Caving & Speleology

Caving is a popular activity in Bulgaria not only for tourists. The scientific study of caves is called speleology. Many companies offer organised caving trips to the Bulgaria's numerous caves and spectacular subterranean rock formations (many of which have ancient cave paintings).

Caving is one of the most tempting activity for the visitors in the Bulgarian Rhodopes. The tourists are attracted by the magnificent nature, the fresh air, by the rural tourism combined with demonstrations of folk customs and traditions.

Of the hundreds of caves in Bulgaria (mostly in the Stara Planina and western Rhodopes), a dozen have been fitted with walkways and lighting and opened to the public. The most famous are: the Magura Cave, with its prehistoric paintings; the Yagodina Cave, with its stalactites and cave pearls, and the awesome Devil's Throat near Trigrad. Scores of others that are equally spectacular are only known to Bulgarian cavers, who welcome contacts with their foreign counterparts.

By getting in touch with the Bulgarian Federation of Speleologists you can be sure of finding someone who speaks English; local cavers such as "Kotse" Hadzheski at Trigrad can also arrange caving expeditions , but you may need an interpreter. Alternatively, individuals can hire a guide from Odysseia-In for US$25-30 per day plus expenses.