Orlova chuka cave

from Katerina in Get to know Bulgaria! Visits 1215

Orlova chuka cave is located about 40 km from Ruse, Bulgaria, in the Rusenski Lom nature park, near the village of Pepelina, on the left slope of the Cherni Lom river. It was discovered in 1941 by a shepherd who was grazing his flock in the area. Declared a natural landmark and archeological cultural monument of national importance, today it is the second largest cave in Bulgaria (nearly 14 km long) after Duhlata cave in Vitosha mountain. Its name comes from the rock wreath at the entrance, which was once a refuge for eagles.

The cave is entered every hour with a guide. The tour lasts about 40-50 minutes, and the attractive guide managed to make our experience interesting, rich in information and presented in a fun way. The cave is well lit, with a constant temperature of 14 degrees. It is good to prepare a coat and suitable shoes. The cave is inhabited by about 10,000 bats, of which we could not see any.

I was most impressed by the singing stalactite, which makes sounds like a musical instrument when knocking. The pond, called "Тhe well" (Izvorcheto), was also interesting. There is a belief that whoever touches it from the water can make his great wish come true. The guide's story about groups of foreign tourists who carried special bottles to fill with spring water and drained it was amusing.

At the time when explored the cave, the remains of prehistoric people, cave bear bones, nail traces, as well as various objects such as pieces of pottery, spearheads, axes and others were found in it.

Orlova chuka cave is beautiful and easily accessible, with a magnificent view of the valley of the river Cherni Lom. There are special places where you can admire nature. It is open every day from April 1 to October 31, and during the other months it is not available to visitors. There is a suitable parking lot.

The walk to the cave can be combined with a visit to The medieval town and fortress Cherven and the Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.