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Postojna Cave, Slovenia

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Postojna Cave is the largest Karst cave in Slovenia with 24 km of underground tunnels

Postojna Cave, Slovenia

 
Postojna Cave is a network of 24 km of karst cave system.


It consists of intricate passages, galleries and chambers.

 

Professionally trained guides have accompanied more than 35 million visitors in the last 188 years.

 

It is one of the most visited natural landmarks in Slovenia.

More than 5 km of tunnels are arranged for tourist visits; you drive into the cave by a little train and then proceed on foot with a guide.

 

Stalactites, stalagmites, underground halls and other rock formations are truly amazing.

 

Postojna Cave, Slovenia

 
But do not expect solitude or tranquility since the cave is visited by approximately 1500 people per day!

 

 




Description:

Pivka river has been carving the cave for 2 million years.

It goes underground just by the entrance to Postojna Cave and comes again to the surface around 5 km to the north-east at Planinsko Polje.

The water level has changed over time and a beautiful 'multi-level' cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, curtains and other gorgeous shapes, were gradually created as the water was leaving layers of limestone behind.

First visitors supposedly came to the cave already in the 13th century but the most beautiful parts of the cave were discovered in 1818.
Soon after the cave was open for tourists and a small train running on electric power was installed. 

These days the cave is rearranged for tourist visits.

Through narrow tunnels the train will take you to a big hall in about 10 minutes. You can choose guidance in several languages and follow a neat path in the company of a guide among numerous stalactites of various shapes and sizes. The tour ends in a huge underground hall where concerts and other events are held on special occasions. We return back to the daylight by train after an hour and a half.

The cave itself is rather peaceful and completely dark without lights. Despite that around 100 animal species live in the cave!

The main attraction is, of course, the proteus, which was at first mistaken for a baby dragon!

A modern aquarium is located inside the cave where you can see the proteus and there is also Vivarium Proteus, where you can see a multimedia presentation on the creation of the caves and the animal life inside.


The cave has only about 10 degrees Celsius and almost 100% humidity throughout the whole year, so bring appropriate clothes and footwear. The path through the cave is relatively easy