The protected landscape of the Barać Caves covers an area of 5.19 km² within the Municipality of Rakovica. Its distinctive karst geomorphological features can be seen in its preserved caves, pits and ponors. The area is also under preventive protection as an archaeological zone. This is where distinctive natural formations meet archaeological significance.
Karst, Forest and Circular Trails
Three circular hiking trails start and end at the Barać Caves picnic area. They pass through large stands of mixed deciduous forest and, in places, dry and semi-dry grasslands. These grasslands provide habitats for numerous rare and endangered plant and animal species. As you explore the trails, you can take in both the karst landscape and its varied vegetation zones.
Cave Finds and the Ice Age
The Upper Barać Cave can only be visited with a guide. Animal remains from the Pleistocene have been found there, and the cave is considered a particularly important paleontological site. At Speleon, fossils from the Upper Barać Cave are presented alongside hyperrealistic animal replicas. The finds and their presentation make the Ice Age a connecting theme between these two places.
The Ice Age Trail is planned to include ten interpretive points: interactive puzzles, structures featuring animal tracks, screens with sound effects and information boards about Ice Age animals. Its planned features also use a range of formats to share information. This way, you can encounter the Ice Age theme both through cave finds and through a planned combination of information and interactive stations.
History and Local Traditions
The Old Town of Drežnik is the most significant archaeological and architectural site in the Municipality of Rakovica, thanks to its rich history and preserved architectural features. A clearing near the old town is part of numerous cycling, hiking and horseback riding trails, and offers panoramic views of the Korana River and the surrounding landscape. The site thus brings historic architecture together with views of the river landscape.
The KUD Izvor cultural and folklore ensemble was founded in 1978 to preserve the traditional songs and dances of Rakovica and the wider area, and to safeguard the region’s folkloric values. The ensemble performs regularly, promotes the folk customs of the Rakovica region and also puts on performances for tourists. Living culture here therefore includes both preserving songs and dances and performing them.
Cycling, Horseback Riding and Getting There
Cycling Route 34 starts in the center of Rakovica and heads towards Jelov Klanac. For recreational or sport horseback riding tours, the Rakovica Riding Club can organize trips tailored to guests’ wishes, provided you book by phone several days in advance. Both options give you a specific starting point if you’d like to include cycling or horseback riding in your trip.
Coming from Zagreb, turn off in the center of Rakovica and follow the signs to the Barać Caves via Grabovac. After approximately 7 kilometers, you will reach the caves’ parking lot. Discoveries in the Municipality of Rakovica range from karst formations and cave finds to the old town, folklore and trails for cycling and horseback riding.
Discover more destinations: Drežnik Grad, Rakovica, Irinovac, Drage, Oštarski Stanovi, Korana, Čatrnja, Selište Drežničko, Grabovac, Korita, Broćanac.
For the wider travel overview: Karlovac County.
