The Medvednica Nature Park - The renovated Veternica Cave

After the completion of renovations, Veternica Cave - located in the Medvednica Nature Park, has reopened its doors to visitors. The cave is best known for its bat population, an indication of unspoiled nature.

If you are a fan of nature and animals, make sure to visit Veternica Cave located in the Medvednica Nature Park. The cave is inhabited by bats, as many as 18 species of them, 12 of which hibernate inside. The cave is closed to visitors during the winter so that the bats are not disturbed during their hibernation. In order to protect these unusual creatures, the entrance to the cave also features a special bat friendly gate which enables the bats to pass through freely whilst preventing unwanted intruders from entering.

Veternica Cave spreads along seven kilometres and it keeps expanding, while visitors have access to the first 380 metres of it. Since 1979 it has been protected by law as a geomorphologic monument of nature. The access path to the cave, as well as a children’s playground on the plateau in front of the cave were renewed during recent renovations, and new LED lighting and a speaker system have been installed.

A visit to Veternica Cave is possible only with an expert guide, and the tour lasts between 45 and 60 minutes. The temperature inside the cave is around 10 degrees Celsius all year round, so warmer clothing and sports footwear are highly recommended.

Every year, on the last Saturday in August, Veternica Cave and the nearby Glavica mountain chalet are the venues for the International Night of Bats. This event is dedicated to these mysterious night fliers, which are an endangered species and an indication of unspoiled nature.