Category: News

New scientific research in the Upper Barać Cave/

A new research campaign is beginning in the Upper Barać Cave, carried out by the Institut za antropologiju in collaboration with international partners as part of the Last Neanderthals project.

The project is funded by the European Union and led by Stefano Benazzi (University of Bologna), Francesco Berna (University of Siena), and Omry Barzilai (University of Haifa). The research activities in Croatia are headed by Dr. Ivor Janković from the Institute for Anthropological Research in Zagreb, with the participation of Dr. Lia Vidas and several other Croatian scientists.

The aim of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of Neanderthal life and behavior in this area through the analysis of archaeological layers and finds, using advanced scientific methods such as sedimentary DNA and geoarchaeology.

 

Scope and content of the research

The research will include archaeological excavations in the Upper Barać Cave, continuing the stratigraphic excavation within an existing trench from previous campaigns. If necessary, the trench will be expanded by one meter to clarify the stratigraphic context and enable more precise sampling.

 

Research objectives

• to gain a more detailed understanding of the site’s stratigraphic sequence
• to identify and better interpret the presence of cultural layers
• to improve knowledge of the characteristics of the archaeological industry from the period when Neanderthal groups inhabited the area

 

Baraćeve špilje have already demonstrated their exceptional value through findings associated with the Mousterian culture and Pleistocene fauna. Continued research will further establish this area as one of the most significant archaeological sites in this part of Europe.

As an institution, we are proud to participate in such projects, providing conditions for the advancement of top-level science and its high-quality interpretation through the Speleon – Centar podzemne baštine.

 

The research will take place from May 24 to June 13, 2026, marking the beginning of a broader initiative that connects science, nature conservation, and visitor education.

BARAĆ CAVES ARE CLOSED TO VISITORS!/

Dear visitors,

The Barać Caves are closed to visitors from November 2025 to April 2026 due to bat hibernation.

The Upper and Lower Barać Caves are permanent habitats of two bat species – the greater and lesser horseshoe bat – and in recent years, individuals of other species have also been recorded.
During the hibernation period, bats in the Upper Barać Cave spend most of their time in the part of the cave usually open to visitors, which is why the cave remains closed during this time.

The implemented protection and disturbance-prevention measures have proven very effective – the bat population and distribution within the cave have remained stable for several years.

We invite you to visit the Speleon Visitor Centre, which is open all year round and located just one kilometre from the Barać Caves picnic area.
Discover the underground world through Speleon’s modern interpretive exhibits, and after your visit, enjoy refreshments at the Speleon Café & Snack Bar! ☕🌿

Our hiking trails are available throughout the year; however, we advise caution and recommend avoiding walks in unfavourable weather conditions.

See you in the spring!

 

 

4th Dinaric Symposium on Subterranean Biology/

Over the next two days (October 11th and 12th, 2025), the SPELEON – Centre of Subterranean Heritage will host the 4th Dinaric Symposium on Subterranean Biology.

The story of the Dinaric Symposium began in 2016, when the first symposium was organized in Zagreb to mark the 20th anniversary of the Croatian Biospeleological Society. The concept was warmly welcomed by the scientific and professional community, leading to the second symposium in 2019 in Postojna, Slovenia – the cradle of biospeleology. The third symposium took place in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a global hotspot of subterranean biodiversity. We are delighted that this year’s symposium is being held in Nova Kršlja, a region known for its stunning caves and remarkable diversity of cave-dwelling fauna!

We expect 64 participants from 11 European countries, who will present current topics in research, biodiversity, and nature conservation through 22 talks and 11 posters.

The 4th Dinaric Symposium on Subterranean Biology is jointly organized by the Croatian Biospeleological Society and the Public Institution Baraćeve špilje – for the management of protected natural values in the Municipality of Rakovica.

We would like to thank our donors and sponsors: BAREDINE d.o.o., Society for Experimental Biology, and Mala tvornica.

Autumn Week – from October 25th to November 2nd/

Two worlds, one adventure – Plitvice and the underground of Barać Caves

This autumn, experience nature in its most colorful form! 🍁
From October 25th to November 2nd, celebrate Autumn Week – the perfect opportunity for a family trip or a weekend escape into nature. After strolling along the magical trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park, continue your adventure underground!

All visitors with a Plitvice Lakes National Park ticket receive a special discount:

• 10% off individual tickets for Barać Caves – explore the fascinating world of caves and bats.

• 50% off individual tickets for Speleon – the Subterranean Heritage Center – discover the Ice Age and the secrets of the underground through a unique interactive exhibition.

