Top 8 Caves around Postojna
Best caves around Postojna are centered around the magnificent Postojna Cave, a major tourist attraction in Slovenia. This extensive karst cave system was carved by the Pivka River over millions of years. The region is known for its unique underground landscapes and significant historical sites.
Best caves around Postojna
- The most popular caves is Postojna Cave, a cave that is the largest show dripstone cave in Europe. Visitors can experience a 3.7-kilometer underground train ride and explore 1.5 kilometers on foot through well-developed paths.
- Another must-see spot is Predjama Castle, a castle built into a rock face. This 13th-century cave castle is considered the largest cave castle in the world.
- Visitors also love Proteus Vivarium (Olm Exhibit), a cave exhibit featuring the Proteus anguinus. This endemic troglodytic amphibian, also known as the "human fish," is the largest of its kind in the world and can survive for up to 10 years without food.
- Postojna is known for karst caves, show caves, and water caves. The area offers a variety of underground formations, including stalagmites, stalactites, and delicate "spaghetti" strands.
- The caves around Postojna are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 160 upvotes and more than 780 photos shared.
Last updated: June 3, 2026
Postojna Cave
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Recommended. Book in bundle with the cave castle Predjama. Also megatoll and about 7 km away.
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Predjama Castle
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Proteus Vivarium (Olm Exhibit)
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The cave olm can survive for up to 10 years without food.
As the cave olm only lives in the absolute darkness of caves, it has no eyes and pigmentless, transparent and pale pink skin through which the blood vessels and organs are clearly visible.
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Planina Cave
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View of Predjama Castle
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Built starting from the 13th century, in the 15th century it became the refuge of Erasmus Lueger, a rebel knight who became famous for his raids and compared to Robin Hood, because he stole from the rich to give to the poor.
To put an end to his thieving activities, the imperial forces besieged the castle. Erasmus managed to resist for several months thanks to a series of caves and tunnels through which he was able to stock up on food. It was a betrayal, according to legend, that ended his resistance and his life.
The castle can be visited.
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Pivka Cave / Abyss of the Pivka River
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Natural window
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Black Cave (Črna Jama)
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Tips from the Community
I didn't find the cave olm particularly pretty, but it is definitely a unique experience to see this rare animal
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right under our feet the Pivka reappears after having sunk near Postojna. In the winter period the view of the intermittent Planina lake is very beautiful
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The entrance to the Pivka Cave is located five kilometers from the Postojna Cave. You have to descend 317 steps to a depth of 65 meters, located in the campsite of the same name. The cave is five kilometers long, two kilometers of which have been adapted for tourist visits. This trail also has electric lighting. The trail runs along the Pivka River towards the Black Cave, then passes the exit to the surface and returns through the forest.
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Here you can learn everything about the creatures in the Postojna Caves.
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Cave olms never grow up: they spend their entire lives in the larval stage. Researchers estimate that they can live to be 100 years old. The females are sexually mature at around 15 years of age and then reproduce about every twelve years. The cave olm can survive for up to 10 years without food. As the cave olm only lives in the absolute darkness of caves, it has no eyes and pigmentless, transparent and pale pink skin through which the blood vessels and organs are clearly visible.
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If you have older students with you, like us, you still have the opportunity to enjoy the experience together. The paths are flat and non-slip. After the train ride, you will walk about 1.5 km. However, it must be mentioned that right at the beginning of the tour you have to overcome an incline of 20% over approx. 100 meters and then a 20% decline. After that it's relatively flat, maybe with a short up and down. If the incline/descent doesn't work anymore, you can stay on the train and get out again. You get some great impressions while driving. It was great for our grandpa experience and he was also very enthusiastic. We younger people were then able to continue the tour as normal without feeling guilty. So conclusion: there is an opportunity to experience the cave for all ages and health conditions. There are various restaurants in front of the cave to fill the waiting time.
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Great view of the castle, small restaurant with good food and pivo.
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A gaping hole in the limestone walls of the massif, this natural window is a geological marvel. The arch provides a superb subject for photography, with the landscape unfurling below. It's located just a short hop from Suhi vrh, the highest point on the Nanos plateau.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main attractions to visit around Postojna?
The primary attraction is Postojna Cave, renowned as the largest show dripstone cave in Europe, offering an underground train ride and guided walks. Nearby, you can also explore Predjama Castle, a unique 13th-century cave castle built into a rock face, and the Proteus Vivarium (Olm Exhibit), where you can see the endemic 'human fish'.
How long does a typical tour of Postojna Cave last?
A tour of Postojna Cave typically lasts about 1.5 hours. This includes a 3.7-kilometer underground train ride and approximately 1.5 kilometers of walking on well-developed paths.
What is the best time to visit the caves around Postojna?
The caves maintain a constant temperature of around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) year-round, making them suitable for visiting in any season. However, the surrounding region is particularly pleasant during spring and autumn for outdoor activities. Summer is also popular, but can be crowded.
Are the caves around Postojna family-friendly?
Yes, Postojna Cave is very family-friendly. The electric train ride and well-developed, non-slip paths make it accessible for most visitors, including families with young children. There are also options for those with mobility concerns, as visitors can stay on the train if the walking sections are too challenging. The Proteus Vivarium is also a fascinating stop for all ages.
What should I wear for a cave tour in Postojna?
Given the constant temperature of 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) inside the caves, it is advisable to dress warmly, even in summer. A jacket or sweater is recommended. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are also essential for walking on the cave paths.
What unique wildlife can be found in Postojna Cave?
Postojna Cave is home to the Proteus anguinus, also known as the 'human fish' or 'baby dragon.' This endemic troglodytic amphibian is the largest of its kind in the world and can be observed in the Proteus Vivarium. The cave system is considered the most biologically diverse in the world, hosting over 150 animal species.
Are there hiking opportunities near the caves?
Yes, the region around Postojna offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find various trails, including those around Predjama Castle and the Pivka river basin. For detailed routes and options, explore the Hiking around Postojna guide.
What other outdoor activities are available in the Postojna area?
Beyond cave exploration and hiking, the Postojna region is excellent for cycling. You can find routes for gravel biking, exploring areas like Lake Cerknica. For more information on cycling and other outdoor sports, refer to the Gravel biking around Postojna guide and Mountain Hikes around Postojna guide.
Is Postojna Cave accessible for visitors with mobility impairments?
Postojna Cave is designed to be accessible. The tour begins with an electric train ride, and the walking sections feature well-developed, flat paths. While there is an initial incline/decline of 20% over about 100 meters, visitors who cannot manage this can remain on the train and still experience a significant part of the cave.
What is the significance of Planina Cave?
Planina Cave is one of Slovenia's longest water caves and is notable for being the confluence point of two underground rivers: the Pivka River (flowing from Postojna Polje) and the Rak River (from Rak Škocjan). This makes it one of the largest underground river confluences in Europe.
Can I visit Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave together?
Yes, Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave are often visited together due to their close proximity (about 7 km apart). A shuttle service connects the two attractions, making it convenient to experience both in one trip.
What is the Pivka Cave and how is it accessed?
The Pivka Cave is located five kilometers from Postojna Cave. Access involves descending 317 steps to a depth of 65 meters. Two kilometers of its five-kilometer length are adapted for tourist visits with electric lighting, following the Pivka River towards the Black Cave.
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