How to Visit the Top Caves in Slovenia
[ad_1] You’ve been charmed by the streets of Ljubljana and awestruck by the alpine wonders of Bled. But your visit to Slovenia isn’t complete until you’ve experienced at least one of the top 5 caves in Slovenia. Here are the top tips from Terry Anzur, a Slovenian-American journalist at the blog Strangers in the Living Room: Postojna Cave: something for everyone Predjama Cave Castle: world’s largest cave castle Škočjan Caves: UNESCO heritage underground Pivka Cave: adventure for thrill-seekers Idrija Mercury Mine: deep dive into history Which Slovenia cave adventure is right for you? In a country with hundreds of caves in Slovenia, there’s something for everyone: Natural beauty, fascinating history, epic adventure and even a Disneyland-style train ride. The speedy train ride through Postojna Cave makes a Slovenia cave adventure accessible for travelers of all ages and abilities. Photo courtesy Iztok Media for Postojna Cave Park. Postojna Cave: Accessible Slovenia Cave Adventure If you have time for only one Slovenia cave adventure, make it Postojna Cave. This natural wonder has been wowing visitors for more than 200 years. In 1818, a local lamplighter stumbled into the cave and declared: “Here is paradise.” More than 40 million people have visited Postojna Cave since then. It is the third most visited attraction in Slovenia, after Ljubljana and Bled. At times, you might have the feeling that you’re in a cave-themed amusement park. Don’t despair if there’s a line to board the train; it moves quickly. The 3.7 km train ride makes the most astounding chambers and galleries accessible for all ages and abilities. Don’t miss the vast Dance Hall, lit by Murano glass chandeliers. There is an optional 1.5 km walk to the iconic “Brilliant” formation. Be sure to stay seated on the train as it whips past the overhead rocks with deadly speed. Please respect nature by not touching the formations. They formed over millions of years, one drop of water at a time. For maximum enjoyment, put down your camera. In the low light, your phone photos are likely to be disappointing. Flash photography is not allowed. Professional photographers need permission to set up lights. Join this Postojna Cave tour from Ljubljana! Visitors to Postojna Cave have the option of staying on the train or taking this short walk through vast galleries to view the iconic rock formations. Photo courtesy Iztok Media for Postojna Cave Park. Slovenia’s Baby Dragons Kids will love seeing the “baby dragons,” a unique species in Postojna Cave. The olms can live for 100 years and can survive a decade without food. Buy a separate ticket to the Vivarium to learn more about all the creatures of the underground world. When to Visit: Postojna Cave is open 365 days a year. There’s an underground nativity scene during the holidays. Bring a warm jacket because of the constant 10-degree Celsius temperature, year-round. To avoid the summer crowds in June, July and August, arrive when the cave opens at 9 am. The big tour groups arrive later in the morning. Getting there: Postojna Cave Park is an easy day trip from Ljubljana or Bled, by car or bus. Reserve tickets online or buy at the ticket office. Pro tip: Stay at the Hotel Jama to skip the ticket line and get a discount on tour packages. Camping in the area is also popular. There’s a parking lot for motorhomes. There’s even a free kennel where your pet can wait while you tour the cave. Predjama Castle: Mighty Slovenia Cave Fortress Predjama Castle, the world’s largest cave fortress, is only a short drive from Postonja Cave. You can easily visit both on the same day with a combined “Two Adventures” ticket or combined tour. Many group tours only stop for the insta-worthy photo opportunity of the Slovenia cave castle emerging from solid karst rock. But you should plan to go inside and learn the fascinating history. The 15th Century knight Erazem withstood a siege for more than a year by smuggling in fresh food through the cave tunnels. Sadly, he didn’t survive a cannonball that struck the castle at its most vulnerable point: the toilet. Make a wish as you ring the castle’s bell. It was used to warn of approaching invaders. You only have to admire the view of the surrounding countryside. Pro tip: Get the Predjama Castle audio guide for a vivid description of life in the Middle Ages as you walk through the torture chamber and weapon rooms. Go inside the iconic Predjama Cave Castle to visit the caves that made it possible to hold off an invading army for more than a year. Škočjan Caves: UNESCO heritage Slovenia Cave For a more natural Slovenia cave experience, visit the Škočjan Caves in Slovenia. UNESCO has organized a guided tour that presents the underground world heritage while respecting the environment. You’ll be awestruck by the underground cathedrals, carved out over the centuries by the Reka River. Photography is not allowed for most of the tour inside the caves. Near the exit, there is a picture opportunity that conveys the majesty of what you have just experienced. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must, as well as a jacket for the underground chill. Be prepared for slippery pavement and hundreds of steps. This adventure is not recommended for small kids or those with mobility concerns. Getting there: You can visit Škočjan Caves on a day trip from Ljubljana by car. Buy tickets online or at the ticket office. Horse lovers may want to add a stop in nearby Lipica, home of the Lipizzaner horses you may have seen performing in Vienna. Bicycle tours of the karst region are another great option. Pro tip: Allow some extra time for an extended hike through the karst landscape and the charming village of Škočjan. Hiking trails are well marked, starting from the end of the cave tour. Škočjan Cave guided tour and extended hike exploring the stunning scenery of the karst region in Slovenia. Photo courtesy Terry Anzur. Pivka Cave: Adventure
How to Visit the Top Caves in Slovenia Read More »