Vodnite dupki

Located in the heart of the picturesque Karlukovo karst region, near the town of Lukovit and Pleven, but administratively part of Lovech, "The Water Holes" (Vodnite Dupki) is one of Bulgaria's most intriguing and challenging caves. Its name is no coincidence – it is an active water cave through which an underground river flows, collecting its waters from the surface and re-emerging into the light to join the Iskar River. Access to "The Water Holes" is extremely difficult and is intended only for experienced cavers equipped with special gear. It impresses with its series of siphons, narrow galleries, and lakes, which require crawling, swimming, and diving. The water temperature remains low year-round, further increasing the challenge. Despite its inaccessibility, the cave offers a unique opportunity to explore a hidden underground world. It is home to diverse troglobiont fauna – rare invertebrate species adapted to eternal darkness. "The Water Holes" is part of the extensive Karlukovo karst complex, known for its numerous caves and rock formations, shaped over millennia by the erosion of limestone rocks by the waters of the Iskar River. For the ordinary tourist, although the cave itself is inaccessible, the surrounding area offers wonderful views of the Iskar Gorge and opportunities for nature walks. "The Water Holes" remains a symbol of the wild and untamed beauty of the Bulgarian underground, attracting adventurers and scientists from all over the world.