Postojna Cave
Explore a subterranean wonderland of vast chambers, stunning formations, and a unique train ride through the heart of the earth.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother entry
Postojna Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother entry
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a subterranean wonderland of vast chambers, stunning formations, and a unique train ride through the heart of the earth.
"The train ride through the cave is phenomenal, and the natural beauty is truly wonderful."
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
It's a chilly 10°C inside year-round! A jacket or sweater is a must for comfort.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Avoid entrance chaos and secure your spot by booking tickets in advance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cave Train Ride
Entrance to the main cave system
Experience a unique journey deep into the cave on a charming electric train, a thrilling start to your subterranean exploration.
The Magnificent Concert Hall
Main cave system
Marvel at the immense natural amphitheater, a breathtaking cavern used for concerts and events, showcasing the cave's acoustic wonders.
The Proteus (Olm)
Vivarium
Spot the elusive 'baby dragon,' the blind cave salamander, a unique inhabitant of these subterranean waters.
Stalactites and Stalagmites
Various chambers
Witness a dazzling array of natural sculptures formed over millennia, from delicate icicle-like stalactites to towering stalagmites.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Cold
Book Tickets in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
It's a chilly 10°C inside year-round! A jacket or sweater is a must for comfort. +1
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Avoid entrance chaos and secure your spot by booking tickets in advance.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on uneven surfaces, so comfy footwear is key.
⏰ Arrive Early for Train
The train departs precisely on time, so get to the station a bit early.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring a Warm Layer
It's a chilly 10°C inside year-round! A jacket or sweater is a must for comfort. +1
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Avoid entrance chaos and secure your spot by booking tickets in advance.
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on uneven surfaces, so comfy footwear is key.
⏰ Arrive Early for Train
The train departs precisely on time, so get to the station a bit early.
🅿️ Pay for Parking
Don't forget to pay for parking at the kiosk before exiting to avoid delays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Postojna Cave for its breathtaking natural beauty and the unique experience of exploring its vast chambers via an underground train. The informative tours and the chance to see the rare proteus are frequently highlighted as memorable aspects. However, some find the entrance process chaotic and the modern additions to the cave, like the train carts, detract slightly from the natural ambiance.
"This is the coolest thing I did in Slovenia by far. We had an incredible tour guide and the train is super fun. The formations inside are truly incredible and you get to see a good portion of the cave without it being too strenuous. Would definitely recommend bringing a jacket though as it is constantly 10° in there."
Sophie Clarke
"I found it a great experience. It's cold ❄️ so dress accordingly. The cave was spectacular and I learned a lot about the cave with the audio guide.
The proteus 🐊 was another highlight for me.
I find a couple things could be improved, hence -1 🌟. The carts and the locomotive 🚂 look cheap and basic. There's a lot you could do to make it look more appealing.
Obviously people come for the spectacular cave, but it would be nice having an actual locomotive in the front and rock-like looking wagons. The ticket prices would easily finance this improvement over time.
Also the entrance to the cave was very stressful and chaotic. I would have liked an automated machine telling you where to go. Or only letting you in like the Vintgar Gorge if it were your turn. Seemed amateurish for a big tourist attraction.
However the cave remains well worth visiting."
Joseph Dumuter
"One of the most incredible experiences to have in Slovenia. The train ride through the cave is phenomenal. The whole history of the place and its natural beauty are truly wonderful.
I recommend arriving early at the entrance, which is still about 200 meters from the parking lot. The train departs exactly on time"
Manuela Baptista
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Postojna Cave from Ljubljana by car (approx. 45-minute drive), bus (frequent departures, around 1 hour), or train to Postojna town followed by a short bus or taxi ride to the cave. Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation.
While ambitious, it's possible but will be a very rushed day. It's recommended to dedicate separate days to each cave system for a more relaxed and thorough experience.
Yes, there is ample parking available at Postojna Cave. Remember to pay for parking at the designated kiosk before you leave to avoid holding up traffic.
