Šupljara Cave
1 / 10

Šupljara Cave

4.3
·111 reviews·Rastovača, Croatia

A natural cave passage in Plitvice Lakes National Park, offering a shortcut and stunning canyon views from its summit.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

See the cave and surrounding nature

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Šupljara Cave

Šupljara Cave

Best Time

Daytime

See the cave and surrounding nature

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A natural cave passage in Plitvice Lakes National Park, offering a shortcut and stunning canyon views from its summit.

4.3
(111 reviews)

"A unique cave offering a shortcut and scenic views between the upper and lower lakes."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The cave path is rocky and often damp. Good grip is essential for a safe climb.

⚠️ Caution on Stairs

Stairs are narrow and can be slippery. Take your time, especially if you have children.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Šupljara Cave

Šupljara Cave

Plitvice Lakes National Park

A unique cave offering a shortcut and scenic views between the upper and lower lakes.

Canyon Views

Canyon Views

Top of Šupljara Cave

Ascend through the cave for breathtaking panoramic views of the Plitvice Lakes canyon.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Cave Access & Conditions

Šupljara Cave involves an 80m climb via narrow, damp stairs. Wear sturdy shoes and be cautious, especially with children. It can be accessed from the top or bottom of the Plitvice Lakes trails.

Park Entry Fees

While the cave itself is a quick visit, accessing it requires entry into Plitvice Lakes National Park, which has an admission fee. Budget accordingly for your park visit.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
See the cave and surrounding nature
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The cave path is rocky and often damp. Good grip is essential for a safe climb. Reddit

⚠️ Caution on Stairs

Stairs are narrow and can be slippery. Take your time, especially if you have children. Reddit

🦇 Bat Spotting

Don't expect to see bats during the day; they are more active at dawn/dusk or off-season. Reddit

⬆️ Shortcut Option

Use the cave as a quick way to travel between the upper and lower sections of the park. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The cave path is rocky and often damp. Good grip is essential for a safe climb. Reddit

⚠️ Caution on Stairs

Stairs are narrow and can be slippery. Take your time, especially if you have children. Reddit

🦇 Bat Spotting

Don't expect to see bats during the day; they are more active at dawn/dusk or off-season. Reddit

⬆️ Shortcut Option

Use the cave as a quick way to travel between the upper and lower sections of the park. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(111 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Šupljara Cave is a unique natural passage within Plitvice Lakes National Park, appreciated for its function as a shortcut and the scenic canyon views it offers from its summit. While the climb can be challenging due to narrow, damp stairs, it's considered a worthwhile detour for most visitors. Some note the lack of bat sightings during the day.

"Nice cave above the lake, it is currently closed, but it is nice."

Marek Šolc

"The cave provides an interesting side diversion from the lower lakes trail and will take about 10-15 minutes of your time. It can be accessed from either the top or the bottom. Keep in mind it is an 80m climb on a combination of rocky trail and stairs which are quite narrow and often damp so take care especially with children."

Steven

"Beautiful. Expensive to enter the park. But your a tourist so who cares. Take a day or two to walk around and see it all"

Jean-Noel Howell

What People Like

Natural shortcut
Canyon views
Unique experience

What People Dislike

Slippery stairs
No bats seen

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Šupljara Cave is located within Plitvice Lakes National Park. You can access it from either the upper or lower lake trails. It's an 80m climb via stairs and rocky paths. Reddit

While not a primary attraction, it's a natural diversion along the park's trails, offering a shortcut and unique views. Reddit

You can start from the top and descend, or start from the bottom and ascend. Both offer different perspectives of the park. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Šupljara Cave is accessible with your general admission ticket to Plitvice Lakes National Park. Reddit

The cave follows the operating hours of Plitvice Lakes National Park. It's generally open during daylight hours when the park is accessible. Reddit

There is no additional fee beyond the park entrance ticket. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Exploring the cave itself, including the climb, typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Reddit

The climb involves narrow, damp, and rocky stairs, which can be challenging for very young children. Parental supervision is crucial. Reddit

From the top, you get a great vantage point to see the canyon and the surrounding Plitvice Lakes landscape. Reddit

While known as the 'bat cave,' sightings are rare during daytime visits. You might see them at dawn or dusk. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique rock formations inside the cave and the expansive canyon views from the top. The contrast between the dark cave and the bright exterior is striking. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the cave, but be mindful of other visitors and the damp conditions. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Šupljara Cave offers a unique adventure for families, but requires caution. The 80-meter climb involves narrow, damp, and rocky stairs, so sturdy, non-slip shoes are essential for everyone. Keep a close eye on children, especially younger ones, as the path can be slippery. Reddit

Consider the cave as a fun shortcut between the upper and lower lakes. While it's a quick visit, the ascent provides a sense of accomplishment and leads to beautiful canyon views from the top. It's a memorable part of exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park, but ensure everyone is comfortable with heights and uneven terrain. Reddit

🚶 Hikers & Adventurers

For those who enjoy a bit of exploration, Šupljara Cave is a fantastic addition to your Plitvice Lakes hike. It serves as an exciting natural shortcut, allowing you to efficiently move between different sections of the park. The climb itself, though short, is invigorating and offers a different kind of engagement with the landscape. Reddit

Don't miss the panoramic views from the cave's exit at the top; they provide a stunning perspective of the canyon that you might otherwise miss. While it's not a deep spelunking experience, it adds a layer of adventure to your visit and is a great way to break up the walking along the lakes and waterfalls. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Šupljara Cave

Šupljara Cave, often referred to as the 'bat cave,' serves as a natural passage within Plitvice Lakes National Park. It offers a unique way to traverse between the upper and lower sections of the park, saving time and providing an adventurous detour. The cave involves an ascent or descent of approximately 80 meters, utilizing a combination of rocky trails and narrow, often damp, staircases. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy, non-slip footwear due to the potentially slippery conditions. Reddit

Accessing the cave can be done from either the top, near the upper lakes, or from the bottom, closer to the lower lakes. This flexibility allows it to function as a shortcut for those looking to optimize their time exploring the park's numerous waterfalls and lakes. While it's a fascinating geological feature, it's important to note that bat sightings are uncommon during daylight hours, so don't expect a wildlife encounter. Reddit

The climb through the cave offers a different perspective of the park's natural beauty. Upon reaching the top, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding canyon, a breathtaking sight that complements the stunning lake vistas. It's a relatively short but memorable part of the Plitvice Lakes experience, adding an element of exploration to the natural wonder. Reddit

Practicalities for Visiting

When planning a visit to Šupljara Cave, it's crucial to be prepared for the terrain. The narrow and damp stairs require careful footing, making appropriate footwear a must. Many visitors recommend wearing shoes with good grip to avoid slips, especially if it has been raining or is humid. Reddit

While the cave itself is a quick visit, it's integrated into the larger Plitvice Lakes National Park experience. This means your park entrance ticket is your access pass. The park can be quite expensive, so factor this into your overall budget for the day. Reddit

For those with young children, the climb can be challenging. It's advisable to hold onto them closely and take breaks as needed. The cave is more of a natural passage than a deep cavern, so the exploration is brief but offers a unique perspective and a bit of adventure within the stunning landscape of Plitvice. Reddit

You may also like