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Slovenia, a land of natural wonders, has an extensive system of more than 8,000 caves, of which only around 20 are open for visitors. The Slovenia Caves provide a stunning view of the country’s beauty under the earth, with grand karst formations, underground rivers, and various wildlife. Among these are the popular Caves in Slovenia, such as Postojna and Škocjan, renowned for their scale and historical importance. To witness these significant caves in Slovenia is to experience an adventure and discover the country’s geological and cultural heritage under the earth.
Top 10 Slovenia Caves: A Journey Through Nature And History
Embark on a journey through the depths of Slovenia’s underground marvels.
1. Postojna Cave Park
Photo: Michael R Perry / Wikimedia Commons
Postojna Cave Park is the most well-known and visited of all the Slovenia Caves, visited by over 39 million people since its discovery. With over 24 kilometres, the cave system includes large halls, underground rivers, and the renowned olm – a water-dwelling salamander more commonly known as a “baby dragon.” Tourists aboard an electric train are taken deep within the cave, where stunning sights such as the Brilliant and the Spaghetti Hall can be witnessed. This is one of the tourist-friendly Caves of Slovenia, where tourism and nature go hand-in-hand.
Location: Postojna, Slovenia
Entry Fees: Approximately €25 for adults
Timing: Open daily; guided tours run hourly
2. Škocjan Caves
Photo: Lander / Wikimedia Commons
Škocjan Caves are a World Heritage site by UNESCO and one of the top highlights among Slovenian Caves. Renowned for their colossal underground halls and Europe’s biggest subterranean canyon, the caves extend over 6 kilometres. The bellowing Reka River runs through this stunning system, producing dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. As one of the famous Caves in Slovenia, it attracts nature enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture its splendour. These are also among the most famous Caves in Slovenia because of their geological and archaeological value.
Location: Matavun, Slovenia
Entry Fees: Approximately €20 for adults
Timing: Open daily; guided tours available
3. Križna Jama (Cross Cave)
Photo: Tomaž Planina / Wikimedia Commons
Križna Jama is the most mysterious and fascinating of the Slovenian Caves, with over 50 underground lakes and unspoiled beauty. Unlike most tourist caves, this cave is not commercialised with artificial lighting, and the experience is more natural and adventurous. The tourists can go by boat through the cave’s tranquil waters, making the experience magical and otherworldly. Biodiversity is high here in Križna Jama, with over 40 species of cave animals. It’s one of the favourite places among the popular caves in Slovenia and among eco-friendly tourists who seek natural wonder in the purest form.
Location: Lož Valley, Slovenia
Entry Fees: €10 – €50 depending on tour
Timing: By prior appointment only
4. Predjama Cave And Castle
Photo: Stephen Colebourne / Wikimedia Commons
Predjama Cave is situated beneath the world-famous Predjama Castle, the world’s largest castle cave, and one of the top contenders of Slovenia Caves among history enthusiasts. It is carved out of a 123-meter-high cliff, a medieval marvel intricately woven within a natural cave system that was originally a secret exit tunnel during times of siege. The cave is over 14 kilometres long, with four levels, narrow tunnels, and hidden chambers. It is one of the famous Caves of Slovenia that weaves together nature and dramatic human history.
Location: Predjama, Slovenia
Entry Fees: Around €15 for adults
Timing: Daily; hours vary by season
5. Pivka Cave
Photo: Ziegler175 / Wikimedia Commons
Pivka Cave is part of the extensive Postojna Cave system and one of the lesser-known but stunning Slovenia Caves. It offers a more rugged and exhilarating spelunking experience, ideal for those who prefer to venture off the beaten path. Renowned for its subterranean river – the Pivka – the cave is accessed by steep steps leading down into its depths. It’s one of the famous Caves in Slovenia that offers a glimpse of the raw power of karst formations. The cave has enormous pillars, tight passages, and resonant chambers that offer an otherworldly atmosphere.
