Biserna, also known as Zandana, is the longest cave on the Shumen Plateau, with 2,716 m of passages. Its entrance is in the Kyoshkovete area of the Shumen Plateau Nature Park, about 1 km from Shumen and at 404 m. Since 2019 about 800 m of the passages have been made safe for visitors, and the cave is one of the Hundred National Tourist Sites.
The cave has two levels — the Upper and Lower Gallery — linked by a vertical step of about 6 m. An underground river flows along the lower level at around 8 litres a second, part of the catchment of the Poroyna river. The finest part is the Great (Throne) Hall, its ceiling covered in thousands of stalactites. The name Biserna, "pearly", comes from the pearl-like gleam of drops on the stalactites in the lamps of the first explorers. The cave was first mentioned in 1828 by the French cartographer Barbié du Bocage, but properly explored only in 1968. In 2003 the Madara Horseman caving club found new passages. Until 1987 its water was used to brew Shumen beer; then the spring was tapped for the town’s water supply.
The cave is a research site and home to large bat colonies — 14 species, with up to 2,100 bats wintering here. It therefore opens to visitors only in set periods each year, under a schedule run by the nature park directorate, and is closed in July and August. Visits are booked in advance. You enter through an artificial tunnel with a separate passage for people, so the bats are not disturbed. The air is about 10 °C and the floor is wet — bring a warm layer and closed shoes.
With children: the walk is about 800 m each way on a built path, but it is cold and damp. It suits children who can comfortably walk about 1.6 km and are dressed warmly.
Marked eco-trails lead to the cave from the Kyoshkovete area or from the Old Town area above Shumen. The visitor centre, from which you enter the cave, is at the entrance itself.
The Shumen fortress and the Founders of the Bulgarian State monument on the plateau, the Han Krumski rock monastery, and the town of Shumen.
Shumen region
1.5 km away
Shumen region
3.1 km away
Shumen region
3.4 km away
Biserna Cave is located in Shumen, Bulgaria.
Biserna 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.
