Near Sarajevo lies Orlovača: a cave that preserves the traces of a cave bear and beauty that is thousands of years old.

In the karst terrain of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where rivers sometimes vanish underground and hills hide secrets older than history itself, a stunning underground world has taken shape.

From southern Herzegovina to the northwest of the country, over 10,000 speleological sites, including caves, pits, sinkholes, and siphons, are mapped, though many remain only partially explored. Some have already gained fame, like the impressive Vjetrenica with its underground rivers and rare species, or the Bijambare cave complex, known for its acoustics and mesmerizing chambers filled with stalactites.

But just a short drive from the capital lies another hidden gem: Orlovača Cave, a place where history, geology, and natural wonder converge in the silence beneath the surface. Lesser-known than its more famous sisters, Orlovača still deserves a firm spot on your must-visit list.

Orlovača, Photo: Davorin Dinic, CC BY-SA 4.0

WHERE IS THIS FASCINATING CAVE HIDING?

Located above the village of Sumbulovac, approximately 20 kilometers from Sarajevo, Orlovača is situated on the southern slopes of Mount Romanija. The entrance sits at an altitude of about 950 meters and is reached via a well-maintained mountain trail. Surrounded by pine forests and fresh woodland air, the cave already gives the impression you are entering another dimension, one where stone tells stories thousands of years old.

A WORLD OF CRYSTAL, SILENCE, AND PREHISTORY

Stretching for over 2.5 kilometers, Orlovača currently offers about 600 meters of safe guided walkways open to visitors. Just stepping into the first chamber, you will notice a dramatic drop in temperature and humidity, a signature of the cave atmosphere. What follows is nearly impossible to describe in words.

Inside, you will find rich cave formations: stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the floor, like nature’s own sculptures. In some parts, the cave decorations merge into curtains, organs, or scenes that resemble frozen waterfalls. The chambers are spacious yet silent, with a natural acoustic that is hard to rival.

THE CAVE BEAR WALKED HERE

One of the most fascinating things about Orlovača is that it holds more than just geological beauty. It also preserves traces of life from a distant past. During explorations, remains of the cave bear (Ursus spelaeus) were discovered, a prehistoric species that lived during the last Ice Age. Bones, teeth, and fragments of skulls are now on display at a small information center outside the cave, adding another layer of wonder to the whole experience.

A CAVE WITH A SOUL AND A TOUCH OF MYSTERY

Thanks to its stable temperature of around 8 degrees Celsius and perfect humidity, Orlovača creates a kind of microclimate, home to rare organisms. Though still being explored, scientists believe it may shelter endemic species found nowhere else.

Intriguingly, many legends are tied to this cave, from hidden outlaw tunnels to tales of invisible rooms that reveal themselves only to the chosen few. Yet what science confirms, and every visitor feels, is that Orlovača carries a special quiet power.

Orlovača, Photo: Davorin Dinic, CC BY-SA 4.0

ACCESSIBLE YET WILD

Unlike many caves that require special gear or speleological training, Orlovača is set up for tourist visits. With professional guides, you can explore its main chamber during the warmer months. Still, we recommend comfortable footwear and layered clothing, as the cave climate is not forgiving when it comes to fashion choices.

If you have already marveled at the dazzling halls of Vjetrenica or the forest serenity of Bijambare, Orlovača will show you yet another side of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s underground beauty, one where nature did not just play with shape and form but left behind traces of life long before humans arrived.

Its proximity to Sarajevo makes it a perfect weekend getaway.

What is the biggest cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina?