Archiwa: Balkans - Adventures No Limits

Baredine Cave

Adventures No Limits — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 13:31:07 +0000

19.04.2022

BAREDINE CAVE

Near the town of Nova Vas in Croatia is the Baredine Cave, where we can see magnificent formations of stalactites and stalagmites. One of the attractions during a visit to the cave is an underground lake located at the foot of a 66-meter gorge. The guided tour includes five rooms that are connected by stairs and paths.

WHERE THE NAME COMES FROM

The name Baredine means the area that surrounds the cave, so the Baredine Cave was given this name. Most likely, it comes from the word “Bared”, which in the local language means uncultivated land. Today, this term does not reflect reality in any way. Over the centuries, the industrious people of the region have transformed the surrounding land into fertile fields and removed rocks. The area that surrounds the cave are located olive gardens and vineyards.

ORIGIN OF THE CAVE

The karst terrain in which the cave was formed is marine sediments from the Cretaceous period (100 million years ago) covered with red soil called terra rossa. The underground part of the cave was formed by water movements during karst processes about 3.5 million years ago.

LOCATION

The cave is located in Croatia, in the northern part of Istria, near Nova Vas, between Poreč, Višnjan and Tar, about 5 km from the coast. The road leading from these places to the cave is marked with signs. There is a large parking lot for cars and buses next to the cave. The cave is surrounded by historical forts, ancient villas and medieval monasteries.

DESCRIPTION

The entrance to the cave has a conical shape that widens at a depth of 15 meters and enters to the first hall. The cave is a treasure trove of stalactites, stalagmites and underground formations that were formed millions of years ago. In this way they formed spectacular crystalline formations, the most characteristic are the 10-meter “curtains”, the figure of the Virgin Mary, the shepherdess Milka, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Snowman, a “sculpture” that has become a trademark of the cave.

The Baredine Cave is 132 meters deep, with underground lakes at the bottom that are up to 30 meters deep. It consists of five large halls 60 meters deep and a crater 66 meters deep that leads to several underground lakes.

The cave is a protected geomorphological nature reserve.

The tour is with a guide (included in the price) speaking languages such as Croatian, Italian, German, English and Russian. The tour lasts about 40 minutes and consists of walking about 300 meters of trail through five illuminated by lamps “halls”.

Rules of the cave:

No smoking inside the cave.

Photography is allowed only without using the flash.

Animals are not allowed.

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

elevation: 117 m above sea level
total depth of the cave with lakes: 132 m
depth of touristic point: 60 m
total length of the cave route: 300 m
number of rooms: 5
air temperature: 14 °C
groundwater temperature: 13,2 °C

FIRST EXPLORATION

The first documented descents into the cave were made by speleologists from Trieste at the beginning of the 20th century. Then speleologists descended to the depth of 80 meters.

In 1973 the members of Proteus speleological club from Porečany went to the lower part of the cave. There they discovered a corridor that allowed them gain to the underground lakes. Today this place is considered to be the total depth of the cave. On their initiative, the Baredine Cave was declared a natural monument in 1986 because of its special qualities and beauty.

The first concrete actions to “prepare” the cave for visiting by tourists began in the early 1990s. In May 1995 the cave was opened for tourists. Since the first surveys in 1973, explorations have been carrying out to find new, corridors and “halls”.

LEGEND

The legend of Baredine cave comes from the 13th century. The legend says that a nobleman from Poreč named Gabrijel fell in love with a beautiful shepherdess. She lived in Nova Vas, and her name was Milka. The mother, who did not want to allow her son to marry the shepherdess, decided to give the local bandits three gold coins to kill the beautiful Milka. The thugs did not kill the shepherdess, but threw her into a cave. When the noble Gabrijel found out about this, he got on his horse and disappeared. The horse was only found by a nearby cave. Legend says that the fossilized body of the unfortunate shepherdess gradually, year after year, slipped down into the depths of the cave in search of her beloved, but whether she found him no one knows.

