Devetashka Cave: A Journey Through Time and Nature

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Explore Devetashka Cave: A historic Bulgarian landmark with stunning natural beauty, ancient human history, and unique cave ecosystems.

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Devetashka Cave

Devetashka Cave, near Devetaki village in Bulgaria, is a vast karst cave with a rich history, inhabited by humans since the Paleolithic era. Its massive chambers, illuminated by seven ceiling holes, create a unique and awe-inspiring experience for visitors.

A brief summary to Devetashka Cave

Devetaki, 5555, BG
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Monday 8 am-8 pm
Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
Thursday 8 am-8 pm
Friday 8 am-8 pm
Saturday 8 am-8 pm
Sunday 8 am-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Devetashka Cave.

Wear sturdy shoes as the cave floor can be uneven and slippery.
Bring a flashlight to explore the darker sections of the cave.
Check the opening hours in advance, as they may vary depending on the season.
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Note that the cave is closed during the summer months (typically June and July) for bat breeding season.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Sofia, take a bus to Lovech. Buses depart from Sofia's Central Bus Station and the journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Tickets cost between $6 and $10. From Lovech, take a local bus to the village of Devetaki. This ride takes about 30 minutes. From Devetaki, it's a 2-kilometer walk to the cave entrance. Check bus schedules in advance as they may vary.
Taxi

From Lovech, a taxi to Devetashka Cave is a direct option. Taxis are available at the Lovech bus station. The ride to the cave takes approximately 30 minutes. Ensure you agree on the fare before starting your journey. The fare can range between 20 to 30 BGN (Bulgarian Lev).
Car

If driving from Lovech, take the E83 road southeast. After about 30 kilometers, you will reach the town of Devetaki. Once in Devetaki, follow the signs to Devetashka Cave, a few kilometers outside the town. There is a parking area near the cave entrance. A small parking fee of around 2-5 BGN may apply.

Discover more about Devetashka Cave

Devetashka Cave, also known as Maarata or Oknata, is located 18 kilometers northeast of Lovech and 2 kilometers from the village of Devetaki. This impressive karst cave boasts a history stretching back 70,000 years, with evidence of human habitation from the Early Stone Age. The cave served as a shelter for ancient humans and later as a military storage site and even a filming location for The Expendables 2.The cave's entrance is a staggering 35 meters wide and 30 meters high. As you venture inside, the cave widens into a spacious hall covering 2,400 square meters, with a height of 60 meters, reaching up to 100 meters in some areas. Sunlight streams through seven holes in the ceiling, illuminating the central hall and creating a magical atmosphere.Two fields branch off from the main hall. The left field extends over 2 kilometers, with a small river flowing through it and into the Osam River. The right field is warmer and drier, leading to a rectangular hall and a gallery known as the Altar. Devetashka Cave is also an important hibernation spot for over 30,000 bats, including several species listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The cave is closed to visitors during the summer months to protect the bats' breeding season.While exploring the cave, you can see stalactites, stalagmites, and unique geological formations. Remnants of its past as a military storage site, including concrete bases, are also visible. A bridge constructed for The Expendables 2 remains as well. Devetashka Cave is a natural landmark protected by law since 1996, offering a glimpse into Bulgaria's ancient past and natural beauty.