Experience autumn in its most beautiful colors and uncover the hidden charms of nature – above and below ground! 🌿✨

📍 Offer valid upon presentation of a Plitvice Lakes National Park ticket.

Mobile Exhibition-Diverterra/

The Public Institution Barac Caves, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, is organizing a mobile multimedia exhibition Diverterra, which covers topics related to nature and environmental protection. The exhibition will be set up at the Speleon Visitor Center from 15 to 28th September 2025.

Diverterra is a portable exhibition featuring multimedia content displayed on tablets and panels, along with the use of didactic tools (puzzles, coloring books, insect hotels, etc.) to engage visitors and bring the topics and content of the exhibition closer to them.

The exhibition tells the story of Croatia’s exceptional biodiversity, aiming to highlight the challenges of modern lifestyles, their impact on the unique values of our characteristic ecosystems, the causes and consequences of climate change, and to demonstrate the role and power of both individuals and communities in acting responsibly, conserving resources, using them sustainably, and practicing waste separation.

The themes of the mobile exhibition are presented through seven animated animal characters (avatars): a hedgehog, a sea turtle, an otter, a lynx, a Dinaric vole, a bear and a bee.

We invite children, parents, educational institutions and nature enthusiasts to join us and discover the fascinating world of Diverterra.

Bat Night 2025.-CANCELLED/

Important notice!
Dear visitors,
due to the forecast of bad and changeable weather, Bat Night 2025 (29.8.) is unfortunately CANCELLED.
Since all activities are highly sensitive to weather conditions (planetarium, film screening, inflatables, zipline…), we were forced to make this decision.
If the weather conditions allow us soon, the event will be moved to one of the upcoming days – we will inform you in time about the new date on our social media channels.

Thank you for your understanding!

Exploring Prehistory in Lika and Kordun: Caves as a Window into the Past/

Dr. Mario Gavranović, lead researcher and deputy director of the Archaeological Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (Österreichische Akademie der Wissenschaften), has been studying prehistoric periods in Southeastern Europe for many years, with a particular focus on the Bronze and Iron Ages.

In cooperation with the Public Institution Barać Caves,speleological club Ursus spelaeus and his colleague from the Institute, Dr. Alberta Arena, he is currently conducting archaeological research at two sites: Varićakova špilja Cave in the Municipality of Rakovica and the Bobinac Kozerina špilja Cave above the village of Sinac (Lika-Senj County). Varićakova špilja Cave has already revealed a number of fascinating traces of life from the Bronze Age, including human remains displaced by water and ceramic fragments dating back to the 15th century BCE.

These investigations utilize modern technologies such as 3D modeling and digital site documentation, and are conducted through interdisciplinary collaboration with historians, geologists, biologists, chemists, and physicists. Chemists and physicists, in particular, contribute through radiocarbon dating of bone, wood, and other materials, allowing for more precise dating of the finds.

Interestingly, the area of Lika and Kordun was densely populated between 2000 and 1000 BCE, with intensive use of caves, pits, and other underground spaces—a phenomenon almost unique in Europe. While cremation was the dominant funerary practice across most of the continent (known as the Urnfield culture), burial was practiced exclusively in this region, pointing to a distinct, locally developed cultural identity.

In addition to everyday uses such as shelter or food storage, caves also had an important ritual function, serving as sites for sacred ceremonies.

The next research phase aims to connect cave findings with hillforts—fortified settlements located on elevated, strategic positions—and burial sites such as tumuli in the area of Lički Osik. Only by comparing all three categories can we form a more complete picture of life, beliefs, and social networks during the Bronze Age.

These studies confirm that the area between Karlovac and Velebit still holds many secrets—and each new excavation offers valuable insights into one of the key periods of European prehistory.

Photo: Hrvoje Cvitanović

Held in Bihać: “Man and Karst 2025” and International Symposium “ALKADI 2025″/

From June 23 to 25, 2025, the city of Bihać (Bosnia and Herzegovina) hosted two important scientific events – the national symposium “Man and Karst 2025” and the international symposium “ALKADI 2025”, which took place simultaneously and brought together numerous experts, scientists, and enthusiasts in the field of speleology and karst research.

“Man and Karst” – Over Two Decades of Tradition

The “Man and Karst” symposium has been bringing together speleologists, researchers, and scientists from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region for more than 20 years. It is the most significant professional gathering in the country dedicated to karst, its natural and cultural values, and sustainable management of these unique environments.