Absolutely! Postojna Cave is easily accessible by public transport. Buses run regularly from Ljubljana and other major Slovenian cities to Postojna town, with local connections to the cave.
The most convenient way to travel between Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle is by shuttle bus, which runs frequently during the tourist season. Taxis are also available, or you can drive if you have your own vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the package (e.g., cave only, cave + Predjama Castle, cave + Vivarium). Expect adult tickets to be in the range of €25-€40. It's best to check the official website for current pricing and package deals.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
Opening hours vary by season, but generally, the first tour starts around 9 AM and the last tour departs in the late afternoon. Always check the official Postojna Cave website for the most up-to-date hours.
The standard tour includes the train ride and a guided walk through the main cave system. You can also opt for combined tickets that include visits to Predjama Castle or the Vivarium to see the proteus.
Yes, the Postojna Cave tour is generally suitable for children. The train ride is exciting for them, and the walking portions are manageable. However, keep in mind the cold temperature.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The typical Postojna Cave tour, including the train ride and guided walk, lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
The tour is not overly strenuous. The train takes you deep into the cave, and while there is walking involved, it's on well-maintained paths and is generally manageable for most fitness levels.
The temperature inside Postojna Cave remains a constant 10°C (50°F) year-round. It's essential to dress warmly. +1
Photography is generally allowed inside Postojna Cave, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the cave formations and the proteus. Always follow the guide's instructions.
The 'baby dragon' is the common name for the proteus (or olm), a unique blind cave salamander that lives in the cave's waters. You can see them in the Vivarium.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and cafes located at the Postojna Cave visitor center, offering a range of food and drink options.
While you can bring your own snacks, it's generally best to consume them outside the cave itself. There are designated areas for eating.
Near Postojna Cave, you can find traditional Slovenian cuisine at local restaurants, as well as more casual cafe fare at the visitor center.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is permitted inside Postojna Cave, but flash photography is strictly forbidden to protect the delicate cave environment and its inhabitants.
The train ride offers unique perspectives, and many of the large chambers with impressive formations, like the Concert Hall, are excellent for photos. The random chandelier is also a memorable shot.
For professional or commercial photography, you will likely need to arrange a special permit in advance. Casual visitor photography is generally allowed.
Given the low light conditions, a tripod can be helpful for sharper images. Experiment with higher ISO settings and wider apertures, but be mindful of not using flash.
Drone usage is typically prohibited within national parks and sensitive natural areas like Postojna Cave to protect wildlife and the environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a combined ticket that includes Predjama Castle, which offers a different kind of adventure with its dramatic cliffside setting and knightly tales, providing a well-rounded day trip. Ensure you have snacks and drinks for before or after the tour, as while there are facilities, keeping kids happy during travel is always key.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices within the visitor center. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) when prices might be slightly lower and crowds thinner, allowing for a more relaxed experience without compromising on the wonder of the cave.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Postojna Cave
One of the most striking features is the Concert Hall, a massive chamber capable of holding thousands of people, renowned for its natural acoustics. The cave's unique ecosystem also supports a variety of life, most famously the proteus (or olm), a blind amphibian that has adapted to life in complete darkness. The Vivarium at Postojna Cave allows visitors to observe these fascinating creatures up close, offering a glimpse into a world rarely seen.
The cave's accessibility is a key part of its appeal. A narrow-gauge electric railway transports visitors deep into the cave system, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors, including those with mobility challenges. This unique mode of transport adds an element of adventure to the exploration, allowing visitors to cover significant distances without strenuous effort.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Fellow Travelers
To ensure a smooth experience, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended. This helps bypass potentially long queues at the entrance and guarantees your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons. Travelers also advise arriving at the cave entrance a bit before your scheduled tour time, as the train departs promptly, and you wouldn't want to miss it.
Finally, remember to pay for parking at the designated kiosk before attempting to exit the premises. This small but crucial step can prevent unexpected delays and ensure a hassle-free departure. Following these practical tips from those who have already visited can significantly enhance your overall enjoyment of Postojna Cave.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit