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Postojna Cave

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Postojna Cave (Slovenia)

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Postojna Cave is a 24-kilometer-long karst cave system created by the Pivka River over millions of years through limestone layers. First described in the 17th century, it was officially opened for tourism in 1819 following the visit of Emperor Francis I. A unique feature is the world's first cave railway, established in 1872, which was later electrified in 1967 to transport visitors deep into the mountain. The cave maintains a constant internal temperature of approximately 10 degrees Celsius, providing an excellent habitat for the Proteus anguinus. This rare amphibian, locally called the human fish, is blind and can live for up to 100 years in complete darkness. Remarkable formations such as the five-meter-tall white stalagmite known as the Brilliant make Postojna one of Europe's most significant natural attractions.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C0151014192121161161
Rain mm657677759686819511611112196

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The cave system is easily reachable via the major highway connecting Ljubljana and the coast. The main entrance is situated conveniently close to the town center of Postojna.
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Best season
The cave can be visited year-round, as its internal temperature remains constantly cool regardless of weather. However, the surface park area and facilities are liveliest in summer.
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Terrain & paths
Inside the cave, visitors traverse well-maintained, paved pathways that are generally level and easy to walk on. A large portion of the tour is typically covered by an underground train.
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What to bring
A warm jacket is absolutely mandatory, as the cave maintains a constant temperature of around ten degrees Celsius. Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes are also highly important.
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Parking
A large, organized parking complex is available right next to the visitor center and main ticket offices. There is usually a parking fee, and the area handles many tourist buses.
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Safety
Visitors must strictly follow the instructions of official guides and stay on the designated internal paths. Touching the delicate stalactites is strictly forbidden to preserve formations.
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Time needed
A standard guided tour of the extensive cave system typically takes about an hour and a half to complete. Including time for ticket purchase and surface exhibits, expect to spend three hours.

Geography

Coordinates
45.78310, 14.20390

Facts

  • The total length of the cave system is 24 kilometers.
  • The cave was officially opened to the public in 1819.
  • The world's first cave railway was established here in 1872.
  • Electric lighting was installed in the cave as early as 1884.
  • The olm (Proteus anguinus) can live up to 100 years.
  • The internal temperature stays constant at around 10 degrees Celsius.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

PostojnaPostojna1 km · SEExplore →
Predjama CastlePredjama Castle7 km · NWExplore →
Rakov ŠkocjanRakov Škocjan7 km · EExplore →
Planina PlainPlanina Plain8 km · NEExplore →
Pivka Intermittent Lakes Landscape ParkPivka Intermittent Lakes Landscape Park11 km · SExplore →
NanosNanos12 km · WExplore →
Cerknica PlainCerknica Plain12 km · EExplore →
St. Kancijan Church in KlanecSt. Kancijan Church in Klanec12 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Postojna Cave (10)

Postojna Cave

Karst cave system in Slovenia. One of Europe's largest show caves with a train ride.

♿💶

Jamski dvorec🏛 museum

Museum in Postojna, Slovenia. The building stands at the cave entrance.

Vivarij Proteus

Aquarium in Postojna, Slovenia. Displays the olm (Proteus anguinus).

Vivarium Proteus

Zoo in Postojna, Slovenia. Exhibits the olm and other cave animals.

🕒 PH,Mo-Su 10:00-16:00

Modrijanov Mill🏛 museum

Museum in Postojna, Slovenia. A former mill on the Pivka River.

Pustolovski Park

Adventure park in Postojna, Slovenia. Features climbing and obstacle courses.

Ruševine gradu Postojna (Adelsberg)🏰 castle

Castle ruins in Postojna, Slovenia. Remains of Adelsberg Castle.

Pri Slovenski štangi

Viewpoint in Postojna, Slovenia. Has a view of the surroundings.

Lekinka

Cave entrance in Slovenia. Part of the Postojna Cave system.

Mlinski dvor

Manor house in Postojna, Slovenia. A historic building in the town.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Does a train go into the cave?
Yes, visitors travel the first 3.7 km on an electric cave train.
What clothing is recommended?
The cave is a constant 10 degrees year-round, so warm clothing and sturdy shoes are needed.
Can you see the olms (human fish)?
Yes, there is a special vivarium where you can observe these rare creatures.
How long does a tour take?
A standard guided tour takes about 90 minutes.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
In peak season, online booking is advisable to avoid waiting times.
Postojna Cave: where is it located?
Postojna Cave is located in Slovenia.
Postojna Cave: what is there to see?
Highlights include Postojna Cave, Jamski dvorec, Vivarij Proteus.
Postojna Cave: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Postojna Cave: why is it worth visiting?
Postojna Cave is a 24-kilometer-long karst cave system created by the Pivka River over millions of years through limestone layers.
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