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The Postojna Caves is the largest cave system in Slovenia with over 21 km of passages, galleries and halls. The caves have been open to the public for over 200 years, making it one of the first caves to be turned into a tourist attraction.
I’ve never been one for going underground. I find spaces like that claustrophobic and I’m constantly worried that the ground above or below is just going to give out resulting in me being crushed to death with no way of escape.
Over active imagination? I think so.
My friends wanted to go so I put on my big girl pants and went along. If travel isn’t for challenging oneself then you might as well just stay at home.
I’m so glad I did.
I had a fantastic time exploring the caves and I didn’t feel claustrophobic at all (okay, maybe a little at the beginning. It was a bit disorienting and so dark inside, but it was fine after a minute).
Let’s Go Underground
Some people said that the caves looked too touristy and a bit tacky, especially with the advertised train ride. I didn’t feel it was at all. The train is only there to take you from the entrance into the cave where you get to walk around.
On the train speeding into the caves
Once you get into the main part of the cave, they break you up into smaller groups with tours in a variety of languages. Even though you’re in a smaller group, I still found it difficult to hear my guide. The chambers are large, sound just gets lost and there are so many other groups with different languages that you can’t help but overhear. I was there in the off season so I can’t imagine what it would be like in the summer.
Looking up at the Russian Bridge that connects two parts of the cave.
Thanks to elementary school geology classes, while wandering around, I successfully remembered the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite. Stalactite has a c in it for ceiling and stalagmite has a g in it for ground. Simple!
The Most Famous Stalagmite
The most famous stalagmite inside the caves is called the Brilliant. It stands at 5 meters tall and is so shiny and so white. No wonder they gave it that name. This stalagmite stands underneath a consistent and even drip from the ceiling which gives it that beautiful shiny white colour.
Did you know 1 mm of stalactites takes 10 years to form? One of the many cool facts you learn on the tour. It really makes you appreciate how old these caves are.
My favourite room was the White Hall.
Look at it. It’s gorgeous.
Everything is beautifully white from the pure calcite.
The Human Fish
The caves are also home to the human fish or the olm (proteus anguinus), the largest troglodytic amphibian in the world. These blind amphibians get their nickname from their human coloring. It is a neotenic animal which means, despite looking like a baby, the animal actually has adult-like functions. They can grow up to 16 inches long. They look a bit creepy to me!
The coolest part was being able to send postcards from the 112 year old underground post office. Seeing how much I love sending postcards, I was all over this. Postcards for all! The post office was located inside the room they call the concert hall. With a massive ceiling, perfect for acoustics, they occasionally hold concerts inside. That would be a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Postojna and would love to explore the nearby Skocjan Caves the next time I’m in the area. I didn’t feel claustrophobic and my worries were for naught. Maybe one day I’ll be brave enough to try some caving!
Have you been inside a cave? Did you enjoy it?
All photos inside the cave were provided courtesy of Postojna Caves. Photography is not allowed inside.
Know Before You Go
- The full tour lasts about 90 minutes.
- Tours run every hour on the hour during high season with less tours during the off season.
- The caves are at a constant temperature of 10 degrees so dress appropriately.
- Be sure to wear closed toe shoes that you can walk easily in.
Postojna Caves
Jamska cesta 28
6230 Postojna, Slovenija
Website
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Andrew says
May 25, 2014 at 3:11 AMOne of the real highlights of Slovenia. Caves can be wonderful things to explore – I agree, they really arent that ‘touristy’, I’ve visited a number of caves in Asia – principally in China and Vietnam, where everything is lit with strong colours and the like and they ARE made to look very touristy, but these ones, as I remember, were not. great post, I think if you’re in Slovenia then this is a must see. Thanks for sharing, and nice pics. Getting good pics underground is always a challenge!
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:18 PMThanks Andrew! I haven’t been to any of the caves in Asia yet so it’ll be interesting to compare the two when I do go. I felt these guys were respectful of the area while providing an immersive tour experience. I wish I could take credit for the photos, but they were provided by the caves as you’re not allowed to take photos inside.
Brittany @ Paws for Beer says
May 25, 2014 at 4:28 AMWhat fun! I love cave tours. I would also love to send post cards to my friends from the cave!
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:15 PMSending a postcard from underground definitely had its novelty factor. It saved me from running around trying to find a post office 😀
Emma says
May 25, 2014 at 8:20 AMThis looks like a fascinating place… Will add it to my list of things to see in Slovenia! 🙂
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:14 PMIt is a pretty cool place to explore. I hope you get a chance!
Bron says
May 25, 2014 at 10:23 AMLooks amazing, your photos are always incredible. Bron
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:13 PMThanks Bron! It really is a great cave to visit. I wish I could take credit for the photos, but they were provided by the caves as you’re not allowed to take photos inside.
