Postojna Cave

Postojna Cave is the largest Karst cave in Slovenia with as much as 24 km of underground tunnels. It has a very long standing 'tourist tradition' and even today it is one of the most visited natural landmarks in Slovenia. More than 5 km of tunnels are arranged for tourist visits; you drive into the cave by a little train and then proceed on foot with a guide. Stalactites, stalagmites, underground halls and other rock formations are truly amazing, but do not expect solitude or tranquility since the cave is visited by approximately 1500 people per day! Closed groups can arrange special visits to other parts of the cave, cave adventures or teambuilding programs.

Gallery

Where to sleep

Basic information

Location

Postojna

Type

jama

Entrance fee

da

Altitude

540 m

Trip duration

1.5 h

Difficulty

How to get there:
The cave is situated right next to Postojna. Giant signboards will direct you to the cave already on the motorway 'Ljubljana – Koper'. Leave the motorway on exit Postojna and simply follow the signposts to the cave and park in fornt of it on a large parking lot.

Description:
Pivka river has been carving the cave for 2 million years; it goes underground just by the entrance to Postojna Cave and comes again to the surface around 5 km to the north-east at Planinsko Polje. The water level has changed over time and a beautiful 'multi-level' cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, curtains and other gorgeous shapes, were gradually created as the water was leaving layers of limestone behind.

First visiotrs supposedly came to the cave already in the 13th century but the most beautiful parts of the cave were discovered in 1818. Soon after the cave was open for tourists and a small train running on electric power was installed. During the 2nd World War the Germans stored big amounts of gasoline at the cave entrance and the Partisan rebell army destroyed it through a secret passage thus causing an extensive fire.

These days the cave is rearranged for tourist visits. Through narrow tunnels the train will take you to a big hall in about 10 minutes. You can choose guidance in several languages and follow a neat path in the company of a guide among numerous stalactites of various shapes and sizes. The tour ends in a huge underground hall where concerts and other events are held on special occasions. We return back to the daylight by train after an hour and a half.

The cave itself is rather peaceful and completely dark without lights. Despite that around 100 animal species live in the cave! The main attraction is, of course, the proteus, which was at first mistaken for a baby dragon! A modern aquarium is located inside the cave where you can see the proteus and there is also Vivaruim Proteus, where you can see a multimedia presentation on the creation of the caves and the animal life inside.

There are many stalls, souvenir shops, restaurants an ice-cream garden and even an adventure park in front of the entrance to Postojna Cave.

The cave has only about 10 degrees Celsius and almost 100% humidity throughout the whole year, so bring appropriate clothes and footwear. The path through the cave is relatively easy.

What about a slightly different visit of Postojna cave?