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Vrtoglavica

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description Vrtoglavica Overview

Vrtoglavica is a deep cave shaft on the Kanin karst plateau in the Julian Alps of Slovenia. Its entrance pitch descends roughly 600 meters, placing it among the deepest known uninterrupted underground drops. The shaft formed in soluble limestone and is an objective for highly experienced cave explorers using specialized ropes, rigging, and vertical-caving techniques rather than a developed destination for ordinary visitors.

help Vrtoglavica FAQ

Where is Vrtoglavica located?

Vrtoglavica, also commonly rendered Vrtiglavica, is a karst shaft on the Kanin plateau in Slovenia's Julian Alps near the Italian border. The name is related to the Slovenian word for vertigo, which fits the site, as noted by [Guinness World Records](https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/deepest-shaft-occurring-naturally).

How deep is the Vrtoglavica shaft?

The famous uninterrupted shaft is about 603 meters deep, while cave surveys commonly give the whole cave a depth of 643 meters. Guinness describes the 603-meter section as the deepest naturally occurring unbroken shaft.

How did Vrtoglavica form?

It formed in soluble limestone in a high alpine karst landscape, where water enlarged fractures into a vertical shaft. Glacially shaped terrain and seasonal snowmelt help explain why the Kanin plateau contains so many deep caves.

Can ordinary tourists descend into Vrtoglavica?

This is a technical caving objective, not a normal sightseeing hole or hiking viewpoint. A descent of more than 600 meters requires specialist rope systems, experienced vertical cavers, and careful mountain-weather planning.

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