Best time to visit Slovenia

Karstic Caves in Slovenia

The grand karst caves are among the most visited in Europe

Best time: May–October

Karstic Caves
Karstic Caves
Karstic Caves
Karstic Caves
Karstic Caves
Karstic Caves
Karstic Caves

There are more than 8,000 caves in Slovenia, 20 of which are now available for visitors. The incredibly beautiful karst phenomena can be found in many parts of the country. Karst is a geological system of rocks where water has dissolved the bedrock. Nowadays you can come across karst caves in many countries, but first it was studied in the Kras (or Karst) region, which also provided the name for this phenomenon.

The most beautiful and popular is the Postojna Cave with its giant passages, galleries, and chambers. You can see the whole cave by taking a train to see the magical stalactites and stalagmites. There’s a reason the Postojna Cave is the most visited cave in Europe. Postojna Cave (Postojnska jama in Slovenian) during the high season between May and October offers hourly cave tours, while in low season they run only a few times per day.

Besides the train ride, Postojna Cave offers another unique attraction—the human fish, also known as a cave salamander or olm. It lives and breeds completely under water.

Another unforgettable place is the Skocjan Caves which comprise a network of eleven caves with superb halls and mysterious chambers. Due to its unique natural heritage, Skocjan Caves were put into the UNESCO world heritage. The caves are opened for visitors throughout the year, so feel free to visit anytime. However, hourly tours are offered only between June and September. Other months offer two to four tours a day.

The Križna Jama Cave offers an unforgettable boat ride through its tunnels across 13 lakes. This cave is also famous for its site of bones of an extinct cave bear.

If the view of stalactites and stalagmites doesn’t excite you anymore—visit Predjama Castle which can be honestly called one of the most picturesque wonders of human history. The castle is famous for being the seat of the knight Erazem Lueger, a famous robber baron, and today is opened for visitors. It's located very close to Postojna Cave, and it's better to buy a combined ticket.

Practical info

What are karstic caves in Slovenia?

Slovenia has over 8,000 available caves, 20 of which can be visited. Karstic caves were named after the Karst region of Slovenia where numerous caves and geological systems of rocks exist due to water dissolving the bedrock. Many other countries also have karstic caves. Show more

Which region of Slovenia is famous for karstic caves?

The Karst or Kras region in Slovenia is world-renowned for its karstic caves. It lies near both the Italian and Adriatic Sea borders and comprises a limestone plateau with deep river valleys occupied by unique flora and fauna. The most popular karst caves visited in Slovenia are the Skocjan Caves, Postojna Cave, and Križna Jama Cave. More than 8,000 caves exist in Slovenia, among which 20 are for public access. Show more

What unique attraction is offered at Postojna Cave?

Postojna Cave in Slovenia is known for its unique attraction, the 'human fish' or olm. It’s the only cave salamander that can breed and live entirely underwater. The Postojna Cave tour includes a train ride, and visitors can observe these rare and fascinating creatures up-close while learning about their habitat. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that visitors will cherish for years to come. Show more

What is the best time to visit Skocjan Caves?

Year-round tours are available at Slovenia's Skocjan Caves, but hourly tours are scheduled only from June to September. The best time to visit is in the dry season when the weather is pleasant between May and September. Winter tours are available also, but due to the increased rainfall during this season, some areas of the caves may be partially closed. Visitors are advised to plan their trips to the cave accordingly. Show more

What is the historical significance of Predjama Castle?

Predjama Castle is an enduring symbol of the Slovenian people's fight against foreign rule and governance. The castle is famously attributed to Erazem Lueger, a robber baron of the 15th century who opposed the Austrian Empire's authority over Slovenia. It is believed that the castle served as the knight's retreat and stronghold during the feud. This historical castle is a must-see attraction for visitors to Slovenia. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin