MUNDUS SPELAEUS – 18th EuroSpeleo Forum & Meeting of Croatian Speleologists – Pazin 2026 will take place in the Town of Pazin, Istria, Croatia, from 13 to 15 November 2026.

This year, Croatia will host the international EuroSpeleo Forum for the first time. As Europe’s leading speleological event, the Forum is celebrating its 18th edition this year.

The event is organized under the auspices of the European Speleological Federation (FSE) and is supported by the Croatian Speleological Federation (HSS), the Commission for Speleology of the Croatian Mountaineering Association (KS HPS), and the City of Pazin.

The organizer of the Meeting of Croatian Speleologists is the Speleological Society Istra – Pazin. Co-organizers are the Estavela Speleological Association, the Karlovac Speleological Society, and the Ursus spelaeus Speleological Club from Karlovac.

See for the location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/j18yFRUvvnCHw4A66

Istria is the largest Croatian peninsula, located in the northeastern Adriatic Sea, and is widely recognized throughout Europe.. The region is a well-known tourist destination, renowned for its karst landscapes and its long tradition of exploration, dating back to the very beginnings of modern European speleology.

The EuroSpeleo Forum and the Meeting of Croatian Speleologists are two events combined into one, attracting numerous cavers, friends of speleology, enthusiasts, and nature lovers from across Croatia and Europe. The aim of the event is to bring together explorers, scientists, and enthusiasts to exchange experiences and present the results of new research, strengthen cooperation among European speleological federations and clubs, promote knowledge sharing and standardization, and support the development of common ethical codes and technical standards for the exploration and protection of caves and karst features.

By attending MUNDUS SPELAEUS, you become part of a unique speleological community where, through lectures, images, words, and films, you can experience the mysterious underground world in which scientific discoveries and adventure merge into an unforgettable experience, creating lifelong passion and friendships. This event is dedicated to all aspects of speleology and is equally valuable to scientists, experienced cavers, beginners, and supporters of speleology, offering interesting lectures and activities for everyone.

More information is to be found on the event website: https://www.speleo.hr/mundus-spelaeus-en/

FSE scholarships to encourage young cavers to attend the 18th EuroSpeleo Forum in Pazin, Croatia from 13-15 November 2026

The annual EuroSpeleo Forum is a unique opportunity to discover karst areas around Europe, exchange knowledge about recent karst research, discoveries and cave protection activities on an international level. But most importantly, it is the place to become part of the European speleological community, where old and new friends as well as different generations of cave enthusiasts meet. It is the place to get connected to Speleology in Europe.

For this reason the FSE supports especially the attendance of young speleologists active in caving, karst research or karst protection to the 18^th EuroSpeleo Forum in 2026 in Croatia.

The FSE grants two scholarships to young speleologists for attending the 18th EuroSpeleo Forum in Pazin, Istria, Croatia.

Information on the EuroSpeleo Forum can be found here: https://www.speleo.hr/mundus-spelaeus-en/

The requirements are:

a) Applicants must be affiliated to an organisation being member of FSE (via your local club)

b) Applicants must be 26 years of age or younger. You must be at least 18 years old when signing and sending in the application form.

c) Applicants are required to send an application form and a letter of recommendation to the FSE.

Each scholarship is up to a maximum of EUR 500.  Details, including the deadline, will be specified on the application form to be downloaded here:

https://www.eurospeleo.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/FSE_Scholarship_2026.pdf

Please send your application by e-mail as soon as possible to contact@eurospeleo.eu