Prohodna Cave

Overview

Prohodna is one of the most famous and easily accessible caves in Bulgaria. It is located 2 km from the village of Karlukovo and 112 km from Sofia.
The cave is a natural rock bridge with a length of 262 m. There are 2 entrances - large and small. From the small entrance with a height of about 35 m starts a path that passes through the entire cave and exits through the large entrance (the largest cave vault in Bulgaria - 45 m).
The walkway is naturally lit by huge entrances and natural openings in the ceiling - "windows". It is the "windows" that make the cave unique. Located next to each other, with the same almond shape, the windows look amazingly like huge eyes that seem to stare at visitors. It is no coincidence that the locals call them "Eyes of God". Viewed from a certain angle, they even look like a face looking down, and in wet weather they seem to shed "tears". Faced with this natural phenomenon, one is amazed and slightly excited - the incredible symmetry and location of the windows evokes awe and a sense of mystery. The cave was declared a natural landmark in 1962. Several Bulgarian and foreign films were shot in it.
Bungee jumping takes place from the big entrance. It is passable and a popular site for climbers. The routes are sports, divided into several sectors. Their category varies, but in general they are considered to be one of the most difficult in Bulgaria.
Prohodna can also be reached from the National Cave House "Petar Tranteev". A path starting from the house leads to the big entrance of the cave. The building of the Cave House is unique in its location - it is built in a crevice in the rock, and its shape, seen from above, resembles a bat. Natural rock is used for some of the walls. From the Cave House there is a view to the valley of the river Iskar, as well as to the cave Prohodna.
You can sleep in the hut, but it is desirable to make a prior request. The Cave House is reached by a turnoff on the road Lukovit - Karlukovo.
The cave house and Prohodna cave are part of the 100 national tourist sites. The cave is accessible to tourists all year round. No driver needed. It is advisable to be careful on cold winter days because of the large ice pendants that form on the ceiling and around the windows and the risk of slipping.