With its breathtaking cave formations and Mesolithic pottery shards, Orlovaca is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Take a guided tour of the cave to be mesmerized by stalactites and stalagmites and marvel at helictites that are as captivating as they are unique.
Located at the foot of Orlovaca Mountain in the village of Sumbolovac, Orlovaca cave is one of the most spectacular cavernous systems in the region. The cliffs of Orlovaca hill highlight the cave entrance, which opens into an underground system that extends across four interconnected levels. Stalagmites and stalactites in the cave exhibit a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors—from pristine white to vibrant reds due to iron oxide deposits. Helictites, which are uniquely formed when a stalactite oozes mineral-rich “cave milk” over another stalactite, add to the cave’s allure.
As you travel higher up into the cave, you’ll enter the main channel, which features spacious passages that are much easier to navigate. This level of the cave is also a treasure trove for paleontological discoveries, with various stalagmites and stalactites exhibiting an array of shapes and textures. You may even spot a few crystal formations in this section of the cave.
A visit to Orlovaca is the perfect way to escape from the bustle of urban life and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. The cave’s diverse formations are sure to leave you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the world around us.
In addition to the fascinating cave formations, the cave is known for its rare endemic fauna and archaeological remains from the Mesolithic period. The most notable find was the bones of a cave bear (Ursus spelaeus). Besides the bones, the cave is home to bats, an endemic beetle, and other species.
The cemetery is also well-known as the site of the 2,500 Yugoslav partisan fighters and 68,500 predominantly Serb civilians who died in the fierce battle to liberate the Kozara mountains from German-Ustase control during World War II. The Monument to the Revolution was designed by Dusan Dzamonja and dedicated to the memory of those who died in this courageous struggle.
Getting to Orlovaca from Sarajevo is simple with Moovit. The free app offers door-to-door directions and real-time transit information for public transportation in and around your city. Moovit will show you all the routes and schedules available, making it easy to decide what option is best for your trip.