ALKADI – An International Perspective on Karst

At the same time, the 11th ALKADI (Alps-Carpathians-Dinarides) international symposium was held, focusing on the history of cave and karst research across the Alps, Carpathians, and Dinarides. ALKADI gathers a global community of researchers who, through historical and interdisciplinary approaches, shed light on the development of speleological science and the protection of karst areas.

Presentation of Speleon – The Center for Subterranean Heritage

Among the participants were also representatives of the Public Institution Barać Caves, who presented the Speleon – Center for Subterranean Heritage project. The lecture was delivered by the institution’s Head Ranger, Slaven Vuković, who emphasized the importance of protecting underground ecosystems and introduced innovative approaches to karst interpretation and education. Speleon was presented as a successful example of collaboration between science, public administration, and the local community.

These symposia once again highlighted the importance of international and interdisciplinary cooperation in understanding and preserving karst systems, which represent invaluable natural and cultural heritage.

Photo: Hrvoje Cvitanović

/Notice of Temporary Access Change to Barać Caves and the Speleon/

Dear Visitors,

Due to roadworks on the local road, access to Barać Caves and the Speleon will not be possible via the usual routes — for cars as well as buses — on the following dates:

📅 June 16 (Mon)
📅 June 17 (Tue)
📅 June 18 (Wed)

For detour access, we recommend using the alternative route:
➡️ In the village of Čuić Brdo, turn toward Furjan and follow the signs: “𝐎𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐙𝐀𝐊 – 𝐁𝐀𝐑𝐀Ć𝐄𝐕𝐄 Š𝐏𝐈𝐋𝐉𝐄 𝐈 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐎𝐍”

🔗 You can download detailed directions at the following link:
Google Maps – Detour Route

We thank you for your understanding and kindly advise all visitors to:
✔️ plan their visit using the detour route, or
✔️ postpone their visit to another day.

Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development: The Public Institution Barać Caves as an Example of Coexistence Between Humans and Wildlife

In a world increasingly affected by biodiversity loss and climate change, the Barać Caves stand as an example of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Spanning just 5.19 km² within the Barać Caves Significant Landscape, this area achieves a unique balance between nature conservation, sustainable tourism, and scientific research.

A Biological Treasure in the Heart of Karst

The area managed by the Public Institution Barać Caves is home to an exceptionally rich and diverse flora and fauna. So far, the following have been recorded:

• 562 plant taxa, an impressive number given the area’s size—especially when compared to the Žumberak–Samoborsko Gorje Nature Park, which has just over 1,000 plant taxa across 350 km².
• 603 species of butterflies, including 78 species of diurnal and 525 species of nocturnal butterflies.
• Seven species of reptiles, including one turtle, three lizard species, and three snake species. Additionally, seven species of amphibians have been recorded: one newt, one salamander, and five frog species.

The area is also a habitat for large carnivores such as wolves, lynxes, and bears. Camera traps have also recorded foxes, roe deer, badgers, and wild boars, confirming the ecosystem’s integrity.

An Underground World of Exceptional Value

Biospeleological research conducted in 17 caves and 2 springs within the area has documented:

• 100 species of invertebrates, including 28 troglobionts (species that live exclusively underground), 3 stygobionts, 37 troglophiles, and 22 trogloxenes.
• Upper Barać Cave alone contains 47 different invertebrate taxa, highlighting the ecological importance of cave ecosystems.

Bats as Indicators of a Healthy Environment

Croatia is home to 35 out of 45 European bat species, and 7 species of bats have been recorded within the Barać Caves Significant Landscape. These highly beneficial mammals are crucial for maintaining ecological balance by feeding on large quantities of insects and serving as bioindicators of environmental quality.

Bird Research

Over a two-year study, 56 species of birds were documented within the Barać Caves Significant Landscape, primarily during the nesting season. The most commonly recorded species include the great tit (Parus major), the Eurasian blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), and the marsh tit (Poecile palustris).

Tourism in the Service of Conservation

With over 50,000 visitors annually, the Barać Caves Significant Landscape is a major tourist attraction in the Municipality of Rakovica. However, tourism here does not conflict with nature conservation—quite the opposite. Educational content, guided tours, and scientific research help raise awareness about the importance of environmental protection, while strict conservation rules minimize human impact on natural processes.

The Barać Caves are not just a natural phenomenon—they are a model of sustainable development and harmony between humans and nature. This approach—based on science, conservation, and education—shows the way forward for preserving biodiversity in the 21st century.