Šupljara Cave | Plitvice Lakes

Information

Landmark: Šupljara Cave
City: Plitvice Lakes
Country: Croatia
Continent: Europe

Šupljara Cave, Plitvice Lakes, Croatia, Europe

Šupljara Cave is a vertical karst cavern located on the eastern cliff face of the Lower Lakes canyon within Plitvice Lakes National Park. It is a geomorphological monument of nature, notable for its unique "bottomless" appearance from the canyon floor.

Visual Characteristics

The cave is a through-cave (ponor) characterized by a series of massive, open chambers and a vertical shaft that connects the canyon rim to the boardwalks below. It lacks significant stalactite or stalagmite formations due to its high exposure to external weather conditions. The limestone walls are weathered and host specific cave-dwelling flora and fauna.

Location & Access Logistics

The cave is situated between Lake Gavanovac and Lake Kaluđerovac.

Access: It can be reached via a steep stone staircase integrated into the cave's interior.

Routes: It serves as a vertical shortcut for visitors on Program B, C, and K who wish to transition between the lakeside boardwalks and the panoramic trail on the canyon rim.

Difficulty: The climb is steep and can be slippery due to high humidity and dripping water. It is not recommended for individuals with restricted mobility.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Šupljara was formed through the corrosive action of water on Upper Cretaceous limestone. Unlike the underwater caves in the park, this is a "dry" cave system. It is ecologically significant for housing endemic cave species, including several types of cave beetles and the cave pseudoscorpion. Archaeological findings in similar local caves suggest these sites were used for shelter during prehistoric periods.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Ascent: Climbing through the cave provides a unique "framed" view of the turquoise Lower Lakes from the interior chambers.

Blueberry Lookout: The top exit of the cave leads directly to the upper trail, offering a high-angle perspective of the S-shaped boardwalks across the water.

Temperature Contrast: The interior remains significantly cooler than the canyon floor, providing a natural thermal break during summer months.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Safety: The interior is equipped with stone steps, wooden handrails, and minimal electric lighting.

Signage: Information boards at the cave base and exit explain the geological formation and the protected fauna within.

Connectivity: Cellular signals (4G/5G) are typically lost or significantly weakened while inside the central chambers of the cave.

Best Time to Visit

Summer: Provides relief from the heat of the exposed canyon boardwalks.

Avoidance: During or immediately after heavy rainfall, the interior steps can become hazardous and subject to significant water runoff.

Facts & Legends

The cave’s name, Šupljara, translates roughly to "The Hollow One" or "The Cavernous One." Local legends claim the cave was the home of a "Wise Monk" (Kaluđer) who lived as a hermit and was consulted by people from the surrounding Lika villages. Lake Kaluđerovac, located directly below the cave, is named in his honor.