TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS tour the underground

If you’re craving something beyond the usual sightseeing in Croatia, the Tunnel Abseiling Plus tour offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and local flavor. This two-and-a-half-hour journey takes you deep into an underground WWII fortress, where you’ll descend rock faces and explore hidden chambers — all with professional guidance and safety at the forefront. We love how this tour combines thrilling physical activity with fascinating storytelling, giving you a taste of Croatia’s lesser-known underground world.

One of the standout features is the diverse levels of abseiling, catering to different comfort levels and making it accessible even for beginners. Plus, the wine tasting at the end provides a relaxing finish to an adrenaline-filled experience. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the temperature in the underground tunnels remains steady at 14°C, so packing warmer clothes is advisable. This tour is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure with an appreciation for history and authentic local experiences. If you’re looking for an active, engaging way to discover Rovinj’s underground secrets, this tour might just be perfect.

Key Points

• Accessible for most travelers with no prior experience needed, thanks to professional guidance.
• Marvel at the architecture of an unfinished WWII fortress, built by both man and nature.
• Enjoy multiple abseiling options, including a demanding cascade descent for thrill-seekers.
• Experience immersive audio-visual effects that transport you back in time.
• Conclude with a taste of Croatia’s local wine, adding a social, relaxed element.
• Limited group size (up to 8 travelers), ensuring personalized attention.

Exploring the Underground Fortress: A Genuine Experience in Rovinj

The Tunnel Abseiling Plus tour stands out for offering a combination of adventure, history, and local culture — all in a compact 2.5-hour package. Located in Rovinj, this experience takes place in a 550-meter-long underground WWII fortress, which remained unfinished and was long forgotten before recent rediscovery and restoration. The site’s unique architecture results from both human construction and natural erosion, creating a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that feel almost secretive.

What to Expect During the Tour

Your adventure begins at the meeting point, Adventurer Tours in Rijeka, where you’ll meet your professional, certified guides. They’ll equip you with all necessary safety gear, which is regularly checked to meet standards. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, setting the tone for an enjoyable exploration.

The journey starts with a walk through the fortress, where the audio-visual effects really shine. Imagine stepping into high underground rooms that are artificially illuminated with projections and effects designed to transport you back to World War II. These multimedia features add an engaging layer to the experience, making it more than just a physical challenge.

The Abseiling Experience

The core of the tour involves descending rock faces using ropes, giving you a tangible sense of what it’s like to navigate vertical spaces underground. The Abseil Plus version offers additional descents on uneven, slippery cascading rocks, which are more demanding and require more technique and confidence. Rest assured, all descents are performed with professional instructors by your side, guiding you step-by-step.

One of the highlights, as noted by previous participants, is the possibility to try a simultaneous abseil in pairs — a fun and slightly adrenaline-pumping activity that fosters camaraderie. For the less adventurous or those feeling unsure, the guides offer backup support, helping you build confidence gradually.

The Challenge in Darkness

For the bravest, there’s a final challenge: turning off head torches and finding your way out in pitch darkness. This extra test of nerve is optional but adds an element of realism and adventure, making the whole experience more memorable.

Ending on a High Note: Wine Tasting

After emerging from the underground, the tour concludes with a social gathering featuring Croatian wine. This is a perfect opportunity to chat with fellow travelers, reflect on your adventure, and savor some local flavors. It’s these authentic touches that elevate this experience beyond just a thrill ride.

The Value of This Tour

At $89.92 per person, the tour offers good value considering the comprehensive experience, professional guidance, and inclusion of all safety equipment and insurance. The small group size (maximum 8 travelers) ensures a more personalized experience and plenty of attention from guides.

The tour’s length and complexity make it suitable for most ages and fitness levels, provided you are comfortable with enclosed spaces and heights. The fact that no prior experience is necessary makes it especially appealing to first-timers looking for a safe yet exciting introduction to underground exploration.

The Practicalities

Wear warm clothes — the constant 14°C temperature underground means packing a sweater or jacket is wise. Non-slip shoes are required for safety, so comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential. It’s worth noting that the tour is weather-dependent for outdoor parts; bad weather may lead to adjustments or cancellations, but full refunds are available if that happens.

Booking in advance is recommended: most travelers book about 11 days ahead, indicating the popularity and limited availability of this intimate experience. Tours run daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, giving plenty of flexibility to fit into your itinerary.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

Participants consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, like Ela, who share not just safety instructions but also stories about the cave’s history and the surrounding region. DewiPeters_K described the experience as “a great experience that left a lasting impression”, highlighting the guide’s enthusiasm. Jurien_V appreciated the friendly guide, who made the history come alive and kept the mood lively and engaging.

The wine tasting at the end is another authentic touch, allowing visitors to experience a bit of Croatian hospitality and local culture. Several reviews mention this as a highlight — a relaxing way to cap off an adrenaline-filled adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventure seekers with an interest in history or underground environments. It’s perfect for those who want a hands-on activity without the need for prior experience, thanks to professional instructors. It also appeals to small groups craving personalized attention and a more intimate adventure.

If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy active, unusual experiences, this tour provides a safe yet exhilarating challenge. However, it’s not recommended for people with epileptic seizures or claustrophobia due to the enclosed spaces and darkness.

Final Thoughts

The Tunnel Abseiling Plus tour offers a unique peek into Rovinj’s underground past. Combining adventure, history, and local culture, it provides a well-rounded experience for those willing to tackle heights and tight spaces in a safe environment. The added comfort of professional guides, multimedia effects, and the chance to enjoy Croatian wine make this a memorable outing that’s worth the price.

This tour is an excellent choice for travelers who are curious about Croatia’s hidden depths and enjoy physical activities with a story. It’s especially ideal for first-timers in underground exploration who want reassurance from experienced guides and a chance to challenge themselves. If you love a bit of history, a touch of adrenaline, and authentic regional flavors, this underground adventure will likely be a highlight of your Rovinj visit.

FAQ

Is prior experience needed for this tour?
No, you don’t need any previous abseiling experience. The guides are trained to support all levels, from complete beginners to more confident climbers.

What should I wear?
Bring warm clothes because the underground tunnels stay at a steady 14°C. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes — this is mandatory for safety and comfort.

How long does the tour take?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including safety briefing, exploration, abseiling, and wine tasting.

Is this suitable for children or older travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s not recommended for those with epilepsy or claustrophobia. Always check your personal comfort level with heights and enclosed spaces.

What is included in the price?
All abseiling equipment, certified guides, entrance to the fort, multimedia effects, insurance, and a wine tasting are included.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Since the tour involves underground exploration, weather generally has less impact, but the agency reserves the right to make adjustments or cancel if necessary, with full refunds if canceled.

In summary, the Tunnel Abseiling Plus tour offers a rare chance to combine adventure, history, and authentic Croatian hospitality in a safe, small-group setting. It’s a memorable way to experience Rovinj’s underground secrets and enjoy a taste of local life afterward — an experience that’s both fun and enriching.