Lost Place Croatia: Discover the Željava aircraft cavern with a roof tent
Lost Place Croatia: Discover the Željava aircraft cavern with a roof tent
Exploring abandoned places offers a fascinating mix of history, adventure and discovery. The Željava aircraft cavern on the Croatian-Bosnian border in particular attracts adventure seekers from all over Europe. With the right camping equipment, this trip will be an unforgettable experience. Gordigear has been supporting outdoor enthusiasts for more than 20 years with robust products that can withstand even demanding conditions. Our durable roof tents and camping equipment , which offer maximum flexibility and comfort, are particularly suitable for exploring lost places in Croatia.
With the Opel Frontera and roof tent to the aircraft cavern
The Opel Frontera proves to be a reliable companion on the journey from Germany to Croatia. With its robust construction and good off-road capability, it masters both motorways and the partially unpaved roads to the Željava aircraft cavern with ease. Before you start your adventure, however, you should find out about the dynamic and static roof load of your vehicle. You can find this information in the operating manual for your Opel Frontera or directly from the manufacturer. Also remember that the weight of the mounted roof rack must be added to the total load.
The Tanami Plus pop-up roof tent from Gordigear fits perfectly on the Opel Frontera and offers a comfortable place to sleep after a long day of exploring. It can be set up and taken down quickly, which is particularly advantageous if you want to explore different places in Croatia. The robust construction provides reliable protection from wind and weather - an important aspect, especially if you are traveling off the beaten track.
The mysterious aircraft cavern Željava
"Thank you Sebastian for sending these great photos." *Images and/or text were provided by Sebastian Becker.*
The Željava aircraft cavern, also known by the code name "Object 505", was once one of the largest underground military airfields in Europe. Built during the Cold War in the former Yugoslavia, the facility was designed to withstand even a nuclear strike. Today, the abandoned base is a fascinating relic of times gone by. The huge tunnel systems, hangars and bunkers offer insights into an exciting historical era.
When exploring such lost places, safety comes first. Sturdy shoes, flashlights with spare batteries and possibly a helmet are recommended. You should also always pay attention to local regulations, as some areas may not be freely accessible or may pose dangers.
Optimal camping setup for the Croatia expedition
For a multi-day expedition to the aircraft cavern and other sights in Croatia, the right equipment is crucial. The Tanami Plus roof tent offers an elevated place to sleep, away from moisture and creepy crawlies. For even more comfort, an awning could be mounted on the vehicle to provide shade and protection from light rain.
Upgrading to a hardshell roof tent would be worth considering for longer trips. These offer more aerodynamic properties on long journeys, faster set-up and take-down times and more stability in strong winds - factors that can be particularly relevant in the Croatian coastal region with the famous Bora.
- Additional living space through an awning or shower tent
- More storage space through roof boxes or rear carriers
- Self-sufficient power supply with solar panels and power banks
- water canisters and camping cooking equipment for several days
Other sights around Plitvice National Park
The Željava aircraft cavern is located in the immediate vicinity of the world-famous Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The turquoise-blue lakes, connected by numerous waterfalls, offer an impressive contrast to the rough industrial aesthetics of the abandoned military base. A visit to both places can be perfectly combined in a multi-day tour.
It is also worth taking a detour to the medieval town of Bihać on the Bosnian side or a trip to the Croatian Adriatic coast, which can be reached in just a few hours. Along the coast you will find numerous historic towns such as Zadar, Split or the famous Dubrovnik - each with its own charm and history.
Practical tips for traveling to Croatia
For the journey from Germany to Croatia, the route via Austria and Slovenia is recommended. The roads are mostly in good condition, but tolls apply. As an EU citizen, you only need your ID card for Croatia, but you will need a passport for a possible detour to Bosnia. Also note that separate car insurance (Green Card) may be necessary to enter Bosnia.
The best time to visit the aircraft cavern is from April to October. In midsummer, it can be pleasantly cool in the caves, while it can be very hot outside - ideal for camping with plenty of shade provided by a Gordigear awning.
Your next adventure awaits
Lost places like the Željava aircraft cavern offer unique experiences off the beaten tourist track. With the right equipment from Gordigear, you are well prepared to discover these special places. Whether you are exploring the mysterious tunnels of the aircraft cavern, marveling at the waterfalls of the Plitvice Lakes or relaxing on the Adriatic coast - with a reliable roof tent you can enjoy maximum freedom and flexibility. Discover our range of high-quality outdoor products now and plan your next adventure in Croatia or another fascinating destination.
