Vihren cave (the Vihren chasm, formerly called Kazana) is a vertical cave in Northern Pirin, at about 2,630 m under the eastern side of Vihren peak. It lies about 600 m east of the summit and 500 m from the Kazana shelter. It is one of the deepest caves in Pirin and one of the highest between the Alps and the Caucasus.
It is about 396 m long and 202 m deep. It formed in tilted Proterozoic marble and has four vertical pitches of 45, 35, 41 and 16 m. The entrance section has ice formations and waterfalls. Polish cavers described it first. Between 1976 and 1996, Bulgarian expeditions, among them the Heliktit club of Sofia, found new sections that made it the deepest cave in Pirin at the time. It was declared a natural landmark in 1976.
Not as an ordinary tourist sight. Going in requires single-rope caving technique, ropes and experience, and attempts without them are dangerous. It is not for children or beginners.
The starting points are Vihren hut (1,950 m, 1.4 km away) and Banderitsa hut (1,811 m, 1.7 km), above Bansko. The path to the Kazana cirque and Vihren peak passes nearby. Stay on the waymarked path and keep away from the edge of the entrance, especially in snow or fog.
Baykushev's Pine and the Hana cave are nearby.
Blagoevgrad region
0.6 km away
Blagoevgrad region
1.2 km away
Blagoevgrad region
1.3 km away
Blagoevgrad region
2.0 km away
Vihrenskata cave is located in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria.
Vihrenskata 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.