UNUSUAL CAVE DWELLER

The Baredine cave is inhabited by an unusual animal. It is the olm that lives in the underground waters of the vast area of the Dinaric Karst, in parts of Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has a long, soft, eel-like body. Adults usually reach a length of 20 to 25 cm, whereby males being slightly shorter than females. The coloration is white (no pigmentation) with yellowish and pinkish hues coming from the surface capillaries. The olm is also called the “human fish” because of its skin is similar to human. Its eyes are completely retracted and covered with skin due to living in constant darkness. With younger individuals, however, the eyes are still visible. The flattened tail, shorter than the rest of the body, has a leathery fin. This amphibian has small limbs with three underdeveloped front toes, and the hind feet have two toes. Its respiratory system includes gills, skin, and lungs as accessory organs when oxygen levels are very low.

The olm feeds underwater crabs, insect larvae, and mollusks. These animals live in underground caves. It has been scientifically proven that of exceptional conditions, this amphibian can survive even a year without food.

This amphibian reproduces sexually by laying eggs. They reach sexual maturity around the age of 15. If ensue fertilization, females lay eggs 2 or 3 days later. Each female can lay a total of 70 eggs.

Olm is the amphibian about the longest lifespan. It is assumed that they can live even 100 years. The reason so a long life is reduced activity, slow metabolism and lack of enemies in their environment.

TIDBIT

Ceramic vessels were found during the exploration of Baredina cave. This indicates that people lived in the cave in the old days.

WHAT WE CAN FIND NEAR THE CAVE

– Information booth

– Covered terrace with gastronomic offer

– Collection of old agricultural machinery: www.traktorstory.com

– The Konobon Gallery

– Speleological climbing center “Speleolit”: www.speleolit.com

– A place with tables and benches next to the cave for picnic lovers

USEFUL INFORMATION

Opening hours:

01.01. – 31.03.2022: by appointment

01.04. – 30.04.2022: Monday to Friday 10:00 – 14:00 (Saturdays, Sundays 10:00 – 16:00)

01.05. – 30.06.2022: 10:00 – 17:00

01.07. – 31.08.2022: 10:00 – 18:30

01.09. – 30.09.2022: 10:00 – 17:00

01.10. – 31.10.2022: 10:00 – 16:00

01.11. – 31.12.2022: by appointment

Entrances approximately every 30 minutes.

Entrance tickets:

Children (5 – 15 years): 45 kn (children under 5 years have a gratis entrance)

Adults: 75 kn

Students: 60 kn

Seniors (over 65 years old): 65 kn

Current price list can be found here on the official website.

Current opening hours can be found here on the official website.

SUMMARY

A trip into the Baredina cave can be a nice treat from, for example, sunbathing on Croatia’s beautiful beaches. The cave tour lasts less than an hour, and with a bit of luck you will be able to photograph the olm (which is an endangered species). Nearby is an exhibition of old agricultural machinery, or speleological climbing center “Speleolit” where you can try cave climbing. By the way, you can also taste the local wine, bread and olive oil.

Shadowgate, source flickr.

Bernhard Wintersperger, source flickr.

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THE SEVEN RILA LAKE

Artykuł Baredine Cave pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

The Seven Rila Lakes

Adventures No Limits — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 13:08:09 +0000

30.03.2022

THE SEVEN RILA LAKES

The Seven Rila Lakes are a group of lakes located in the Rila mountain range in southwestern Bulgaria. They are glacial lakes located at 2100-2500 meters above sea level. Some of the longest and deepest rivers in the Balkans have their sources in Rila, such as Marica, Iskyr and Mesta.

LAKE NAMES

Dolnoto Ezero (The Lower Lake):

The first lake that will greet us is Dolnoto Ezero. It collects water from all the other lakes to form the Dzherman River. Dolnoto Ezero was named the Lower Lake because of its location. The lake is set at an elevation of 2,095 meters and its depth is 11 meters.

2. Ribnoto Ezero (The Fish Lake):

Fish Lake is the shallowest of the lakes, its depth is only 2.5 meters. The lake lies at an elevation of 2,184 meters above sea level. Near the lake is the Chalet Seven Lakes, where you can rest before continuing your hike.

