POSTOJNA, SLOVENIA: During this recreation day we went to the UNESCO World Heritage Caves of Postojna in the south of Slovenia. The Postojna Caves are huge and have large rooms with an infinite number of stalactites. There are also many animals that live in the caves. These include the largest underground living animal, the olm, but many more.
We started in the morning and reached Postojna after about 150 km at noon. Interestingly, there was not so much going on and we each got a ticket for the next tour. The tour goes in the cave first by train for about 10 minutes and then by foot for some kilometers.
There you can visit the numerous stalactites and different rooms. We additionally booked the entrance to the animal exhibition and could see the Grottenolm and many other animals like spiders, fishes and snails that only exist in caves. This animal does not get to see anywhere else. The entrance fee was with approximately 25€ per person quite high, but also worthwhile for such a big and important cave. After that we stopped at some places on the way back.
In this video, I visit the Postojna Caves, one of the most famous and impressive cave systems in Europe, located in southwestern Slovenia. Known worldwide for its size, accessibility, and unique underground formations, Postojna is a place where nature’s creativity has been at work for millions of years. Exploring this vast underground world means encountering an extraordinary landscape of stalactites, stalagmites, underground halls, and hidden passages unlike anything on the surface.
The Postojna Cave system stretches for more than 24 kilometers, making it one of the largest karst cave systems in the world. Visitors today can explore several kilometers of the cave through a combination of an underground train ride and guided walks. Entering the caves feels like stepping into another world: cool, dark, and filled with geological wonders shaped slowly over countless centuries by water dripping through the limestone.
One of the most striking features of Postojna is the variety of formations on display. Stalactites hang like chandeliers from the ceilings, stalagmites rise like towers from the ground, and columns form where the two meet. Some formations are massive and imposing, others delicate and intricate, shaped into thin curtains and ribbons of stone. Each chamber seems to reveal something new, and the scale of the underground spaces is often overwhelming.
The journey through the caves begins with the famous cave train, a unique feature that allows visitors to quickly travel deep inside. The train passes through tunnels and large halls, giving a first glimpse of the underground landscape. From there, the guided walking paths lead through chambers with names like the Concert Hall and the Spaghetti Hall, each highlighting different aspects of the cave’s natural architecture.
One of the living highlights of the cave is the olm, or “human fish,” a rare amphibian that lives only in the underground waters of the Dinaric Karst. Postojna is home to a population of these fascinating creatures, which are adapted to life in total darkness. Pale and elongated, with small limbs and external gills, they have become a symbol of the cave and a reminder of how unique this ecosystem truly is.
The scale of the Postojna Caves is hard to imagine until you experience them in person. Some chambers are so large they could hold cathedrals, while others are narrow and winding, creating an intimate sense of exploration. The lighting in the caves highlights the natural forms without overwhelming them, adding a sense of atmosphere and mystery to the walk.
Beyond their natural beauty, the caves also have a long history of exploration and tourism. Postojna was first opened to visitors in the early 19th century, making it one of the oldest show caves in the world. Over the centuries, millions of people from around the globe have walked its passages, including royalty, scientists, and travelers. Today, the cave remains one of Slovenia’s top attractions and a highlight for anyone exploring the country.
This video captures the impression of visiting the Postojna Caves: the vast underground halls, the delicate stone formations, the unique cave train, and the sense of wonder that comes with being in one of nature’s great masterpieces. It is not a detailed step-by-step guide but an overview of the atmosphere and significance of this extraordinary place.
For travelers, Postojna is a must-see destination in Slovenia, easily combined with other nearby attractions like Predjama Castle, which rises dramatically from a cliff just a short distance away. Whether you are fascinated by geology, curious about underground ecosystems, or simply looking to experience one of the natural wonders of Europe, the Postojna Caves offer an unforgettable journey into the depths of the Earth.