Ace CB @ Life in Dutch says
May 25, 2014 at 11:02 AMThese look absolutely gorgeous! I haven’t gotten to visit a cave in a long time – makes me think I should get on that.
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:12 PMThey were so cool! Sometimes we get so caught up with things on the surface of Earth that we forget what is underground. Pretty cool stuff.
SJ @ Chasing the Donkey says
May 25, 2014 at 3:00 PMI cried before entering these caves. I have a fear of the dark and enclosed spaces. But I sure was wowed when I entered – so great to see your photos and be reminded.
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:12 PMAww SJ 🙁 I hope it wasn’t too traumatic for you and good on you for overcoming fears.
Anna | slightly astray says
May 25, 2014 at 4:43 PMThis looks AMAZING!! I’m really fascinated with caves for some reason (even though I’ve yet to see a real one). The picture of the White Hall looks so gorgeous! I think I’m even more convinced now that I need to go to Slovenia.
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:09 PMYes! You need to go to Slovenia. It’s super gorgeous and the white hall is unreal.
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo says
May 25, 2014 at 5:20 PMThese caves are amazing. I too have a fear of being crushed and buried alive in small caves but I think I’d be OK here as they’re so big. The white hall looks completely surreal.
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:08 PMYes, agreed. These were really wide and open so not too much fear of it closing in on you which is nice.
Margherita @The Crowded Planet says
May 25, 2014 at 6:09 PMI remember visiting Postojna as a child and liking it sooo much… I guess I must repeat the experience soon! Great post!
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:08 PMThanks Margherita! I hope you get a chance to return to Postojna!
Brianna says
May 25, 2014 at 6:44 PMYet another reason for me to visit Slovenia. My best caving adventure was in Belize, you swim into the cave then hike about a mile in to find Mayan artifacts left the way they’ve found them! Very cool.
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:07 PMOh wow, that does sound very cool! I would love to do that one day.
Sammi Wanderlustin' says
May 25, 2014 at 8:29 PMI’m sure I read about these recently, and…. it sounds awesome and stuff, but. Caves scare me. My Dad used to go potholing when he was younger and his tales of being underground freak me ouuutt!
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:05 PMYikes! Well these were very safe and there were always lots of people. They’re probably less creepy compared to some of the others in the region where I’ve read you’re on your own with a headlamp. Those would freak me out I think.
Jessica @ Independent Travel Cats says
May 26, 2014 at 12:41 AMLooks like an amazing cave. We just visited a couple while in Vietnam, which I believe has the world’s largest cave now (we didn’t visit that one), but the ones we visited looked less impressive than this one. We did experience the same issues with some crowding and having a hard time hearing the guide at times even in smaller groups – acoustics of caves are not set up for tour guides I guess:)
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:04 PMIt does sound like quiet guides are a problem all across the world haha. I would love to see the caves in Vietnam one day.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
May 26, 2014 at 6:08 AMI wonder if the concerts in there are also echo-y or if the novelty of being in a cave is the main appeal to attending a performance there. I would definitely be interested in touring this place, especially if I could easily hear the guide. Brilliant is indeed brilliant, and I agree that the human fish are creepy.
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:03 PMI wonder that too, but then I think of concerts in big churches and those don’t seem very echo-y. Either way the coolness factor of attending a concert in a cave is sure to outweigh any bad acoustics.
Jana says
May 26, 2014 at 10:00 AMFor all of you cave lovers – Postojna caves, although beautiful, are in my opinion a bit to touristy (for Slovenian standards), by far the most visited place in Slovenia probably because it’s not far from the highway that leads to the Croatian seaside. If you have time (and you’re not only travelling through the country) try visiting Križna Jama (http://www.krizna-jama.si/sredina_english.html) or as many of you mentioned Škocjan caves (this bridge alone is worth a visit – if you’re not afraid of heights http://www.listofwonders.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Skocjan-Caves4.jpg). There are many others worth mentioning: Vilenica cave (http://www.vilenica.com/index.php/english), Snežna cave (it requires hiking), Planinska Jama (which by itself is not that special, but the surroundings are well worth it).. Most of the caves are in areas that are not in any “must-see” guides, posts about Slovenia – so no buses full of loud tourists, which is always a plus. 🙂
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:02 PMThanks for this wonderful list of to dos in the area. I’m really crossing my fingers that I get to go back to Slovenia one day. I really do adore the country. You’re right in saying that I’ve only visited the most touristy of them all. I definitely will have to check out some of these other options. Thanks for stopping by & for all the tips Jana! 🙂
Lauren says
May 26, 2014 at 2:55 PMI absolutely love caves! This one is gorgeous – I love the white room! And you can even send postcards there, how cool is that? I love sending out postcards too – maybe we can exchange them sometime (at least next time I’m on holiday!)
