Bosnia and Herzegovina’s karst landscape hides a wide variety of caves, from shallow grottoes to deep vertical shafts used by researchers and spelunkers alike. Many are tucked into remote valleys or perched on limestone plateaus, reflecting the country’s rugged geology and long human history of exploration.
There are 50 Caves in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranging from Badanj Cave to Đatlo. For each of the 50 entries, data are organized as Municipality/Region,Coordinates (lat,long),Length/Depth (m) — you’ll find below.
How accessible are these caves to visitors?
Accessibility varies: some caves have developed trails and guided tours suitable for casual visitors, while others require permission, technical gear, or local guides because of rough terrain or conservation rules; check local tourist offices or caving clubs before planning a visit.
How current and reliable are the length/depth figures listed?
Length and depth measurements come from surveys and published records, but cave data can change with new explorations; treat listed figures as best-available values and consult recent caving society reports or scientific publications for the latest updates.
Caves in Bosnia and Herzegovina
| Name | Municipality/Region | Coordinates (lat,long) | Length/Depth (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vjetrenica | Ravno, FBiH | 42.8447, 17.9806 | 7,014 |
| Govještica | Rogatica, RS | 43.8569, 19.0436 | 9,682 |
| Jama Amfora | Tomislavgrad, FBiH | 43.6822, 17.2039 | -788 |
| Izvor Bune (Nevidna Voda) | Blagaj / Mostar, FBiH | 43.2567, 17.9030 | -248 |
| Srednja Bijambarska pećina | Ilijaš / Sarajevo, FBiH | 44.0881, 18.4908 | 420 |
| Orlovača | Pale, RS | 43.8344, 18.5772 | 2,500 |
| Banja Stijena | Rogatica, RS | 43.7917, 19.0069 | 1,200 |
| Djevojačka pećina (Maiden’s Cave) | Kladanj, FBiH | 44.2492, 18.6606 | 450 |
| Vrelo Krušnice | Bosanska Krupa, FBiH | 44.8692, 16.1478 | 3,000+ |
| Ledenica (Ledena pećina) | Bosansko Grahovo, FBiH | 44.1308, 16.4080 | 216 |
| Mračna pećina (Jelašnica) | Kalinovik, RS | 43.4350, 18.4281 | 1,210 |
| Vilina pećina | Cazin, FBiH | 44.9458, 15.9080 | 240 |
| Hrustovača | Sanski Most, FBiH | 44.6933, 16.5950 | 780 |
| Dabarska pećina | Sanski Most, FBiH | 44.6681, 16.7119 | 630 |
| Ledena pećina (Prenj) | Jablanica, FBiH | 43.6190, 17.8640 | -240 |
| Kuk | Tomislavgrad, FBiH | 43.6800, 17.2000 | -251 |
| Gornja Bijambarska pećina | Ilijaš / Sarajevo, FBiH | 44.0903, 18.4908 | 170 |
| Donja Bijambarska pećina | Ilijaš / Sarajevo, FBiH | 44.0872, 18.4903 | 85 |
| Pećina Ledenjača | Foča, RS | 43.3444, 18.8475 | 975 |
| Pećina pod lipom | Foča, RS | 43.4992, 18.7750 | 250 |
| Velika pećina (Blagaj) | Blagaj / Mostar, FBiH | 43.2619, 17.8928 | 300 |
| Zelena pećina (Blagaj) | Blagaj / Mostar, FBiH | 43.2561, 17.9019 | 100 |
| Pećina Orlovača (near Višegrad) | Višegrad, RS | 43.7663, 19.2981 | 315 |
| Badanj Cave | Stolac, FBiH | 43.0769, 17.9575 | 65 |
| Rastuša pećina | Teslić, RS | 44.6667, 17.7500 | 440 |
| Vilina Pećina (Kneževo) | Kneževo, RS | 44.4719, 17.3872 | 150 |
| Megara | Trnovo, FBiH | 43.6811, 18.3308 | 1,800 |
| Kijevska pećina | Sanski Most, FBiH | 44.7083, 16.7583 | 1,335 |
| Novakova pećina | Pale, RS | 43.8167, 18.6667 | 60 |
| Provalija | Tomislavgrad, FBiH | 43.6153, 17.3208 | -151 |
| Jama Lednica | Bihać, FBiH | 44.7500, 15.8667 | -185 |
| Mračna pećina (Bjelašnica) | Trnovo, FBiH | 43.7167, 18.2500 | 350 |
| Pećina Ledenica (Oštrelj) | Bosanski Petrovac, FBiH | 44.4833, 16.3667 | 150 |