3. Trilistnika (The Trefoil):

The Trefoil, or Tri-leaf Lake, is distinguished by its irregular shape and lower shores than the other lakes. Trilistnika is at an elevation of 2,216 meters and is 6.5 meters deep.

Bliznaka (The Twin):

Twin Lake is considered the largest of the lakes as it has an area of 9.1 hectares. It is located at an elevation of 2243 meters and is 27.5 meters deep. The Twin Lake is wide on the shores and narrow in the middle, which gives it an hourglass shape. During the dry season, the lake divides into two smaller lakes, from which it takes its name.

Babreka (The Kidney):

Located at an elevation of 2,282 meters above sea level, The Kidney Lake has the steepest shores of all the lakes. The lake gets its name from its shape, which upfront resembles the shape of a kidney. The lake is 28 meters deep.

Okoto (The Eye):

The lake was named The Eye because of its oval shape, which resembles an eye. It is the deepest circus lake in Bulgaria with a depth of 37.5 meters. It is located at an altitude of 2,440 meters.

Salzata (The Tear):

The Tear Lake, about the smallest surface, owes its name to the clearest water of all the lakes. It is the highest lake at 2,535 meters above sea level and 4.5 meters deep. The water in Salzata is so clear that you can see the bottom of the lake.

FAUNA AND FLORA OF THE LAKES

The cold and frosty environment of lakes is not suitable for habitation. The reason is the low water temperature(by rain-fed and snowmelt). Some lakes are home to minnows and trout.

WHEN TO GO TO THE RILA LAKES

The busiest and most frequent time to visit the lakes is summer season, specifically July and August. This is an ideal solution because temperatures then exceed 10 degrees Celsius and there is less risk of storms.

On the other hand, if we want to avoid crowds we can go in the spring or autumn. In these seasons the average temperature is between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. However, there is a greater chance that the weather during our hike may break. In extreme cases, you’ll have to abandon the expedition.

For more experienced people, an interesting option can be going to Rila Lakes in winter (average temperatures are around -5 to -10 degrees Celsius). Of course, you have to be very careful on the trails, because the weather in winter is even less predictable (you should also take some hiking gaiters or crampons with you).

Lakes freeze usually in October and do not melt before June. The ice cover at this time can be up to 2 meters thick.

HOW TO REACH

Rila National Park is located 2 hours south of Bulgaria’s capital Sofia. Near the cable car there is a parking, where you can leave your car. From the parking you can go to the trail that leads to Rila Lakes or you can use the cable car. Prices are as follows (2022).

Adults:

One way: 12 BGN (Bulgarian lev)

Two way: 20 BGN

For children and seniors:

One-way: 8 BGN

Two-way: 12 BGN

Lift opening hours:

Monday to Sunday: 9:00 to 16:30

(Current price list and opening hours you can be found here on the official website)

ACCOMMODATION IN THE AREA OF RILA LAKES

If we would like to stay longer and explore the area, a good idea is to stay overnight in one of the mountain huts. In the area of seven lakes there are two mountain huts where we can stay overnight.

There are also several guesthouses in the village of Panichishte, which is outlying less than 9 km.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

General equipment.

Going for a hike on the Rila Lakes, which will last (according to the maps) about 10 hours (if we choose the option without the cable car, and the option with the lift in both ways, it is about 6 hours), worth to take: lotion to protect against the sun, warm clothes, sunglasses, raincoat, hat, something to sit on the ground and comfortable shoes with good support for ankle.

Own food and drinks.

As a last resort, if we run out of something, we can buy something at the mountain hut. However, you should keep in mind that not everything can be bought there.

Good shoes are a basis.

Remember that terrain can be wet and slippery due to snow. Therefore, shoes with a good grip/sole are essential.

Appropriate clothing.

While the weather may be warm and sunny in the region, the weather in the mountains can be changeable. Therefore, it is always a good idea to take an extra layer of waterproof clothing with you. However, you should wear under your jacket an extra sweatshirt or long-sleeved shirts. Even in summer, some lakes remain covered snow.

AND WHAT DOES THE LEGEND SAY?

