Svirchovitsa is a shaft cave in the Kamenopole-Karlukovo karst area, next to the village of Karlukovo, Lukovit municipality, Lovech Province. It lies in the Pladnishteto area, about 450 m north-east of the village, 1.1 km south-east of the National Caving House and 300 m south-west of the Bankovitsa pit. The entrance is at 242 m, at the bottom of a large sinkhole. The cave is 232 m long and 39 m deep.
Svirchovitsa is part of the Karlukovo Karst Complex natural landmark, together with Temnata Dupka, Prohodna, Bankovitsa and Haydushkata Dupka. It has been protected since 1963, along with 1.5 ha around it, and is estimated to be about 2.5 million years old.
The cave is wet, on three levels and branched — small, but complex in shape. It starts with a 50 m underground canyon covered in thick clay. A terrace high in the canyon, crossed on a protected traverse, leads to the upper level and a small hall with formations. The lower level begins with a large pothole 10 m across and 5 m deep. It was first mapped in 1948 by Petar Tranteev and remapped in 1981 and 1988.
A legend says a large elder tree — "svirchovina" — grew at the bottom of the sinkhole, and shepherds made whistles from its branches; hence the name.
The cave is not developed. The floor is muddy clay, and there are vertical steps and a traverse that need a fixed line and experience. Go in only with a helmet, a headlamp and an experienced caver.
Karlukovo is about 14 km from Lukovit, around 20 minutes by car. The sinkhole is reached on foot from the village.
Lovech region
0.2 km away
Lovech region
0.4 km away
Lovech region
5.8 km away
Lovech region
7.9 km away
Svirchovitsa Cave is located in Lovech, Bulgaria.
Svirchovitsa 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.
