Lepenitsa cave

Lepenitsa Cave is an extensive natural cave in the Rhodopes featuring three distinct levels spanning about one and a half kilometers underground. An underground river flows through the system and connects several lakes formed in the deeper sections.

Scientific study of the cave started in the 1920s when naturalists from the royal museum began their first expeditions into the system. Interest in exploring this site grew over the following years and led to the establishment of local research organizations.

The name comes from an old legend about a woman named Lepena who sought refuge in these caves. For people in the region, this place holds meaning as a mysterious location that continues to spark curiosity and wonder.

From Rakitovo, the journey takes about eleven kilometers on asphalt road, then another six kilometers on mixed terrain before reaching the cave entrance. The final section involves walking on a marked path, so sturdy shoes and advance planning are helpful.

The cave system is home to around two dozen animal species, including six that have adapted to live exclusively in total darkness. These creatures are found nowhere else and show how life develops in extreme underground conditions.

Location: Rakitovo

Inception: October 10, 1962

Elevation above the sea: 975 m

Length: 1,525 m

GPS coordinates: 41.95503,24.01006

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:08