The Vrelo Cave is counted among the most significant tourist attractions in Fužine. Its age is estimated at 3.5 to 4 million years. However, its beauty was only revealed to the human eye in the last seventy years. It was accidentally discovered in 1950 during the extraction of stone used for the construction of the dam and road around Lake Bajer. Thus, its “public life” has been associated with the neighboring lake from the very beginning.
Who are the Bishop and Dwarves?
Many walkers along the lakeside promenade take the opportunity to visit the “underground kingdom” of Fužine. Especially during the summer months when it’s “devilishly hot” outside. This is because the temperature inside the cave remains around 8 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Clearly, the cave’s name is not related to heat. It got its name thanks to the beautiful mountain spring and clear stream that regularly floods it during extremely rainy periods.
The cave is approximately 300 meters long in total, with about 180 meters being accessible to visitors. Yet, even in a relatively small space, it holds some of the most beautiful “secrets” of the underground world. It is exceptionally rich in cave formations, known as speleothems. Some of them have interesting names such as “Bishop,” “Mother of God,” or “Dwarves”…
Vrelo Cave on a Plate
Vrelo Cave is unique in Europe due to its gentle terrain configuration. It is the only tourist-equipped cave on the continent without a single step. Therefore, it can be visited by people of all ages, from children to seniors, and it is adapted for wheelchair users. The cave was arranged for visitors in 1998 when new lighting and pedestrian paths with bridges were installed. The tour lasts about thirty minutes, so it’s advisable to dress warmly and embark on an exploration of the beauties of Fužine’s underground.
These beauties have also inspired the head chef of the Bitoraj restaurant, who dedicated one dish to this prehistoric attraction. The “Vrelo Cave” dish features veal steak in a porcini mushroom sauce with a side dish, enhancing a pleasant family outing and exploration of one of the most beautiful attractions that Gorski Kotar has to offer.
