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Devil's Throat Reserve

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Devil's Throat Reserve (Bulgaria)

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The Dyavolsko Garloto Cave, known as the Devil's Throat, is located in the impressive Trigrad Gorge of the Western Rhodopes. It is one of Bulgaria's most fascinating natural phenomena, differing from classic show caves due to its vertical orientation. The entrance leads into a massive cavity called the 'Hall of Thunder,' which is the second-largest underground hall in the Balkans. Here, the Trigrad River plunges into a spectacular 42-meter-high underground waterfall, making the cave a place of mystical energy. According to legend, this is the spot where Orpheus descended into the realm of Hades to retrieve his beloved Eurydice. The cave is also of ecological significance, housing one of the region's largest bat colonies. Visitors must climb over 300 steep steps to reach the exit, which has a view of the gorge's rugged rock walls. The water temperature of the underground river remains constantly low throughout the year, and many secrets of the cave's siphon system remain unexplained to this day.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-104814182121161161
Rain mm584656495962433048535065

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
Devil's Throat Reserve is open year-round, but the best visiting time is May to September when the caves are drier. Winter can be cold and damp.
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Best time of day
Entering the cave is best in the morning when the light is optimal. In the afternoon the cave can be cooler.
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Etiquette
Enter the cave only with a guide and stay on marked paths. Do not touch rock formations and leave no litter.
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What to bring
A torch is essential for the cave as it is very dark. Sturdy footwear and a warm jacket are recommended.
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Getting there
The reserve is in the Rhodope Mountains, about 20 km southwest of Devin. Accessible by car on a paved road, with parking available.
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What to expect
The cave is a geological wonder, but animal observation is limited. Focus on the impressive rock formations and the underground landscape.

Geography

Coordinates
41.60000, 24.36670

Facts

  • Home to the highest underground waterfall in the Balkans (42 meters).
  • The 'Hall of Thunder' is 110 meters long and 40 meters high.
  • Over 300 steep steps lead from the bottom to the upper exit.
  • Important wintering site for over 30,000 long-fingered bats.
  • The Trigrad River disappears into a siphon and reappears 530m away.
  • The cave is the legendary site of Orpheus's descent to the Underworld.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TrigradTrigrad2 km · NEExplore →
Yagodina Karst AreaYagodina Karst Area3 km · NWExplore →
YagodinaYagodina4 km · NExplore →
Rhodope GorgesRhodope Gorges11 km · SExplore →
Rhodope MassifRhodope Massif12 km · NEExplore →
Rhodope PlateauRhodope Plateau12 km · SWExplore →
Rhodope RidgeRhodope Ridge14 km · WExplore →
Devin Mineral SpringsDevin Mineral Springs16 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Devil's Throat Reserve (3)

Via Ferrata - Trigrad

Via ferrata route along the Trigrad Gorge cliff. Secured path with ladders and cables.

Devils Throat Cave

Cave in Bulgaria famous for its 42 m high interior waterfall. Mythologically linked to Orpheus.

Devil's Threat Zipline

Zipline over the Trigrad Gorge. Features views of the cave and rock formations.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How many steps must you climb in the cave?
There are about 300 steep steps leading up along the underground waterfall.
What does the cave have to do with Orpheus?
According to legend, Orpheus descended into the underworld here to save his wife Eurydice.
How high is the underground waterfall?
At 42 meters, it is one of the highest underground waterfalls in the Balkans.
Is it very cold in the cave?
The temperature is constant at about 8°C; a jacket and sturdy shoes are necessary.
Is photography allowed in the cave?
Yes, private photography without flash or tripod is usually allowed.
Devil's Throat Reserve: where is it located?
Devil's Throat Reserve is located in Bulgaria.
Devil's Throat Reserve: what is there to see?
Highlights include Via Ferrata - Trigrad, Devils Throat Cave, Devil's Threat Zipline.
Devil's Throat Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Devil's Throat Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
The Dyavolsko Garloto Cave, known as the Devil's Throat, is located in the impressive Trigrad Gorge of the Western Rhodopes.
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