Predjama Castle — Attraction in Postojna

Dissappointed beyond words!!!!

Three (3) months in advance, we purchased 2 tickets as an excursion to Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle while on our cruise.This was a spot we had been anxiously awaiting to visit AND it was a Birthday gift!! We had a confirmation meeting time and a location meeting spot for pick up @10:30 am for July 4th/25. On july 4/25 at 10:40am there was still no site of our tour guide for pick up. We used the hotels' phone at the organized pick up spot and contacted the tour company. They informed us they sent out an email on July 3rd at 9:46am stating the pick up time is now 9am on July 4th. We are on a cruise ship in the sea with no phone or wifi. We dont buy the ships' wifi package as we are ON HOLIDAYS away for any and all emails, phone calls & social media, etc. That's is the meaning of holidays!!!! We asked the tour company that made the last minute and UNNOTIFIED change of the time of pickup, if they could send a driver to us or taxi and we can meet up with the tour group at the caves. Their respone was "we have no one available and no vehicle available & won't send a taxi for you!!!!!!!!"" Not only did we miss out on the Postojna cave & Predjama Castle tour, something we really wanted to do, but, now are being told that they will NOT refund our money!!!! WE held up our end of the sale. WE purchased tickets well in advance, WE paid in full, WE were at the designated pickup location at the designated time (as is stated in our WRITTEN confirmation). THEY on the other hand FAILED on their end of the sale as services were not rendered, yet our was money taken and even though it was THEIR mistake, will now not grant us our refund for an excursion THEY DID NOT PROVIDE!! Use caution if you book in advance, or anytime for that matter, as it seems like they can change pick up times at their convenience. When they change the pick up time on you and you're at sea with no wifi or email service don't expect any help from them.They do not send notice to your ship for them to pass on to you as other tour operators have done nor do they offer solutions to THEIR issues...

Predjama Cave Castle, also known as Predjamski grad, is a fascinating structure in Slovenia and offers both historical and architectural significance. Here is a review of the castle:

Positives

Unique location: The castle is spectacularly built into a rock face and offers a breathtaking view. The combination of nature and architecture makes it an impressive photo opportunity.

History: Predjama has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It was once the home of Erazem of Predjama, a legendary robber lord, which gives the castle a mystical character.

Architecture: The architecture of the castle is remarkable and showcases medieval building styles. The design makes the most of the natural cave and offers interesting insights into how people lived in earlier times.

Tourist infrastructure: There are well-developed information and guided tours for visitors, including audio-visual information about the castle's history and legends.

Surrounding nature: The area surrounding the castle is scenic with hiking trails and other attractions nearby, such as Postojna Cave or بهره Nature Park (Bela krajina).

Negatives

Access: Access may be difficult due to weather conditions (e.g. wet or snowy), which is something to consider when visiting in winter.

Overcrowding: It can get very touristy in the summer months, so it can be overcrowded, which could affect the experience.

Restricted interior spaces: Not all parts of the castle are open or accessible to visitors, which may limit exploration.

Parking: Depending on the season, parking may be limited or located far from the entrance.

Conclusion Predjama Castle is an impressive example of medieval architecture and a unique attraction in Slovenia. Its combination of history, legendary stories and stunning natural surroundings makes it a worthwhile destination for any visitor to the country. Anyone interested in history or just wanting to enjoy stunning landscapes should not miss a visit - but ideally plan outside of peak season for a more...

Don’t let the striking exterior of this troglodyte castle deceive you — behind its dramatic cliffside façade lies an experience that, sadly, feels hollow and soulless. What could have been an atmospheric journey into the past instead comes across as something stripped of its authenticity, leaving only the shell of what might once have been a fascinating visit. I strongly recommend taking the audio guide available on site — but set your expectations accordingly. It consists of 29 short recordings, each offering explanations that are overly simplistic and lacking in real historical depth. The tone and content feel more suited to entertaining an elementary school audience than to immersing adults in the rich history of the place. You can also download the audio guide in advance, which might be wise, as there’s no mobile phone reception in the area. Although Wi-Fi is available, it’s unreliable — and if you lose the downloaded page, you’ll end up with nothing to guide you. In fairness, the approach to the castle — the ride itself — is atmospheric and offers some excitement, giving you a fleeting taste of what could have been a truly immersive experience. Unfortunately, once inside, this promise quickly evaporates. This was, surprisingly, the first time I’ve been genuinely disappointed by a historic prison visit. Instead of vivid storytelling and a layered exploration of the lives, struggles, and legends once contained within these stone walls, you’re offered a string of surface-level, oversimplified facts. The deeper, more compelling human stories — the ones that make such sites unforgettable — are entirely absent. What you are left with is an attraction that looks breathtaking from the outside but fails to connect you with the spirit of its past. It’s history without...