Postojna Cave — Attraction in Postojna

Our day trip to the Postojna caves began with the unwelcome surprise of a run to catch a rail-replacement bus from Ljubljana. While a bit stressful at the time, we reassured ourselves with the promise of a relaxing stroll around some beautiful caves...

The entry fee of just shy of €30 (off peak) was a slight surprise, but we were nevertheless excited to enter the caves at 15:30 that afternoon.

It was at 14:00 that we received an email informing us that we had to arrive at the caves BY 15:00, despite purchasing the ticket for entry at 15:30. This caused mild panic - our bus was carelessly ambling through the beautiful Slovenian countryside a little bit too slowly, and we were going to arrive in the town of Postojna just before 15:00 (from which it is a 30 min walk to the caves).

Thankfully, there was the option to change to a later entrance. With gratitude, we went to the web link to do this, and were then slapped in the face with a €2 admin fee per ticket change. Moreover, if we decided to stick with the 15:30 entrance, we were threatened with a €5 fine per ticket. We swallowed our pride and payed the €2 each, switching to the 16:00 (which actually means 15:30...) entrance time.

The bus arrived at 15:00 and we set off for the caves. Upon arriving at 15:25, we headed to the entrance and were told that we were too early for the 16:00 slot, and the 15:30 slot was still being admitted! We were aghast - the email had made it clear that if you arrived

The Postojna Cave, situated within a great mountain, is a vast cave system boasting a unique cave train operational since 1872. The cave's passages and halls extend 14 kilometers, maintaining a consistent air temperature of 9 degrees Celsius. A dance hall has been utilized since 1978, while a fallen column measuring 4.5 meters in diameter is a notable feature. The limestone layers date back 90 million years, whereas the cave's formation is estimated to be 2 million years old. Discovered in 1818, the cave introduced electric lighting in 1884 and attracts approximately 500,000 tourists annually, with sufficient space to accommodate a cathedral. As the world's most captivating cave, Postojna Cave features magnificent formations and diverse fauna, analogous to the world above, with towering mountains, murmuring rivers, and vast subterranean halls that pose a challenge for explorers and serve as the cradle of speleobiology.

Approximately 1.7 million cubic meters comprise the volume of the entire cave system. We came across a spacious concert hall designed to accommodate 10,000 people. Remarkably, Predjama Castle, the world's largest cave castle, is positioned within a 123-meter-high cliff. The 'skyscraper,' the tallest column, measures 16 meters high. We were left in awe of the natural beauty.

The Vivarium, located in the Passage of New Signatures fifty metres from the entrance to Postojna Cave, consists of two distinct components. The research component, also referred to as the laboratory, facilitates scientific investigation and research endeavors. The speleobiological exhibition, housed within the Vivarium's exhibition section, provides an overview of the fundamental principles of karstology and speleobiology, highlighting the unique features of the subterranean environment and showcasing representative cave-dwelling animals. The olm, with a length of 25 to 30 centimetres, is the largest cave-dwelling animal and the only vertebrate in Europe strictly bound to cave habitats. It has adapted entirely to life in the dark, feeding on crustaceans, worms, snails, and other aquatic invertebrates. Its lifespan can extend up to one hundred years, and it is capable of surviving without sustenance for several years. Notably, in 2016, one of Postojna Cave's olms laid eggs, which subsequently hatched, garnering significant global attention. We were fortunate enough to capture photographs of the baby dragon while it was cocooning in the dark glass tank.

As we navigated every corner, hundreds of spectacularly beautiful massive stalagmites came into view. We were utterly captivated by the striking five-metre-tall bright-white stalagmite known as Brilliant, which symbolizes Postojna Cave and the Slovenian Karst, and is complemented by an ornament-rich column. The beauty of nature is unmistakably presented before us.

Embark on a magical adventure as you explore the 24-kilometre-long cave system, discovering the hidden wonders of the subterranean world and enjoying an unparalleled experience on Postojna Cave's underground train. This is an experience that will be remembered for a long time. On the exit journey, we were rushed to board the train and unable to mail a postcard from the post office located at the souvenir shop. If time allows, don't miss the chance to send a postcard to...

Postojna Cave (Slovene: Postojnska jama) is a 24.34 km (15.12 mi) long karst cave system located near the town of Postojna in southwestern Slovenia. It is one of the top tourist attractions in the country and offers a captivating underground experience. Here are some fascinating details about this natural wonder:

The Queen of the Underground World:

Postojna Cave is renowned as the largest show cave in Europe.

As you explore its 24-kilometer-long cave system, you’ll encounter magnificent formations, diverse fauna, and an otherworldly atmosphere.

A unique feature of the cave is the underground train ride, which allows visitors to glide through its enchanting passages.

Predjama Castle:

Adjacent to Postojna Cave, you’ll find the Predjama Castle, perched dramatically on a rocky cliff.

This medieval marvel has stood for 800 years and is one of the world’s largest cave castles.

Its strategic location and fairy-tale appearance make it a must-see attraction.

Vivarium:

Within the cave system, explore the Vivarium, where you’ll encounter unique creatures that thrive in eternal darkness.

Among them are the olms, often referred to as “baby dragons”, which have fascinated imaginations for centuries.

Expo Cave Karst:

The award-winning Expo Cave Karst exhibition provides an interactive presentation on the formation of subterranean karst features.

It also delves into the rich history of the cave and the surrounding region.

Stay Overnight:

Extend your visit by staying at Hotel Jama, located within the heart of the Postojna Cave Park.

The hotel offers modern comfort and serves as an excellent base for exploring not only the cave but also other parts of Slovenia and neighboring countries.

200 Years of Cave Guiding Service:

Cave guides have been revealing the beauty of Postojna Cave to visitors since 1824.

Meet these heroes of the underground wonderworld and learn about their unique stories.

Helping the Planet:

With the hatching of baby olms in Postojna Cave, the responsibility to ensure a safe habitat for these remarkable creatures has become even greater.

Explore this subterranean wonder and immerse yourself in the magic of Postojna...