Forget the typical hikes and mountain trails - we've got a mind-blowing adventure that'll take you on a journey like no other! While most folks are busy soaking up the beauty above ground, there's a whole secret universe lurking beneath the surface - and it's just begging to be explored. Yup, we're talking about the fascinating world of caves!

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Step into the time machine of nature, and prepare to be whisked away thousands of years into the past. It's like a real-life "back to the future" experience, only way cooler! And guess what? You don't have to travel far to experience this mind-boggling time warp - just a short 20 km hop from the majestic Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find the incredible Barać Caves.

Fascinating World of Barać Caves

From the moment you step foot into this nature wonder that was opened to the public in 1892, you'll be captivated by the underground wonderland that time and water have sculpted over countless millennia. The mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites tell a fascinating tale of nature's craftsmanship, leaving you in awe of the forces that have shaped our planet. As you wander through each chamber, you can't help but wonder how the first explorers felt when they stumbled upon these awe-inspiring formations, their torches illuminating the secrets of the underground world. Your expert guide will transport you back in time, revealing ancient stone monuments, the former habitat of the cave bear, and the spot where a medieval bronze necklace was serendipitously discovered. 

Speleon – Ice Age Planet

Once you've explored the magical caves, the adventure doesn't end there. Head over to the newly opened underground heritage center Speleon, and stand face-to-face with the long-extinct animals that once roamed these very lands. Speleon is a place where Ice-Age secrets melt. Throughout your circular exploration of the Underground Heritage Center, you'll encounter intricate scale models, interactive LCD screens, and fascinating insights into the weight of speleological equipment. Witness the exciting excavations carried out by dedicated archaeologists and paleontologists, unearthing evidence of ancient human presence in the Upper Barać Cave, such as Mousterian tools dating back to the Neolithic era. You'll also see lifelike creatures such as woolly rhinoceros, the fierce cave lion, the cunning wolf, hyenas, and cave bears, that will transport you tens of thousands of years into the past, igniting your imagination and connecting you with the ancient history of this region. 

The heart of Speleon, the multimedia center, houses the first Croatian "speleoteka" – a speleo-library – featuring an extensive collection of over 6500 books translated into more than 30 languages. Delve into the world of speleology and related subjects, immersing yourself in the knowledge generously shared by speleological, mountaineering, and bio-speleological associations, as well as passionate individuals.

As you step back into the daylight, the echoes of the past resonate with the present, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the wonders of nature and the legacy of life that has passed through the ages. The Barać Caves and Speleon are not merely destinations for adventure-seekers and history enthusiasts; they are gateways to a deeper connection with our planet's history and our place within it.

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Speleon is open every day of the week, from 9 am to 7 pm. However, keep in mind that ticket prices vary according to the season, so make sure you check out their website.

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