Location: Near Postojna, Slovenia
Entry Fees: Included with Postojna combo ticket
Timing: Guided tours only; schedule varies
6. Planinska Jama (Planina Cave)
Photo: EliziR / Wikimedia Commons
Planinska Jama is among the largest water caves of Slovenia’s cave network, with the rare convergence of two underground rivers – Pivka and Rak. The natural marvel extends more than 6 kilometres and remains mostly unexplored, making it a hot destination for cave divers and geologists. Its huge entrance opens into chambers with high ceilings, spotless formations, and flowing waters. Planinska Jama is one of the renowned caves in Slovenia that are used for hydrological events and underground excursions. It’s also one of the significant Caves in Slovenia for scientific exploration, as multiple cave systems meet here.
Location: Planina, Slovenia
Entry Fees: Around €10 for adults
Timing: Seasonal; pre-booked tours only
7. Dimnice Cave
Photo: Ljuba brank / Wikimedia Commons
Dimnice Cave is close to the Karst border and is a unique gem of the Slovenia Caves, specifically because it possesses a mystical atmosphere due to the ascending warm air, which looks like smoke. Its name, “Dimnice,” actually means “smoky cave.” Dimnice Cave boasts deep vertical shafts, stunning limestone formations, and extensive underground tunnel networks. Some caves are better known for their spooky atmosphere; Dimnice intrigues scientists and adventurers. It is also one of the key caves in Slovenia that can be used to research karst phenomena and airflow in underground environments.
Location: Near Divača, Slovenia
Entry Fees: Approximately €10 for adults
Timing: Guided tours on weekends or by request
8. Zelške Caves
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Rak Škocjan Valley, Zelške Caves are lesser-known gems in the Slovenia Caves system. These connected caves formed by the Rak River are ideal for nature lovers and those looking to explore Slovenia’s untouched natural wonders. The caves divide into several hidden chambers and are part of a larger karst system that eventually opens into Planinska Jama. While less travelled, Zelške Caves are counted among the famous Caves in Slovenia due to their peaceful surroundings and natural beauty. They are also classified as important Caves in Slovenia for ecological research and hydrology studies due to the active movement of water inside.
Location: Rakov Škocjan, Slovenia
Entry Fees: Free (self-guided)
Timing: Open access year-round
9. Snežna Jama (Snow Cave)
Photo: Josh Lewis / Wikimedia Commons
Snežna Jama, or “Snow Cave,” is one of the highest Slovenia Caves on Mount Raduha at 1,530 meters above sea level. Its icy interior makes it special—yes, even in summer, you can still expect snow and frozen formations inside. As one of the more quirky, famous Caves in Slovenia, Snežna Jama offers an alpine touch to underground exploration. Visitors travel down a vertical shaft in an alpine wonderland of icy stalactites, frozen lakes, and rocky tunnels. It’s also one of the important Caves in Slovenia for climatology research due to its unusual temperature retention.
Location: Mount Raduha, Slovenia
Entry Fees: Approx. €12 for adults
Timing: June to September; guided tours only
10. Črna Jama (Black Cave)
Photo: Vid Pogacnik / Wikimedia Commons
Črna Jama, or “Black Cave,” is part of the vast Postojna cave system and one of the most intriguing Slovenia Caves for dark, resonant tunnel lovers and history enthusiasts. Renowned for its centuries-old blackened rock from soot and candle burning, this cave is an adventure-seeker’s paradise with its spooky ambience. It is one of the most famous Caves in Slovenia because of its folklore and WWII hideout status. The cave features long passages, strange acoustics, and water-carved natural art over thousands of years.
Location: Near Postojna, Slovenia
Entry Fees: Approx. €8 with prior booking
Timing: Guided tours by arrangement only
The Slovenian underground is as varied and bountiful as its landscapes. From ice caves to water-carved rooms and historically important tunnels, these Slovenian Caves reflect the remarkable art of nature. History, adventure, or curiosity is your thing, and the world-renowned Caves of Slovenia have experiences that you will never forget. Their ecological and geological significance also renders them the most significant Caves in Slovenia, providing thrills and learning in equal measure. Include these breathtaking places on your travel agenda and experience the secret heart of this stunning country.
Cover Photo: Balkans Photos / Wikimedia Commons
