Located just a few hundred meters from the famous Saeva Dupka cave, on the northern slope of Garvanishki Peak, lie two remarkable natural wonders – the Great and the Little Ledenitsa (The Glaciers). These pothole caves are a magnet for adventurers, featuring a unique microclimate where ice remains frozen well into the hot summer months. Location and Access - Starting Point: The parking lot of Saeva Dupka Cave (Brestnitsa village). - The Trail: Walk back 100m from the parking lot along the road. Near two pine trees on the left, a marked path leads up to "The Glaciers." - Navigation: The path crosses a narrow rock bridge between two gullies: - Right gully: Leads to the bottom of the Little Ledenitsa. - Left gully: Leads to the bottom of the Great Ledenitsa. Key Features - Great Ledenitsa: This deep pothole is formed in Upper Jurassic limestone. For those who prefer the view from above, the path leads to a projecting rock offering a spectacular bird's-eye perspective of the abyss. - Natural Ice: Thanks to the cold trap effect, ice can be found at the bottom among large boulders until late August. Visitors will feel the dramatic temperature drop long before reaching the floor. - Descent: It is possible to descend to the bottom without ropes by following a rocky scree on the right side, keeping close to the vertical cliff walls.
Lovech
0.3 km away
Lovech
1.9 km away
Lovech
16.2 km away
Lovech
16.4 km away
Golyamata Ledenitsa is located in Lovech, Bulgaria.
Golyamata Ledenitsa is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Caves can be visited year-round — the temperature inside stays roughly 10–12°C regardless of season. Spring and autumn are quieter than peak summer. Bring a warm layer and sturdy footwear; some caves close in winter when access roads become impassable.
Access to caves varies. Show caves typically run guided tours during posted opening hours; wild caves require proper equipment and experience. Inside, the temperature stays cool year-round (~10–12°C) — bring a warm layer, sturdy non-slip footwear, and a torch even on guided tours.