| Vilinska pećina (Čajniče) | Čajniče, RS | 43.5583, 19.0750 | 200 |
| Dimnjačarska pećina | Ilijaš / Sarajevo, FBiH | 44.0908, 18.4917 | 45 |
| Ponor na Ponikvi | Sokolac, RS | 43.9833, 18.8000 | -196 |
| Stopića pećina | Čajniče, RS | 43.6000, 19.1000 | 1,000 |
| Jama Sušica | Foča, RS | 43.2500, 18.6833 | -160 |
| Izvor Mokranjske Miljacke | Pale, RS | 43.8850, 18.6536 | 2,620 |
| Pećina Lipa | Sokolac, RS | 43.9333, 18.8000 | 300 |
| Jama Duman | Livno, FBiH | 43.8292, 17.0050 | 770 |
| Pećina Vjetrenjača | Kupres, FBiH | 43.9917, 17.4583 | 450 |
| Đatlo | Ilijaš / Sarajevo, FBiH | 44.0889, 18.4900 | 220 |
| Vilina Pećina (Seona) | Banovići, FBiH | 44.4000, 18.5167 | 250 |
| Izvor Krupe | Obrovac / Krupa na Uni, RS | 44.7500, 16.5167 | 150+ |
| Pećina pod Gredom | Drvar, FBiH | 44.3667, 16.3833 | 200 |
| Mišarica | Šipovo, RS | 44.2833, 17.0833 | 280 |
| Titova pećina (Drvar) | Drvar, FBiH | 44.3725, 16.3831 | 85 |
| Vrelo Blihe | Sanski Most, FBiH | 44.7500, 16.5167 | 500 |
| Ledenica (Resanovačko polje) | Bosansko Grahovo, FBiH | 44.2167, 16.3333 | -285 |
Images and Descriptions
Vjetrenica
The largest cave in BiH and a UNESCO tentative site, famous for its powerful wind, rich biodiversity including the olm, and extensive passages. A well-managed show cave with guided tours available for visitors, located in Popovo Polje.
Govještica
One of the longest caves in the country, located in the Prača river canyon. It is a wild and challenging system known for a large bat colony and unique fauna. Access is restricted and requires permits from local speleological clubs.
Jama Amfora
The deepest known cave pit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated on Vran mountain. This massive vertical system is a major challenge for Balkan cavers and is accessible only to highly experienced and well-equipped speleological expeditions.
Izvor Bune (Nevidna Voda)
An enormous karst spring that is the source of the Buna river. The underwater cave system has been explored by cave divers to significant depths, making it one of the most powerful and deepest springs in Europe. Access is for expert cave divers only.
Srednja Bijambarska pećina
The main and most popular show cave within the Bijambare Protected Landscape. Famous for its large central chamber known as the “Music Hall” due to its acoustics. It is well-lit, easily accessible, and perfect for families and tourists.
Orlovača
A significant show cave system near Sarajevo, notable for its beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and draperies. The site features a museum displaying remains of a prehistoric cave bear found inside. Guided tours follow a 560-meter concrete path.
Banja Stijena
A beautiful show cave located in the canyon of the Prača river. It is renowned for its rich and colorful cave formations. A 550-meter section is arranged for tourist visits with lighting and pathways, offering a stunning subterranean experience.
Djevojačka pećina (Maiden’s Cave)
A historically significant cave known for its prehistoric engravings and as a pilgrimage site. The cave features a large entrance and a main chamber where religious gatherings are held. It is easily accessible to visitors and pilgrims.
Vrelo Krušnice
A powerful karst spring and underwater cave system forming the source of the Krušnica river. The explored passages are completely submerged, accessible only to experienced cave divers. The surrounding park area is a popular local tourist spot.
