Plizio Visual Lab
Postojna Cave
Postojna Cave is the queen of the underground world and the most popular tourist cave in Europe. Carved by the Pivka River over millions of years, the 24-kilometer system is a masterpiece of karst nature. The highlight of any visit is the ride on the world's only double-track underground railway, which has been transporting visitors since 1872. The 5-kilometer tourist trail leads through magnificent chambers such as the Great Mountain, the White Hall, and the Concert Hall, which can hold up to 10,000 people. The cave is also famous for its inhabitant, the Proteus anguinus or 'human fish,' a unique blind amphibian that lives in the dark waters and is locally known as a 'baby dragon.' Visitors can observe these rare creatures in a specialized vivarium. Postojna Cave has a long history of tourism, officially opening to visitors in 1819 and becoming one of the first caves in the world to be lit by electricity in 1884. The most iconic formation is the 5-meter-tall white stalagmite called 'Brilliant.' Inside the cave, the temperature remains a constant 10 degrees Celsius (50°F) all year round, so warm clothing is essential even in summer. The tour takes about 90 minutes and follows well-maintained paths. A modern visitor center at the entrance provides dining options, gift shops, and interactive exhibitions about the Karst ecosystem. It is an unforgettable experience that combines geological wonder with a fascinating history of early exploration.
- Location: Slovenia
- Nearby: Cerknica (12 km)
- Population: ~9.605 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 6 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 76 | 77 | 75 | 96 | 86 | 81 | 95 | 116 | 111 | 121 | 96 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- 24 kilometers of karst passages
- World's only cave railway train
- Habitat of the Proteus (olm)
- Constant 10°C (50°F) temperature
- Electric lighting since 1884
- Iconic 'Brilliant' stalagmite
- Grand Concert Hall chamber
- Over 38 million visitors to date
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Postojna Cave (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How long does a cave tour take?
What is the temperature inside the cave?
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
What is the 'human fish'?
Is the cave wheelchair accessible?
Postojna Cave: where is it located?
Postojna Cave: when is the best time to visit?
Postojna Cave: why is it worth visiting?
























