The bats of Sljeme
As the sun slips behind the peaks of Sljeme and the forest settles into stillness, a new world awakens. Out from the treetops come the quiet flyers of the night – bats, gliding silently through the dusk.
You might not spot them straight away, but they’re there, just above you, moving like shadows across the night sky. Medvednica is their home – and not just any home. With 24 species living in the park, it’s one of the most important bat habitats in Croatia.
Their favourite hideouts are cool caves, abandoned quarries and the hollow trunks of old trees. The largest and most important of these is Veternica cave. In winter, when the cave is closed to visitors, bats hibernate here in peace. An astounding 18 species have been found in this single cave – more than half of all the bat species in the country. To protect them, the entrance is secured with a special grate that lets bats come and go freely, while gently keeping humans out during their quiet season, a reminder that nature takes priority here.
Even though we rarely see them, bats are our quiet allies. They’re the invisible night-time sweepers, feasting on insects, including mosquitoes, and making every evening a little more pleasant for all of us.
And if the idea of these mysterious night fliers stirs your imagination, you can actually become part of their story. Medvednica Nature Park offers a symbolic bat adoption programme: choose your favourite bat, give it a name and receive your very own adoption certificate.
The best time to meet these fascinating creatures? International Bat Night at Veternica – a special evening filled with storytelling, guided walks and a glimpse into their secret world.
So next time you find yourself on Medvednica at dusk, look up – you might just catch a quiet hello from the shadows.
