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Fort
· Upper Carniola
· 701 m
-
Devil's or Dwarf's Cave Castle in BegunjePhoto: Jani Kolman, Turizem Radovljica
"Hudičev gradič" - Devil’s or Dwarf's Castle, is a small medieval fort built on a vertical rock wall of Mt. Jamarski vrh near Castle Kamen in Begunje. Mysterious fort was built on a small natural ledge in front of an entrance to a 45-metre long natural karst cave. The cave fortress most probably originates from the 16th century and was most likely used an observation point for the nearby Kamen Castle. It is possible, it was also used used as place of refuge in case of sudden attack. Archaeological findings in the cave prove, that the cave was visited in pre-Christian times, most probably as a place or worship of (today unknown) pagan gods. The cave fortress has no doors or large windows, no stairs or traces of ladder use - therefore it remained practically inaccessible until today. The name originates from the popular belief that the devil itself has been tricked into the cave and then walled in, because he did not allow the nearby Kamen Castle to be built.
Price:
No entrance fee.
To acces the fortress, full rock-climbing equipment and climbing experience is mandatory, while cave exploring equipment is required when visiting the cave interior!
Public transport
Arriva bus company operates hourly public bus service to Begunje, starting from Radovljica or Bled. Few times a day, there is also a direct bus connection from directons of Tržič or Jesenice.
Directions
Use exits Lesce (3), Radovljica (4) or Brezje (5) from A2/E 61 motorway and follow the signs for Begunje na Gorenjskem. Reaching the village, drive straigh through the village until reaching the Y junction at the end of the village. Turn left (Signpost: "Grad Kamen") and drive towards the castle Kamen, until you reach a small parking area underneath a walnut tree. Park you car and walk towards the castle, then ascend the castle to reach the upper tower. Take the trail on the northern side of the tower to reach the popular Lamberg trail. Turn left and follow the trail for about 5 minutes. Soon after passing by Zijalka cave and the overhanging rock, the fort can be seen high on the rocky cliff to your right-hand side.
Another option (with much higher chance to obtain an available parking spot) is parking your car in Krpin recreational area in Begunje (turn right and the end of the long stone wall running alongside the Katzenstein Mansion). Find a signpost for "Lamberg trail" at the edge of the Krpin parking area and follow the pleasant forest trail for about 20 minutes.
Parking
By the bridge underneath Castle Kamen or (more recommended) in Krpin recreational area.
Coordinates
Recommendations nearby
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