Municipality of Rakovica: Caves, Karst and Ice Age Traces

Karst Landscapes and Habitats

The protected landscape of the Barać Caves covers 5.19 km² within the Municipality of Rakovica. Its distinctive karst geomorphological features are also evident in its preserved caves, shafts and ponors. The area is shaped by more than its underground formations: trails near the Barać Caves pass through extensive stands of mixed deciduous forest and, in places, dry and semi-dry grasslands. These areas provide habitats for numerous rare and endangered plant and animal species.

If you are planning to spend some time outdoors, you can use the picnic area at the Barać Caves as a starting point for three circular hiking trails: they all begin and end there. The trails pass through a variety of landscape features, including woodland and grassland. This allows you to explore the karst environment while spending time in the habitats characteristic of the area.

Caves and Traces of the Ice Age

The Upper Barać Cave can only be visited with a guide. This is important to bear in mind if you plan to make a cave visit a fixed part of your stay. Speleon exhibits Ice Age fossils found in the Upper Barać Cave; hyper-realistic animal replicas bring the display to life. Animal remains from the Pleistocene have also been discovered in the cave itself. It is considered a particularly important palaeontological site.

The Ice Age Trail is planned to include ten interpretation points. Plans include interactive puzzles, structures featuring animal tracks, screens with sound effects and information panels about Ice Age animals. The concept focuses on the wildlife of the past and complements the cave finds with a variety of ways to interpret them.

Archaeology and Regional Traditions

The municipality’s history can also be seen in specific places. The Barać Caves area is under preventive protection as an archaeological zone. Owing to its rich history and preserved architectural elements, the Old Town of Drežnik is the most significant archaeological and architectural site in the Municipality of Rakovica. Those interested in historic sites and architectural styles will find another focus here, alongside the caves’ natural history.

The KUD Izvor cultural and folklore ensemble was founded in 1978. It preserves traditional songs and dances from Rakovica and the surrounding area, helping safeguard the region’s folkloric heritage. The ensemble performs regularly and also gives performances for tourists. Alongside the landscape and archaeological traces, living regional folklore is another option to consider when planning your trip.

Getting Around the Municipality

For cyclists, cycling route 34 starts in the centre of Rakovica and heads towards Jelov Klanac. Near the Old Town of Drežnik, the clearing lies along numerous cycling, hiking and horse-riding trails; from there, it offers panoramic views of the Korana River and the surrounding landscape. Route 34 and the trails by the clearing are separate points of reference, not one shared circular route.

The Rakovica Equestrian Club can arrange recreational or sport horse-riding tours to suit guests’ wishes. Booking by phone several days in advance is required. If you are driving from Zagreb to the Barać Caves, turn off in the centre of Rakovica and follow the signs via Grabovac. After approximately 7 kilometres, you will reach the Barać Caves car park.

When looking for a holiday rental in the Municipality of Rakovica, you can start by asking yourself which experiences you want to shape your stay: caves and karst, trails through woodland and grassland, Ice Age finds or folklore. This makes it possible to assess the municipality as a travel destination based on specific interests, rather than making your choice around just one excursion.

For further orientation, see the town pages for Drežnik Grad, Rakovica, Irinovac, Drage, Oštarski Stanovi, Korana, Čatrnja, Selište Drežničko, Grabovac, Korita and Broćanac.

For the broader travel overview: Karlovac County.