Biserna Cave – Shumen’s Underground Wonder

Location: Shumen Plateau, Shumen, Northeastern Bulgaria

Type: Cave / Natural Landmark / Protected Nature Heritage

Main Facts:

Biserna Cave, also known as Zandana Cave, is one of the best-known natural attractions on the Shumen Plateau. It lies about 1 km west of Shumen and is surrounded by the forests of Shumensko Plateau Nature Park.

The cave is around 3,000 metres long, with approximately 2,200 metres currently mapped. A visitor route covers about 800 metres in one direction.

Inside, visitors can see stalactites, stalagmites and unusual limestone formations. A small underground stream also flows through parts of the cave.

Biserna is also an important habitat for bats. Because of this, access is seasonal and is controlled to protect the cave’s wildlife.

In 2025, Biserna Cave became part of Bulgaria’s 100 National Tourist Sites.

Natural Features:

Biserna Cave developed in the limestone landscape of the Shumen Plateau. Its passages form a descending, branched system across two levels.

The cave contains a variety of natural formations. Among the most distinctive are shapes known locally as “The Castle”, “The Throne”, “The Ship” and “Cacti”.

Water continues to flow through the cave, helping to shape its underground environment. Meanwhile, high humidity keeps the interior cool throughout the year.

The temperature inside is around 10°C. Consequently, the cave feels very different from the warmer conditions outside during summer.

Historical Importance:

Biserna is important not only for its natural features but also for the wider heritage of the Shumen Plateau.

The cave has been known to local people for generations. Its unusual formations and underground water have long attracted interest from visitors and researchers.

Near the entrance, there was once a spring known as the “Fairy Well”, which became part of local folklore. Although the spring has since dried up, the area remains part of the cave’s history.

In addition, Biserna provides an important habitat for several bat species. Protecting this environment is one of the main reasons tourist access is limited during parts of the year.

What to See:

• Large limestone chambers and passages
• Stalactites and stalagmites
• “The Castle” rock formation
• “The Throne” formation
• “The Ship” formation
• “Cacti” formations
• Underground water and cave formations
• Bat habitat
• Forest scenery around the cave entrance

Best Time to Visit:

Biserna Cave is not open to visitors throughout the whole year. The opening period is controlled to protect the bats living inside the cave.

In 2026, the cave opened from 1 April until 30 June and then reopened from 1 September, with the autumn season continuing until around mid-November. Opening periods can change from year to year, so check the latest information before travelling.

Inside the cave, the temperature is around 10°C even during summer. Therefore, bring a warm layer and wear suitable closed shoes.

What to Visit Nearby:

• Shumen Fortress
• Memorial Complex “Founders of the Bulgarian State”
• Tombul Mosque
• Madara Rider – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Pliska National Historical and Archaeological Reserve
• Great Preslav National Historical and Archaeological Reserve

Quick Travel Information:

Biserna Cave is around 1 km west of Shumen, but visitors must walk to the entrance because the forest road is not suitable for cars.

Access is by prior reservation through the Shumensko Plateau Nature Park Directorate. The walk to the cave and the underground route should therefore be planned in advance.

Shumen is approximately 140 km east of Veliko Tarnovo, around 2 hours by car. Biserna Cave can be combined with Shumen Fortress, the Founders of the Bulgarian State Monument or other Shumen attractions during a full-day trip.

Allow at least 1.5–2 hours for the walking approach and cave experience.

Useful Links:

• Google Maps – Biserna Cave
• Official Website – Visit Shumen
• Weather Forecast – Shumen