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 9:00 PMOh that white room was amazing. It’s incredible that it exists purely out of nature. So amazing. And yes! Let’s be postcard buddies 🙂
Shikha (whywasteannualleave) says
May 26, 2014 at 7:14 PMThey look fantastic especially that Brilliant stalagmite – when I went to Slovenia recently, I had to pick between these caves and Skocjan – it was a hard choice and I ended up going to Skocjan, which were also beautiful but I really want to visit Slovenia again in the future and if I do, I’ll have visit these 🙂
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 8:59 PMI had the same struggle, but went with these ones. I definitely want to go back and see the Skocjan caves next time.
Dennis Kopp says
May 26, 2014 at 9:53 PMAdelina, I am totally with you, caves are not really my kind of thing! I too feel claustrophobic easily and every time I hear caves my experience in Ecuador comes to mind where I had to squeeze myself though narrow gaps , passing by huge scorpion-spiders and swimming though cold water in darkness to reach the exit. Luckily this cave looks a lot more spacious, has lights and the white hall looks really stunning… 🙂
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 8:58 PMOh gosh, that would be my worse nightmare. I don’t think I could handle that and probably have a panic attack right in the middle of the cave. No thank you. No wonder it has scarred you.
Calli says
May 26, 2014 at 9:37 PMGreat post! It’s always interesting to read the other perspective as we visited Skocjan and missed these caves. It seems that hearing the guide is a universal struggle no matter which site you visit 🙂
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 8:58 PMThanks Calli! I’d be interested to see the Skocjan caves now that I’ve been to these ones. There are plenty of other ones to explore as well in the area it seems.
Corinne says
May 27, 2014 at 9:08 AMThese look like fun caves to explore…except for the creepy-crawly…yuck!
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 8:56 PMYup, I was glad there was a thick piece of glass separating me and it. I can’t imagine coming across it in real life. I’d be too creeped out!
Dave Cole says
May 27, 2014 at 11:26 AMThat train ride looks like a great start to the tour. And those stalagmites must be even more wonderful in person. I wouldn’t be surprised if locals head down there on a hot day, just to have a 10-degree environment for an hour and a half.
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 8:56 PMIt would be a nice break from the heat of summer for sure. The caves were so much better than the pictures for sure.
Caitlyn says
May 27, 2014 at 8:20 PMI can’t believe that I’ve never heard of this place! Slovenia is always surprising me 🙂
Adelina says
May 28, 2014 at 8:53 PMThere are so many cool and hidden surprises in Slovenia. Such a great little country 🙂
Mary {The World Is A Book} says
May 30, 2014 at 5:40 AMWe love exploring caves and I’m glad you got to explore this beautiful cave. Wow, that Brilliant and White Hall are just stunning. Slovenia never ceases to amaze me. I’m with you on that creepy fish.
Adelina says
May 30, 2014 at 6:11 PMDefinitely – these caves are absolutely stunning and awe inspiring. Definitely worth exploring.
Ashley @ A Southern Gypsy says
May 30, 2014 at 3:53 PMI like caves, BUT I’m claustrophobic as well so sometimes my imagination gets the best of me. I’d probably suck it up and go anyway because my fear of missing out on something is greater haha
Adelina says
May 30, 2014 at 5:52 PMIf I can do it, so can you! It was a lot taller and wider than I thought so it really wasn’t too bad once you got acclimatized.
frankaboutcroatia says
May 30, 2014 at 6:58 PMGreat post on Postojna Caves! I am a bit like you when it comes to enclosed spaces. I simply don’t like to go underground. However, I’ve been to Postojna couple of times (and actually loved the train!). Covjecja ribica (that human fish) is spooky.
Adelina says
May 30, 2014 at 7:25 PMThanks! I think the train helps get you acclimatized to the darkness and the cave. Makes it less scary – it’s just a ride and fun! 🙂
Anda says
October 11, 2014 at 3:57 AMWhat a fantastic cave! I want to see it very badly. It looks absolutely fabulous and from your description it’s more to it than just the beauty. The idea of attending a concert in a place with such great acoustics sounds thrilling… I have to commend you, Adelina, for this great picture with the little boy staring at that aquarium…
Adelina says
October 17, 2014 at 7:13 PMThanks Anda. I would love to be able to attend a concert in the cave as well. It would be fantastic. I wish I could take credit for the image, but I wasn’t allowed to take photos inside the cave. All these photos are courtesy of Postojna Caves.