1.) The location is easy to get to
From the Croatian capital of Zagreb, you need to drive only 130 kilometres or, in other words, a little under two hours. The trip is a little bit longer if you come from Rijeka (170 kilometres) or Zadar (150 kilometres). Once you reach the village and municipality of Rakovice, you can easily follow the signs to the Barac caves.
2.) This destination is part of a world-renowned tourist offer
Located close to the oldest National Park in Croatia, Plitvička Jezera (Plitvice Lakes), the Barać caves are part of Lika’s offer as a destination, which is placed in the top 100 sustainable destinations and the top 15 finalists.
3.) They’re weekend trip perfection
The Barac caves are an excellent spot for a one-day field trip. Along with touring the caves, there are additional offers of hitchhike tracks, a children’s playground, a picnic area, a badminton court, and more.
4.) They’re just as perfect for active vacation lovers
With two nearby adrenaline parks, the ability to rent quads and bikes, as well as and organised cycling tours and horse-riding through the Plitvice valleys, there’s no chance of you running out of things to do. With some pre-arrangements, you can also visit the Dolina Jelena (Deer Valley) ranch in town of Drežnik, where you can come close and even feed the deer there.
5.) It’s for all ages
To enter the cave, there is a light 200 metre uphill stroll that doesn’t require much of a physical effort. You can tour this area only accompanied by a guide whose interpretation and info is suitable for all ages.
© Denis Stošić / Lika Destination
6.) It’s the home of bats
Rhinolophus ferrumequinum and Rhinolophus hipposideros are two types of bats you can find in almost every auditorium of the upper Barac cave. And with the coming of spring, they’re waking up and hunting bugs which is an excellent opportunity to learn more about them.
7.) Cave bear memorabilia
30.000 year old remnants of a cave bear are displayed within the Barac caves which is extremely rich in both archaeological and paleontologist findings with remains from the Ice Age all the way to the Middle Ages.
8.) Face your fear of the dark
The Barac caves are lit up, but you can also experience the cave in its natural ambient – in complete darkness with the sound of water drops. It’s scary at first, but exciting and relaxing at second sight.
9.) An idividual approach
To organise an event it takes two adults who will be accompanied by a guide. Tickets don’t need to be bought up-front, and the guy welcomes you at the info counter. The tour is organised upon your arrival. Before arranging the tour, the guide will give you some basic information before you purchase a ticket, and the tour lasts for about 60 minutes.
10.) Happy customers
Tripadvisor awarded Lika’s stunning Barac caves with the ”Travellers choice” title meaning they’re among the top 10 percent of the best destinations on Tripadvisor and are constantly receiving new and excellent reviews. Google also awarded the Barac caves with a rating of 4.7/5 and Facebook gave them a 5/5.
For more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
