Špilja Vrelo

Vrelo Cave is a small but remarkably scenic karst cave in Fužine, in the Gorski Kotar region of Croatia, right on the shore of Lake Bajer. It was discovered by chance in the 1950s while workers were building the dam that created the artificial Bajer reservoir. Geologists estimate the cave to be 3.5 to 4 million years old, and despite its modest length of roughly 300 metres, the interior is packed with striking rock formations, an underground spring, a small lake and a waterfall.

How do you get there?

Vrelo lies about 3 km from the centre of Fužine, right beside the road that runs along Lake Bajer. By car it's only a few minutes' drive, and there's parking near the entrance. Visitors on foot can also reach it via a pleasant lakeside walking path — the stroll takes around half an hour and is an attraction in its own right, since Bajer is one of the most popular lakes in Gorski Kotar, created in 1952 on the Ličanka River to supply the Vinodol hydroelectric power plant.

What will you see inside?

The cave was opened to visitors in 1998, fitted out with lighting, walkways and wooden footbridges over the water. What sets Vrelo apart from other caves in Europe is its completely flat visitor route — not a single step from entrance to exit. That makes it the only show cave in Europe fully accessible to wheelchair users, elderly visitors and small children without any assistance. Inside you'll find stalactites and stalagmites, an underground stream fed by a natural spring, a small lake, and a striking water basin that has earned the cave the nickname "little Postojna". Guided tours typically last 25 to 30 minutes.

When is the best time to visit?

The cave is open year-round, so there's no wrong season to come. It's a particularly welcome escape from the summer heat, since the temperature inside stays steady at around 8°C regardless of the weather outside. Bring a warm layer even on a hot day. The visit pairs naturally with a walk along Lake Bajer, where in good weather you can also rent a rowing boat or try your luck fishing.

Who is this destination for?

Vrelo is a genuinely family-friendly attraction — its flat, step-free path makes it easy to visit with young children, older relatives or guests with limited mobility. More than 25,000 tourists visit the cave every year, making it one of Gorski Kotar's most popular sights alongside Fužine itself and the surrounding hiking trails.

Frequently asked questions

Is Vrelo Cave wheelchair accessible? Yes. It's one of the few caves in the world, and the only one in Europe, with a completely flat, step-free visitor route suitable for wheelchairs, strollers and elderly visitors.

How long does the tour take, and is a guide included? Visits are guided and last about 25 to 30 minutes, following lit paths and footbridges over the underground stream.

What's the temperature like inside the cave? It stays a constant 8°C year-round, so a warmer layer is worth packing no matter the season.

Is it worth combining with a visit to Lake Bajer? Definitely — the cave sits right on the lakeshore, making it easy to combine the tour with a walk, boat rental or fishing on this artificial reservoir built in the early 1950s.