Devetashka Cave: A Window into Prehistoric Bulgaria

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Explore Devetashka Cave: A journey through time and nature in a vast Bulgarian cave, once home to ancient humans and now a haven for bats.

Devetashka Cave, near Devetaki village, is a massive karst cave with a rich history, inhabited by humans since the Paleolithic era. Today, it's home to diverse wildlife, including over 30,000 bats, and features stunning natural formations illuminated by openings in its ceiling.

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

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the cave's uneven terrain.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning geological formations and unique lighting.
Visit during weekdays to avoid large crowds.
Check the weather before your visit, as rain can affect accessibility.
Note that the cave may be closed to visitors during bat breeding season (typically June and part of July).

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Getting There

Car

From Lovech, take the E-772 road east towards the village of Devetaki. After approximately 20 kilometers, you will reach Devetaki. Follow the signs to Devetashka Cave. Parking is available near the cave entrance. Parking is free.
Public Transport

From Sofia, take a bus to Lovech. From Lovech, transfer to a local bus heading to Devetaki. Once in Devetaki, follow the signs to Devetashka Cave, a short walk from the bus stop. Bus fare from Sofia to Lovech is approximately $19 - $27. A train from Lovech to Doyrentsi, followed by a taxi to the cave, is also an option, costing $3 - $7.
Walking

From the Devetaki bus stop, head south on Улица Гоце Делчев (Ulitsa Gotse Delchev) towards the village center. After about 500 meters, you will see signs directing you to Devetashka Cave. Follow the signs; it is roughly a 20-minute walk to the cave entrance.

Discover more about Devetashka Cave

Devetashka Cave, located near the village of Devetaki, is one of Bulgaria's largest and most impressive caves. The cave's history stretches back to the Stone Age, with evidence of human habitation dating back 70,000 years. Artifacts discovered within the cave represent a rich source of Neolithic cultural heritage.The cave entrance is a massive 35 meters wide and 30 meters high. Inside, the cave expands into a large hall, reaching up to 60 meters in height in some places, with a total area of 20,400 square meters. Sunlight streams through large openings in the ceiling, illuminating the interior and creating a unique atmosphere. The cave features two main fields: a 2 km long field with a small river that flows into the Osam River, and a warm, dry field ending in a gallery known as the Altar.In the mid-20th century, the cave was used for military purposes and petroleum storage, leaving concrete bases and remnants of a railway. In 2011, it served as a filming location for The Expendables 2, which negatively impacted the bat population. Today, Devetashka Cave is a protected natural landmark and one of Europe's most important bat hibernation sites. Visitors can explore the cave's vast chambers and enjoy the unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.