-known archaeological site, pointed out by, among others, naturalists Hirtz, Kišpatić, and Malez. One of the activities carried out by the Public Institution is the preservation of the area’s cultural values and heritage.

Through years of research and systematic collection, a highly valuable and rich archaeological and paleontological collection has been formed, which is stored in the depot of the Speleon Visitor Center, but also displayed as part of its permanent exhibition. Each find holds exceptional value and reveals new details from the past.

How do you like the medieval thimble we found? The thimble was used for hand sewing, particularly because it prevents pricking the finger. Finding such an item in the cave suggests that people who stayed inside for an extended period of time had lost it.

In the gallery below, you can view photos of some of the finds before and after the restoration process.

Discover the Beauty of Lika Destinations with a voucher booklet!

From June 20 to October 31, 2024, take advantage of a unique opportunity to explore ten of the most beautiful locations in the Lika region with a single joint ticket – voucher booklet. The price for the joint ticket is 70.00 € for adults, 42.50 € for children aged 7-18, and free admission for children under 7.

Each year, Plitvice Lakes National Park brings together diverse attractions to offer visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty and cultural landmarks of Lika with an affordable and accessible ticket. This year’s joint ticket includes visits to:

• Plitvice Lakes National Park – the oldest and most beautiful national park in Croatia, known for its turquoise lakes and stunning waterfalls, part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
• Northern Velebit National Park
• Paklenica National Park
• Velebit Nature Park – Zavratnica Bay
• Velebit Nature Park – Cerovačke špilje (caves)
• Barać Caves
• Barać Caves – SPELEON Centre of subterranean heritage
• Grabovača Cave Park
• Nikola Tesla Memorial Center
• Croatian Center for Indigenous Species of Fish and Crayfish of Karst Waters

Purchase your voucher with tickets at the entrances of Plitvice Lakes National Park.

The joint ticket not only provides economical access to these destinations but also promotes sustainable tourism and nature conservation, offering visitors an unforgettable experience

Don’t miss the chance to discover the beauty of Lika destinations at an exceptionally affordable price!

Foto: NPPJ

 

 

 

Nature Protection Day in the Republic of Croatia – Freshwater Crayfish/

In May 2024, the Public Institution conducted field research on the stone crayfish (Austropotamobius torrentium) in the Barać Caves Protected Landscape area. This research is a continuation of last year’s study aimed at assessing the population status of the stone crayfish. The field research involved a harmless method of investigation, which includes capturing crayfish using traps and by hand, marking the captured individuals, and measuring other parameters (weight, length) to determine the population status and educate the public as part of the Public Institution’s activities. Dr. Leopoldina Dakić, along with the expert and ranger service of the Public Institution, participated in the research.

To educate the public about the importance of nature protection in the Republic of Croatia and the importance of preserving native and strictly protected species, including the stone crayfish, the Public Institution, together with Dr. Leopoldina Dakić, held a workshop with students from Eugen Kvaternik Elementary School in Rakovica. During the workshop, students had the opportunity to listen to a presentation about crayfish, their development, significance, and threats. They were also introduced to a non-native invasive species, the signal crayfish, and watched an educational film titled “The Story of Crayfish” about the history of European freshwater crayfish and the problems they face due to prolonged exploitation for human consumption, pollution, and invasive alien species.

After the lecture, the students had the chance to see a live stone crayfish and showed great interest and curiosity about crayfish. At the end of the workshop, Dr. Leopoldina Dakić distributed an educational picture book titled “The Story of Jacques the Crayfish,” published by the Public Institution Natura Viva for the management of protected natural areas in Karlovac County as part of the project “Control of Signal Crayfish Populations in the Korana and Radonja Rivers,” in which the Barać Caves Public Institution and other organizations and institutions also participate.

Through education, innovation, and active participation from an early age, we can collectively work towards preserving nature protection, biodiversity, and ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable future for all of us.

You can see photos of the field research and the workshop in our photo gallery.

European Natura 2000 Day/

Electric vehicle charging station at Speleon visitor centre!

At the area of the Public Institution Barać Caves, visitors have access to an electric vehicle charging station. The electric charging station can be used by locals, visitors, and all other drivers passing through who need access to an electric charging station.

✅ Fast Charging: With the MoonPower Public2x22kW charging station featuring two connectors with 11 kW each, allowing two vehicles to charge simultaneously, your vehicle will be ready to drive in record time.

✅ Convenient Location: Located in the parking lot of the Speleon Visitor Center, our charging station enables you to charge your vehicle while enjoying a cup of coffee, exploring the visitor center and Barać Caves, or simply taking in the surroundings.

🌍 Local Support, Global Impact: By visiting our charging station, you support a local initiative for sustainable mobility while also contributing to the global reduction of CO2 emissions and harmful pollutants.

🚗 Clean Energy, Clean Air: Our charging station utilizes renewable energy sources to power your vehicle with clean energy. Reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment every time you charge your vehicle.

This initiative aligns with Directive 2014/94/EU of the European Parliament and Council, which supports sustainable transport and the establishment of an uninterrupted network of alternative fuel infrastructure in the European Union.

For more information about the electric charging station, please visit the following link: https://moon-power.hr/

Labor Day is ahead of us, and how to make the most of your time for relaxation and a one-day trip, we discover below!

Just an hour and a half away from Zagreb or Zadar, not far from the Plitvice Lakes National Park, lies the Significant Landscape of Barać Caves! In untouched nature, on just 5.19km², there are numerous amenities – all in one place! Here’s how our ideal day would look like!

10:00 am – Morning coffee at the Speleon Visitor Center: Morning coffee with a view of the hilly landscape and mixed forests, next to the magnificent architectural building in a peaceful environment. For children, there is also a free thematic playroom “speleopoly” within the center.

10:30 am Visitor Center Tour: Our guides will welcome you at the visitor center and provide all the information about the tour and answer all your questions. The tour is organized with expert guidance included in the ticket price, and prior reservation for less than 15 people is not required! The tour lasts from 45 minutes to one hour.

11:40 am Arrival at the Barać Caves excursion area: Just a kilometer away from the visitor center is the Barać Caves excursion area. The cave tour is also accompanied by expert guidance included in the ticket price. The tour lasts approximately one hour, and the guidance will momentarily turn into absolute silence and darkness for you to carry that unique underground experience with you forever.

1:00 pm Break at the snack bar: In the fir forest, next to the Baraćevac spring, our snack bar is located with a selection of savory and sweet snacks. With a wide range of drinks and beverages, catch some sunlight and get ready for the next activity!

2:00 pm Hiking trails: Three well-maintained hiking trails are available to you. The trails vary in length and circular shape starting and ending at the Barać Caves excursion area! Each trail has a different length; you can choose between the bear trail – 7.5 km, lynx trail – 3.1 km, or wolf trail – 1.2 km. Depending on the trail you choose, your tour will last for 20-30 minutes, 1:00-1:30 hours, or 2:30-3:00 hours.

The rest of the day? – After walking the hiking trails, relax in the picnic and recreation area; numerous loungers and benches are located by the stream for you to rest in the shade of the fir tree. Free recreational facilities such as a badminton court, soccer field, and children’s playground are available for you!

No reservation is required for groups of less than 15 people.

Speleon Visitor Center’s working hours are from 10 am to 6 pm.

Upper Barać Caves’ working hours are from 10 am to 6 pm.

Snack Bar’s working hours are from 10 am to 6 pm.

Photo: Marina Magdić, Patricia Rubčić, Josip Durdov, Dinko Neskusil, Denis Stošić