According to legend, thousands of years ago, when the planet was not yet inhabited by humans, in the mountains of Rila lived a pair of giants. They loved each other very much and valued the beauty and comfort of their home. It was so beautiful, warm and cozy that every living creature was enchanted by it. And the love the giants was celebrated by every creature.

Unfortunately, one day evil forces passed by the giants’ home. As soon as they saw this beautiful place, they became angry because they envied the giants’ happiness and love. They decided to destroy them the house and love. They sent dark clouds, destructive winds, and earthquakes. The giant husband stoutly defended every blade of grass, every little stream and flower. He protected his beloved wife and after some time defeated the evil powers. This however, only increased their anger, and their cruelty to carry out your’s wicked plans. In the hard fight, the young giant was killed. Satisfied with their accomplishment, the evil powers disappeared, leaving behind broken rocks, devastated valleys, and a grief-stricken woman.

The anguish of the young widow was so great that her tears gushed an endless stream that flowed down to the valleys. Her tears were collected into clear lakes of pristine clarity.

Before reaching at Lake Babreka (The Kidney), mountain guides show travelers a huge stone located toward Lake Salzata (The Tear). It “shows” a man and a woman of huge size. According to legend, these are the figures of two giants in love with each other. They will remain there forever in order that “protect” their beautiful home.

TIDBITS

Paneurhythmy Dance – In mid-August, visitors The Seven Lakes of Rila can be witness the Paneurhythmy dance. Hundreds of people from Bulgaria and around the world, dressed in white, dance and practice in large circles near the Kidney Lake. This dance was invented by Bulgarian philosopher and spiritual teacher Beins Douno (Peter Deunov). It consists of a sequence of exercises performed to music to achieve inner balance and harmony. Every year for three days (between August 19 and 21) held in the park, a big festival dedicated to Beinsa Douno. Rila is a sacred mountain for the followers of Douno and they over here that come to welcome the rising sun.

The construction of the cable car caused a lot of controversy among environmentalists and people who appreciate the beauty of wild nature. The reason was the construction of the cable car on the territory of the reserve, and the authorities of the park were apparently accused of bribery (in Bulgaria, unfortunately, this is not uncommon).

About 500,000 tourists from all over the world, arrive in The Seven Rila Lakes every year.

USEFUL LINKS:

www.rilanationalpark.bg
www.rilskiezera.bg

SUMMARY

The Seven Rila Lakes is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places not only in Bulgaria but also in the Balkans. It attracts nearly half a million tourists, so they can to enjoy the beautiful views and breathe in the fresh air. It is worth remembering that when going to the Rila National Park, it is good to have although small experience in hikes. This will give us more confidence that we can easily reach all the Rila Lakes.

Yuliyan Grozdev, source Unsplash.

Liam Martens, source Unsplash.

George Ivanov, source Unsplash.

Ivan Nedelchev, source Unsplash.

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GERLACH PEAK

GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD

BAREDINE CAVE

Artykuł The Seven Rila Lakes pochodzi z serwisu Adventures No Limits.

Archiwa: Balkans - Adventures No Limits

Baredine Cave

BAREDINE CAVE

WHERE THE NAME COMES FROM

ORIGIN OF THE CAVE

LOCATION

DESCRIPTION

MAIN CHARACTERISTICS

FIRST EXPLORATION

LEGEND

UNUSUAL CAVE DWELLER

TIDBIT

WHAT WE CAN FIND NEAR THE CAVE

USEFUL INFORMATION

SUMMARY

SHARE AN ARTICLE

SEE ALSO

SAVICA WATERFALL

GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD

THE SEVEN RILA LAKE

The Seven Rila Lakes

THE SEVEN RILA LAKES

LAKE NAMES

FAUNA AND FLORA OF THE LAKES

WHEN TO GO TO THE RILA LAKES

HOW TO REACH

ACCOMMODATION IN THE AREA OF RILA LAKES

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

AND WHAT DOES THE LEGEND SAY?

TIDBITS

USEFUL LINKS:

SUMMARY

SHARE AN ARTICLE

GERLACH PEAK

GROSSGLOCKNER ALPINE ROAD

BAREDINE CAVE