One of the most famous caves in the world, at least in paleontological and archaeological circles, is Vindija. Why? During the research of this cave, the bones of Neanderthals were discovered, and it was their study that confirmed there is a Neanderthal gene in modern humans. But when you visit Vindija, more than scientific facts, you'll be mesmerized by its size and colourful deposits that have been accumulating for 400,000 years.

What to Expect in Vindija?

First of all, it should be noted that the entrance to the cave itself is currently not possible due to the safety of both this important site and visitors. But due to the size of the cave opening, it is still very intriguing to observe it from the outside. You will be amazed by the rocks, from whose mottled walls you can clearly read deposition during the past, and the information board in front of the cave will tell you what that past hides. Thus, in addition to the Neanderthals, who are thought to have lived here until 33,000 years ago, the remains of numerous extinct animals (most notably the cave bear), tools from the Paleolithic era, ceramics from various prehistoric periods, remains of modern humans (Homo sapiens) and much more were found.

Even today, surrounded by a dense forest, Vindija will easily give you an idea of what the world might have looked like when our extinct ancestors walked on it. But this 50-meter-deep, 28-meter-wide, and 20-meter-high cave is still very much alive—the constant dripping of water reminds us that changes are indeed happening inside, even though they are too slow for the human eye to notice.

How to Get to Vindija?

Park your vehicle on the organized parking lot in Rijeka Voćanska (visible via Google Maps), then continue on foot along the forest path on the other side of the road. You will walk along a small stream and climb gently for ten minutes until you reach a sign to turn deeper into the forest towards the cave. From here there is another three minutes of slightly steeper ascent.

There is enough information near the cave for those who want to learn more about this site and the human and animal finds. In this article, however, we can briefly introduce the most interesting inhabitants of the Vindija Cave—the Neanderthals. Research in Croatia and around the world concluded that they lived in small groups of up to ten individuals and that they spent most of their time in open habitats, grasslands and forests, but often used caves as shelter. They knew how to use fire, and it served them for food preparation, defence, hunting, as a source of light and for firewood. It is recorded that they made clothes from animal skins and furs and even jewellery. Traces of healed injuries and pathological bone trauma were observed on many fossil remains, which indicates that Neanderthals took care of the sick and that they cared for members of their community. It is believed that they could speak, although not like modern humans, and in some sites it is confirmed that Neanderthals had burial rituals.

If you find it fascinating, a visit to Vindija is an opportunity to visit the former home of our extinct ancestors. Of course, it goes without saying that Vindija is surrounded by beautiful nature that doesn't require any special interest in the past, only enjoyment.

If you want to prolong your stay in this part of north Croatia, visit Vinica and its historic buildins or explore another cave nearby, The Big Cave or Mačkova Cave, which is a bit more hidden and harder to reach. Read more here.