Educational Trail Zdenc – Vidovec

On the edge of the Bela Krajina karst plain, east of the village of Božakovo, two fascinating karst caves – Zdenc and Vidovec – can be found. Božakovo stretches along the edge of a river terrace, beneath which the Kolpa River has carved a deep valley with the prominent Magdalene Rock. Here, it is well worth visiting the Baroque Church of St Mary Magdalene. The spring cave of Zdenc, featuring a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, is one of the most beautifully arranged spring caves in Bela Krajina and reflects the historical connection between people and karst water sources. A small stream flowing from the cave below the village has been dammed by locals. Behind a stone-built entrance lies a 78-metre-long spring cave. Vidovec Cave, at 270 metres, is the longest water cave in Bela Krajina, shaped just below the surface by the stream of the same name along parallel faults. The walking trail is well worth a visit and can be completed in about one hour.

Points of interest along the route

Baroque Church of St Mary Magdalene in Božakovo, Zdenc spring cave with a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Kolpa River, Vidovec Cave.