Ledenica (Ledena pećina)
A beautiful ice cave located near the top of Šator mountain. It contains perennial ice formations, including stalactites and stalagmites of ice, even in summer. Access requires a hike and is suitable for experienced mountaineers.
Mračna pećina (Jelašnica)
Located in the canyon of the Bistrica river, this wild cave is known for its complex system of passages and underground river. It is an important site for biospeleology and requires caving equipment and experience for exploration.
Vilina pećina
A small but archaeologically significant cave near Cazin. Findings include artifacts from the Paleolithic era. The cave is not arranged for mass tourism but is of great interest for its historical and scientific value. Access is relatively easy.
Hrustovača
An important archaeological site with two levels of passages. The lower level features an underground stream, while the upper, dry level contained evidence of prehistoric human settlement. A portion of the cave is accessible to visitors.
Dabarska pećina
Located near the source of the Dabar river, this cave is known for its large entrance and impressive main chamber. It has archaeological significance, with finds from the Bronze Age. Access is relatively easy but the cave is not officially managed.
Ledena pećina (Prenj)
A deep vertical ice pit on the Prenj mountain, one of the most challenging alpine caves in BiH. It contains ice and snow year-round. Access is extremely difficult and reserved for expert speleologists with alpine climbing skills.
Kuk
A deep vertical cave located on Vran mountain, close to the much deeper Jama Amfora. It is a challenging pit that requires full vertical caving equipment and expertise. It is a significant site for regional speleology.
Gornja Bijambarska pećina
Part of the Bijambare cave complex, this upper cave is primarily an archaeological site. It is not open for general tourism like the Middle Cave but is significant for findings of prehistoric human activity, including tools and cave bear bones.
Donja Bijambarska pećina
The lowest of the main caves in the Bijambare Protected Landscape. An active stream flows through it, making it a hydrologically interesting site. Access is more challenging and typically reserved for researchers rather than casual tourists.
Pećina Ledenjača
Located within the Sutjeska National Park, this cave is notable for its ice deposits that last through the summer. Its high-altitude location on Vučevo plateau makes it a destination for well-prepared hikers and mountaineers.
Pećina pod lipom
An important archaeological site near Foča where some of the oldest prehistoric remains in Bosnia have been found, dating back to the Paleolithic era. The cave is not a tourist show cave but holds immense scientific value.
Velika pećina (Blagaj)
Located in the cliffs above the famous Blagaj Tekke, this cave is a significant archaeological site with evidence of continuous human habitation from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age. Access requires a steep climb up a marked path.
Zelena pećina (Blagaj)
Situated near the Buna spring, this cave is another key archaeological site. Discoveries from the Neolithic period have been made here, indicating its importance to early settlers in the region. It is accessible via a short hike.
Pećina Orlovača (near Višegrad)
Not to be confused with the show cave near Pale, this is a wild cave system. It consists of several interconnected passages and is known in the local caving community. It requires caving gear and experience to explore safely.
Badanj Cave
An iconic archaeological site famous for its Paleolithic rock carving of a horse, one of the oldest art examples in the Balkans. It’s a shallow rock shelter rather than a deep cave, but its historical significance is immense. Easily accessible.
Rastuša pećina
A protected natural monument known for its beautiful cave formations and archaeological findings, including cave bear and Homo sapiens neanderthalensis remains. A section of the cave has been adapted for tourist visits.
Vilina Pećina (Kneževo)
A folklore-rich cave near Kneževo, named “Fairy Cave.” It is a smaller, wild cave known more for its local legends than its speleological features. Accessible to hikers but undeveloped.
Megara
A large cave system located on the Bjelašnica mountain. It is a challenging wild cave with both horizontal and vertical sections, known for its large passages and impressive formations. For experienced cavers only.
Kijevska pećina
A cave system near the village of Kijevo, featuring an active underground stream. It is a popular destination for local cavers and is known for its beautiful calcite formations and passages shaped by water. Requires caving gear.
Novakova pećina
A historic cave located in the sheer cliffs of Romanija mountain, named after the hajduk Starina Novak. It is more of a rock shelter but famous for its dramatic, inaccessible location which requires climbing skills to reach.
