You’ve been charmed by the streets of Ljubljana and awestruck by the alpine wonders of Bled. But your go to to Slovenia isn’t full till you’ve skilled no less than one of many high 5 caves in Slovenia.
Here are the highest suggestions from Terry Anzur, a Slovenian-American journalist on the weblog Strangers within the Living Room:
- Postojna Cave: one thing for everybody
- Predjama Cave Castle: world’s largest cave fort
- Škočjan Caves: UNESCO heritage underground
- Pivka Cave: journey for thrill-seekers
- Idrija Mercury Mine: deep dive into historical past
Which Slovenia cave journey is best for you? In a rustic with tons of of caves in Slovenia, there’s one thing for everybody: Natural magnificence, fascinating historical past, epic journey and even a Disneyland-style practice trip.
Postojna Cave: Accessible Slovenia Cave Adventure
If you may have time for just one Slovenia cave journey, make it Postojna Cave. This pure surprise has been wowing guests for greater than 200 years. In 1818, a neighborhood lamplighter stumbled into the cave and declared: “Here is paradise.”
More than 40 million folks have visited Postojna Cave since then. It is the third most visited attraction in Slovenia, after Ljubljana and Bled. At occasions, you may need the sensation that you just’re in a cave-themed amusement park. Don’t despair if there’s a line to board the practice; it strikes shortly.
The 3.7 km practice trip makes essentially the most astounding chambers and galleries accessible for all ages and skills. Don’t miss the huge Dance Hall, lit by Murano glass chandeliers. There is an non-compulsory 1.5 km stroll to the long-lasting “Brilliant” formation.
Be positive to remain seated on the practice because it whips previous the overhead rocks with lethal velocity. Please respect nature by not touching the formations. They fashioned over hundreds of thousands of years, one drop of water at a time.
For most enjoyment, put down your digital camera. In the low gentle, your cellphone photographs are more likely to be disappointing. Flash images just isn’t allowed. Professional photographers want permission to arrange lights.
Join this Postojna Cave tour from Ljubljana!
Slovenia’s Baby Dragons
Kids will love seeing the “baby dragons,” a novel species in Postojna Cave. The olms can dwell for 100 years and might survive a decade with out meals. Buy a separate ticket to the Vivarium to be taught extra about all of the creatures of the underground world.
When to Visit: Postojna Cave is open one year a yr. There’s an underground nativity scene throughout the holidays. Bring a heat jacket due to the fixed 10-degree Celsius temperature, year-round. To keep away from the summer time crowds in June, July and August, arrive when the cave opens at 9 am. The huge tour teams arrive later within the morning.
Getting there: Postojna Cave Park is a straightforward day journey from Ljubljana or Bled, by automotive or bus. Reserve tickets on-line or purchase on the ticket workplace.
Pro tip: Stay on the Hotel Jama to skip the ticket line and get a reduction on tour packages. Camping within the space can be well-liked. There’s a car parking zone for motorhomes. There’s even a free kennel the place your pet can wait whilst you tour the cave.
Predjama Castle: Mighty Slovenia Cave Fortress
Predjama Castle, the world’s largest cave fortress, is just a brief drive from Postonja Cave. You can simply go to each on the identical day with a mixed “Two Adventures” ticket or mixed tour.
Many group excursions solely cease for the insta-worthy picture alternative of the Slovenia cave fort rising from stable karst rock. But it’s best to plan to go inside and be taught the fascinating historical past.
The fifteenth Century knight Erazem withstood a siege for greater than a yr by smuggling in contemporary meals by the cave tunnels. Sadly, he didn’t survive a cannonball that struck the fort at its most weak level: the bathroom.
Make a want as you ring the fort’s bell. It was used to warn of approaching invaders. You solely need to admire the view of the encompassing countryside.
Pro tip: Get the Predjama Castle audio information for a vivid description of life within the Middle Ages as you stroll by the torture chamber and weapon rooms.
Škočjan Caves: UNESCO heritage Slovenia Cave
For a extra pure Slovenia cave expertise, go to the Škočjan Caves in Slovenia. UNESCO has organized a guided tour that presents the underground world heritage whereas respecting the surroundings.
