Orlova chuka is a show cave in the lands of the village of Pepelina, Dve Mogili municipality, Ruse province. With 13,437 m of mapped passages it is the third-longest cave in Bulgaria. Traces of prehistoric people and of cave bears have been found inside.
The cave is on the right slope of the Cherni Lom valley, about 6 km east of Dve Mogili, 2.5 km from Pepelina and about 45 km from Ruse. The entrance is about 40 m above the river, reached by a steep path with steps, and the entrance platform looks over the Cherni Lom valley. Hut Orlova chuka stands next to the cave.
The cave is the former bed of an underground river and forms a complex network of tunnels and halls. The show section runs through the Concert Hall, past the Big Stalactone (3.5 m tall) and the Small Abyss, and ends in the largest hall, the Big Screes. There is also a small flowstone pool called Izvorcheto. The temperature stays around 14 °C all year, so bring a layer.
The cave was discovered in 1941 and opened to visitors in 1957. It was declared a natural landmark in 1962 and has been an archaeological monument of national importance since 1978. Cave bear bones and claw marks have been found here, along with traces of Late Palaeolithic people.
Fourteen bat species live in Orlova chuka, in a colony of about 12,000. Three of them are on the IUCN Red List. The cave is the most important winter roost in Bulgaria for the Mediterranean horseshoe bat and Mehely's horseshoe bat.
According to bg.wikipedia the cave is open from 1 April to 1 November. Check the opening hours before you go, as they change.
Ruse region
5.9 km away
Ruse region
11.2 km away
Ruse region
16.9 km away
Orlova Chuka Cave is located in Ruse, Bulgaria.
Orlova Chuka Cave 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.
