The leafy, rocky entrance to Gornja Baraćeva Cave, with visitor signs beside the path.

Lika

Barać Caves

Show caves near Rakovica with stalactites, underground passages and guided tours, a short drive from Plitvice.

Region

Lika

Best time to visit

April–October

Ideal trip length

1–2 hours

Main highlights

Guided cave tour, stalactites, forest setting

The Barać Caves (Baraćeve špilje) are a group of limestone caves near Rakovica, a short drive from Plitvice Lakes. The upper cave is open for guided tours along a lit path past stalactites, stalagmites and underground pools.

Why go

The tour is short and easy, with a constant cool temperature inside – bring a jacket even in summer. The caves are home to bats, and the guides explain how the karst underground of this area was formed.

It is a good addition to a Plitvice trip, especially on a hot day or when the national park is crowded.

Getting there and around

The caves are near Rakovica, between Slunj and Plitvice Lakes. Drive there and follow the signs; there is parking and a visitor centre at the entrance.

Day trips

Nearby destinations

  • A deer stands behind a wooden fence in a grassy, tree-lined enclosure.

    Lika

    Dolina Jelena

    Family ranch near Plitvice where you can see and feed deer, with farm animals, horses and…

  • A stream cascades beneath wooden footbridges in a leafy inland setting in Croatia.

    Lika

    Slunj

    Small town on the Korana and Slunjčica rivers, best known for the watermill village of Rastoke.

  • Wooden boardwalk above a waterfall cascade in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Lika, Croatia

    Lika

    Plitvice Lakes

    Sixteen terraced lakes linked by waterfalls – Croatia’s best-known national park.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a guide to visit the Barać Caves?

Yes, visits are by guided tour. Check the times before you go, especially outside the summer season.

What should I wear?

Comfortable shoes and a warm layer – it is cool inside the cave all year.

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