You’ll be awestruck by the underground cathedrals, carved out over the centuries by the Reka River. Photography just isn’t allowed for many of the tour contained in the caves. Near the exit, there’s a image alternative that conveys the majesty of what you may have simply skilled.
Sturdy mountaineering footwear are a should, in addition to a jacket for the underground chill. Be ready for slippery pavement and tons of of steps. This journey just isn’t really helpful for small youngsters or these with mobility considerations.
Getting there: You can go to Škočjan Caves on a day journey from Ljubljana by automotive. Buy tickets on-line or on the ticket workplace. Horse lovers might need to add a cease in close by Lipica, dwelling of the Lipizzaner horses you might have seen performing in Vienna. Bicycle excursions of the karst area are one other nice possibility.
Pro tip: Allow some further time for an prolonged hike by the karst panorama and the charming village of Škočjan. Hiking trails are nicely marked, ranging from the tip of the cave tour.
Pivka Cave: Adventure for Thrill Seekers
If you got here to Slovenia for a high-octane journey, you’re in luck. With just a little planning forward, you possibly can guide an adrenalin tour within the huge underground of Postojna Cave Park. All of the particular gear you have to is included within the worth of the guided tour.
The Luka Čeč tour in Pivka Cave is called for the lamplighter who found the cave system in 1818, however toiled in poverty for many years earlier than getting the credit score he deserved. Be ready for rappelling down rock faces, slogging by mud and paddling by an underground lake.
You even have an opportunity to identify the newborn dragons and different distinctive cave species of their pure habitat. This journey was so epic for my household of three that it deserves its personal film, as you’ll see on this video:
The Bat Cave underneath the Castle
A much less demanding journey means that you can discover the Windy Hole and different passageways beneath Predjama Castle. Different variations of this guided tour are appropriate for older youngsters and youths.
But watch out for bats! The constant year-round temperature makes the fort caves a hibernating spot. Tours should be reserved upfront from May to September, when the bats are awake.
Pro tip: Fuel up in your journey at Gostilna Požar, a pleasant mid-priced restaurant serving Slovenian specialties with a picture-postcard view of Predjama Castle.
Idrija Mercury Mine: Underground History
History paired with caves in Slovenia! This tour covers 500 years of UNESCO world heritage within the 700 km of mercury mine tunnels beneath the city of Idrija. Anthony’s Shaft is the oldest preserved mine entrance in Europe.
The tour begins with a film in regards to the laborious lives of the mercury miners. A information carrying a mine foreman’s uniform takes you into the tunnels. You’ll see the numbered medallions miners wore throughout their shifts on the “death clock.” They stopped at an underground chapel to hope for a protected return.
Miners saved up their spirits with sturdy drink. They believed the mine was haunted by a mischievous elf who would cause them to the quicksilver — or nugatory rocks. Idrija prospered because it grew to become one of many largest mercury mines on the planet. Unfortunately, the wealth didn’t trickle right down to the poorly paid miners.
The miners labored with out security gear till trendy occasions. How many died from mercury poisoning and associated diseases? All of them. But you’ll be completely protected within the heat jacket and protecting helmet included with the tour. Expect a number of strolling on slippery surfaces and stairs.
Find out extra on this video:
Idrija Dumplings and Lace
Above floor, the miners’ wives saved busy with lacemaking, a convention that continues at present. The handcrafted lace bought within the native outlets makes a lovely memento to take dwelling.
Don’t neglect to attempt the standard Idrija dumplings referred to as žlikrofi. Served with hearty sauce, they had been a filling meal for the hard-working miners. The hottest restaurant is Gostilna Pri Škafarju, only a brief stroll from the doorway to the mine tour, however the dumplings are served in most of the native eateries.
Getting there: Idrija may be reached by automotive on a day journey from Ljubljana. Find tour occasions and ticket data on the web site.
Pro tip: If you may have extra time, go to Gewerkenegg Castle, which looms over the slim streets of the small, pleasant city. It’s crammed with reveals in regards to the historical past of mercury mining and lacemaking in Idrija.
Planning a visit to Slovenia? The largest mistake you can also make just isn’t permitting sufficient time for the entire nature and historical past that’s packed into this small nation – the caves in Slovenia particularly. It’s a miniature model of Europe in a single clear, inexperienced, sustainable bundle.
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