Provalija
A significant vertical cave in the Dinaric Alps, located on the Kamešnica mountain. It’s a challenging pit requiring vertical caving techniques and is an objective for experienced speleological teams exploring the region.
Jama Lednica
A deep pit located on the Grmeč mountain, known for containing ice and snow well into the summer months. It is a challenging vertical cave that requires specialized equipment and expertise for a safe descent.
Mračna pećina (Bjelašnica)
A wild cave on Bjelašnica mountain, often visited by mountaineers. Its name means “Dark Cave.” While not exceptionally long, its location and pristine condition make it an interesting exploration target for cavers.
Pećina Ledenica (Oštrelj)
Another ice cave, this one located near the Oštrelj mountain pass. It is known for its permanent ice deposits. The cave is relatively accessible via a short hike from the main road, but care is needed inside due to slippery ice.
Vilinska pećina (Čajniče)
A cave surrounded by local legends about fairies (vile). It is a small, undeveloped cave that is more of a local landmark than a major speleological site. Accessible to local hikers.
Dimnjačarska pećina
A small vertical cave within the Bijambare Protected Landscape. Its name translates to “Chimney Sweep Cave.” It’s a narrow pit, not open to the public, and primarily of interest to speleologists exploring the area.
Ponor na Ponikvi
A significant ponor (swallow hole) that develops into a vertical cave system. Located in the Glasinac plateau region, it is an important hydrological feature and a target for speleological exploration. Requires vertical caving gear.
Stopića pećina
A significant cave system in the Čajniče municipality, not to be confused with the famous Serbian show cave of the same name. It’s a wild cave known to local cavers, with a stream running through parts of it. Requires equipment.
Jama Sušica
A vertical cave located within Sutjeska National Park. It is one of many challenging karst features in the park’s limestone mountains. Accessible only to experienced and properly equipped caving teams.
Izvor Mokranjske Miljacke
The cave source of the Mokranjska Miljacka river. This is an extensive, active river cave system, parts of which have been explored by cave divers. Access is restricted and only for expert cavers and divers due to flooding risk.
Pećina Lipa
A wild cave located on the Glasinac plateau. It is known for its simple structure and has been a site for local exploration. It is not a show cave and requires basic caving awareness to visit.
Jama Duman
The cave source of the Bistrica river right in the town of Livno. Duman is a powerful spring with a partially explored underwater cave system. The entrance is accessible, but exploration requires cave diving expertise.
Pećina Vjetrenjača
A cave on the Kupres plateau, named “Windmill Cave” due to the strong air current at its entrance. It’s a horizontal cave system known to local adventurers but is not developed for tourism.
Đatlo
Another cave within the Bijambare Protected Landscape. It is a sinkhole cave system, less known than the main show caves, and is primarily of interest to speleologists for its morphology and geology. Not open for tourist visits.
Vilina Pećina (Seona)
A small but locally well-known “Fairy Cave” near the village of Seona. It is associated with folklore and is a destination for local hikers. The cave is undeveloped and requires caution.
Izvor Krupe
The cave source of the Krupa river. An attractive karst spring with a short, explored underwater section. The area is picturesque, but the cave itself is only for cave divers.
Pećina pod Gredom
An archaeological site near Drvar, this cave provided shelter for prehistoric people. It’s not a show cave but is significant for its historical findings. Access is possible for hikers.
Mišarica
A cave near the source of the Janj river, known for its speleological features. It is a wild cave requiring equipment and experience for safe exploration and is a target for local caving clubs.
Titova pećina (Drvar)
A historically famous cave that served as Marshal Tito’s headquarters in 1944. It’s a small cave system, more of a historical monument than a natural wonder, and is part of a museum complex in Drvar, easily accessible to all visitors.
Vrelo Blihe
The cave source of the Bliha river, located just behind the famous Bliha waterfall. The cave is an active water conduit, and its exploration is challenging and reserved for experienced cavers, often requiring diving gear.
Ledenica (Resanovačko polje)
A deep and challenging ice pit in the Grahovo region. This vertical system contains significant ice deposits year-round and is one of the deeper pits in the country. For expert speleologists only.
