Postojna Cave

In this article about Postojna Cave, we will introduce you to this world-famous cave system. Furthermore, we will show you why you should visit them and when it is the best time to see them. So, if you’d like to learn more, please stay with us.

©postojnska-jama.eu

Why Postojna Cave Is Worth Visiting

Before coming to Postojna, we weren’t big fans of caves. All the caves we encountered were either too small (you’re back out before you know it) or narrow and claustrophobic, neither of which is particularly enticing.

But what we saw in Postojna Cave (in Slovenia) was different. It’s on a whole other level, one we couldn’t even imagine was possible—vast underground caverns with no end, one astonishing chamber after another. An entire kingdom exists right under our feet without us even knowing.

With nearly 24 km of passages, tunnels, and galleries, Postojna Cave is one of Europe’s largest and most impressive. It is also the only cave in the world that features a train, which you will get to ride as part of your visit.

Inside, you will find endless stalactites and stalagmites of all possible shapes and sizes, mind-boggling ancient halls that look like something out of a fantasy tale, colorful passages, and narrow bridges. And the list goes on.

The official website hails Postojna as “the world’s most captivating cave,” and they probably aren’t far from the truth. As you descend deeper into the cave, the mind struggles to keep pace. Can something like this indeed exist?

It can, and it does. Postojna Cave is a rare natural marvel that will take your breath away. It’s an exciting adventure for children and adults alike. And if you come to Slovenia, you’ll surely see it yourself.

Getting to Postojna Cave

Postojna Cave is conveniently located and well-connected to several popular travel destinations. While it’s easiest reachable by car, you can also get there by train or bus.

A car journey from the capital, Ljubljana, will only take 40 minutes. From Lake Bled, it will take around one hour. A trip from Zagreb or Venice will last approximately two hours. Further European cities—Salzburg, Budapest, Vienna, and Munich—are all within a reasonable 4-5 hour distance.

Public transport includes bus connections to Ljubljana and train links to Vienna, Venice, Ljubljana, Zagreb, and Salzburg. The Postojna Cave website provides more information about these options.

When to Visit the Postojna Cave

Visit Postojna Cave when in Slovenia! It’s open year-round, and the temperature is always a comfortable 8-10 °C. Avoid the summer crowds and visit during late spring or early autumn. Pivka and Black Caves are only available from May to September.

How to Visit Postojna Cave

To enter Postojna Cave, you need to join a guided tour. The introductory tour is the most popular, lasting 1.5 hours. It includes a train ride into the cave, a walk through its chambers, and a glimpse of the caves on the train ride back to the surface.

Other options include tours of Pivka and Black Caves or the Otok Cave. Adventure tours are available for adrenaline lovers. These tours require prior arrangement and cost significantly more.

Investing in an audio guide for €3.50 is a good idea, especially if the tour groups are crowded. With an audio guide, you’re not as “glued” to one person.

Note: You can also read our articles about getting around Slovenia or about how to get there.

A Trip to Predjama Castle

Predjama Castle, 10km northwest of Postojna Cave, is a unique attraction as it’s carved into the surface of a cliff. It features a four-floor cave below it and secret tunnels connecting its dungeons to hideouts and surface exits. A standalone tour costs €15.80, but with a Postojna Cave admission ticket, there’s a discount. In summer, the shuttle bus connects Postojna Cave with the castle for free. Otherwise, you can use a car or taxi arranged at the Postojna cave ticket office.

Postojna of Škocjan Caves?

Postojna and Škocjan caves are worth visiting; despite their similarities, they differ in many ways. Postojna is more extensive, commercialized, and focuses on entertainment. At the same time, Škocjan is more secluded, less commercialized, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit both caves in a day, but if I had to choose one, I would recommend Škocjan. You can read this article of ours to learn why.

Conclusion

Postojna Cave in Slovenia is an astonishing landmark with fantastic caverns worth exploring. We recommend a visit, and if you found this guide helpful, please share it and let me know your thoughts in the comments. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.