Postojna Cave is the best-known of Slovenia's Karst caves, a 24 km system about 53 km south-west of Ljubljana that visitors enter on an electric train before a roughly 90-minute guided tour of halls, stalactites and the Concert Hall. The temperature inside stays around 10°C/50°F all year, so a jacket is needed even in August. Trains from Ljubljana station reach Postojna in about 1 to 1h15m for roughly EUR 5-7, and driving the A1 takes about 45 minutes. About 9 km away, Predjama Castle is built into the mouth of a cave in a 123 metre cliff face and is associated with the knight Erazem of Predjama; it can be visited with an audio guide. Combined tickets cover both. The Vivarium, an exhibition of cave animals, shows the olm, a blind cave salamander found in Slovenia's Karst. The site is busy in summer, when advance online booking is advisable, and quieter on winter weekdays. Postojna has restaurants serving local Karst dishes such as pršut and teran wine.
| Distance | About 53 km south-west of Ljubljana |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 45 minutes by car |
| Getting there | Train: SŽ services from Ljubljana railway station (Železniška postaja), Trg OF 6, timetable at potniski.sz.si, about 1h to 1h15m to Postojna, roughly EUR 5-7 (~$5.50-8) each way |
| Cost | Postojna Cave ticket roughly EUR 30-35 for adults; Predjama Castle roughly EUR 15-20; combined tickets are sold at postojnska-jama.eu |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Jamska cesta 30, 6230 Postojna, Slovenia |
How to get there
- Bus: intercity services from the Ljubljana bus station, about 1h10m, roughly EUR 6-8 (~$6.50-9)
- Car: A1 motorway (exit Postojna), about 45 minutes
- Combined tour from Ljubljana: typically EUR 60-90 (~$65-100) including entry
Location
Jamska cesta 30, 6230 Postojna, Slovenia
45.7826, 14.2036 View on map
Highlights
- Ride the electric train deep into Postojna Cave
- See the Concert Hall and the Brilliant stalagmite
- Visit Predjama Castle, built into a cliff mouth
- See the olm, the cave salamander, in the Vivarium
- Taste Karst pršut and teran wine in Postojna
Tips for visiting
- Book timed tickets online in July and August.
- Bring a jacket; the cave is around 10°C/50°F all year.
- Combine the cave and Predjama in one day if travelling by car or tour.
- Photography with flash is not permitted inside the cave.
When to visit
April-October for Predjama; the cave is open year-round. Weekday mornings are the quietest.
Accessibility
The cave route is mostly level with some steps; Predjama Castle has steep stairs and limited step-free access.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Postojna Cave take?
The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes, and Predjama Castle needs another 2 hours.
Is there a train from Ljubljana to Postojna?
Yes. SŽ trains take roughly 1 to 1h15m. Predjama needs a taxi, tour or car from Postojna.
Is the cave suitable for children?
Yes. The electric train and the lit halls suit children, but the cave is cool and damp.