Upper Barać Cave, with a Guide

What it is

The Barać caves (Baraćeve špilje) are at Nova Kršlja, in the municipality of Rakovica, about twenty minutes by car north of Plitvice's Entrance 1. They are run by a public institution, and the one you visit is the upper cave, always with a guide. Inside there are galleries with stalactites and stalagmites, remains of cave bears and archaeological finds; among them, the cave's website cites a medieval bronze bracelet. It is also a bat refuge, and that is why it closes in winter.

It is a good plan for the afternoon after the lakes or for a rainy day, because inside the weather does not change: the temperature is 9 °C all year.

Hours and season

According to the caves' website, the upper cave opens daily on these dates:

• April, May, June and September: from 10:00 to 18:00.
• July and August: from 9:00 to 19:00.
• October: from 10:00 to 17:00.

The last visit leaves half an hour before closing. From November to April the upper cave closes for the bats' hibernation; the website announces closure from November 2026 to April 2027. The Speleon visitor centre opens daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

Price and booking

The published prices are from 2025 and include the guide: €16 adults, €8 children aged 4 to 18 and €10 students, pensioners, mountaineers, scouts, cavers and geologists with their accreditation. Under-4s do not pay. You pay in cash, by card or by bank transfer. Confirm the year's rate on the website before going.

There is no need to book if you are fewer than 15. Visits leave on arrival, with 15 to 40 minutes between groups. Groups of 15 or more must give two days' notice and have their own price.

What the visit is like

It lasts 45 to 60 minutes and is done with a compulsory helmet, which they give you there. The guide goes with you all the time: you cannot enter independently or leave the marked paths. You can take photos without flash; filming video, eating, drinking or making noise are not allowed. If enclosed spaces bother you, the guide accompanies you outside when you ask.

Bring a coat and closed shoes even if it is hot outside: at 9 °C, in short sleeves you will be cold.

Getting there and parking

The address is Nova Kršlja 47A, Rakovica. There is no direct bus from nearby villages: you get there by car, bike, on foot or by taxi. There is free parking nearby, from which a 500 m educational trail leads to the cave. The mouth is about 200 m from the information centre, up steps.

In the area there is a children's playground, play fields and a souvenir shop. No food is sold; the information centre has drinks, ice cream and snacks.

With children, a pushchair or a dog

Children of any age can go in accompanied. A pushchair is no use: there are steps up to the entrance and the floor inside is not suitable. Babies who do not yet walk must be carried in a front baby carrier, with your hands free. There is no wheelchair access for now; people with more than 50% disability enter free.

Dogs cannot enter the cave. The website says there is a space to leave them while you visit the cave, on a lead and in sight of the staff.

Combine it with

From Rakovica continue north to the Rastoke mills, in Slunj, or return towards the park to have dinner at Lička kuća, opposite Entrance 1.