Discover Postojna Cave: Slovenia’s Most Iconic Underground Wonder

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2099

Nestled in the heart of the Karst region just 50 km southwest of Ljubljana, Postojna Cave has captivated visitors for over two centuries. As the largest show cave in Europe, it combines a unique electric cave train ride with a 1.5 km guided walking tour through vast halls, winding passages and breathtaking stalactite-and-stalagmite formations. With over 36 million visitors since its first public opening in 1819, Postojna Cave is not just Slovenia’s most famous natural attraction—it’s a bucket-list destination for travelers worldwide.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists and local families make the journey to explore underground chambers such as the Concert Hall, White Cave and Brilliant Passage. The cave’s easy accessibility (via the underground train) and consistent 10 °C temperature allow guests of all ages and fitness levels to experience an unforgettable adventure, rain or shine. Along the way, expert guides share the cave’s rich history, geology and the secrets of its rare “human fish” salamander, making each tour both educational and awe-inspiring.

Whether you’re a geology enthusiast, a nature lover or simply seeking a unique day trip, Postojna Cave delivers. After emerging into daylight, you can continue your visit with family-friendly attractions in Postojna Cave Park: marvel at the medieval Predjama Castle perched dramatically in a cliff, meet the world’s largest captive population of olm salamanders in the Vivarium, or learn about karst landscapes at the Expo Karst museum. Every element—from cave safety to multilingual audio guides—ensures that your experience is seamless, comfortable and deeply memorable.

Ticket Types & Prices

On the official Postojna Cave website you’ll find a single admission option for the 90-minute cave tour, which includes the electric cave train and a walk along the marked path. Available ticket categories (prices in EUR):

    • Adults: €32.90
    • Youth & Students (16–25 years): €25.90
    • Children (6–15 years): €19.50
    • Children up to 5 years: €1.00
    • Where to buy? Tickets can be purchased online, at the ticket office at the cave entrance, or through travel agencies. We strongly recommend buying in advance—especially in the summer months, when time slots sell out quickly.
    Postojna cave tickets

    1. Combined Park Tickets
      To make the most of your visit, choose one of the package deals that bundle multiple attractions in Postojna Cave Park:
    • Two Adventures (€46.50, regular €53.90): Postojna Cave + Predjama Castle
    • 100 % Cave Experience (€42.90, regular €57.90): Postojna Cave + Vivarium (the “human fish”) + Expo Cave Karst + “Butterflies of the World” exhibition

    These packages let you save on individual admissions and explore more in a single day.


    Opening Hours & Tour Schedule

    Postojna Cave is open 365 days a year, rain or shine. Guided tours depart nearly every hour from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM:

      Tour times in postojna cave: 09:00, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00.

      The cave train leaves 15 minutes before each scheduled tour—plan to arrive 30 minutes early. If you’d like to visit Predjama Castle, the Vivarium or the Expo as well, check the “Tour Timetables” page for their specific schedules.


      Guides & Audio Guides

      Each tour is led by an expert guide fluent in Slovenian, English, German or Italian. For a self-paced experience, you can also rent a multilingual audio guide. Audio guides are available at ticket purchase and make a great option for groups, photographers or visitors who prefer to explore at their own rhythm.

      Postojna cave prices

        Visitor Recommendations

        • Footwear & Clothing: The cave’s temperature remains a constant 10 °C year-round. Bring a warm jacket or rent one at the entrance.
        • Stay on the Path: Cave floors and stairways can be slippery—always follow the marked route.
        • Group Bookings: Schools and large groups should reserve at least 14 days in advance to secure their preferred time slot.

        Getting There

        1. Postojna Cave is located 46 km from Ljubljana and is easily reachable by car, train or bus:
        • Car: Ample parking at the entrance (fees apply for extended stays).
        • Train: Postojna station is under 2 km from the cave—walk or take a local shuttle.
        • Bus: Regular services connect Ljubljana, Koper and other major Slovenian cities. Timetable here.

        Frequently Asked Questions

        Why is Postojna Cave famous?
        Postojna Cave is renowned for its vast underground chambers, spectacular dripstone formations and its historic electric cave train—the only one of its kind in a natural cave. Discovered in the early 19th century, it was among the first show caves in the world and has hosted royalty, scientists and adventurers ever since.

        How long is the walk in Postojna Cave?
        After a 2-km round-trip on the cave train, you disembark for a 1.5 km walking tour along well-lit paths and footbridges. The entire guided tour lasts about 90 minutes, combining both train and walking portions.

        Is Postojna Cave worth it?
        Absolutely. With its blend of engineering (the cave train), geology (remarkable speleothems) and biology (endemic olm salamander), Postojna Cave offers an experience you can’t replicate elsewhere. It’s consistently rated one of Europe’s top natural attractions and is well worth the visit.

        Is it cold inside Postojna Cave?
        Yes—the cave maintains a stable temperature of approximately 10 °C (50 °F) year-round. Visitors are advised to bring a light jacket or sweater to stay comfortable during the 90-minute tour.

        Postojna cave guide and tours