If you have already tasted the planned peace, greenery, and want to be among the people again, visit the longest tourist cave in Slovenia – the Postojna Cave. You will certainly not be alone and in silence there, as more than 39 million people have visited it so far.
The Postojna Cave was discovered more than 200 years ago and it has been one of the main tourist attractions in Slovenia and beyond ever since the discovery. You can see the beautiful underground world on a fun train ride (where you might bow your head just in case of not bumping into a hanging stalactite). Tiny droplets slowly formed stalactites, galleries and halls in over millions, which eventually created a real natural miracle. The tour of the cave lasts an hour and a half, on the way you will see the largest, 16 m high stalactite (Skyscraper), crystal white symbol of Postojna Cave (Brilliant) and the oldest underground post office in the world.
“Dragon babies”
The first records of the cubs of the terrible dragon living in the Postojna Cave appeared in the 17th century. This animal with pale, almost translucent skin, unusual red growths, no eyes, four limbs, with only ten fingers can live 100 years. We have known for a long time now that this is an olm. Interestingly, without food it can survive for more than 8 years and repair its damaged body parts. In January 2016, news spread around the world about the egg laying of olm. An extraordinary event was also filmed by the Discovery Channel TV network. The first baby dragon was born on 30.5. (I’m proud he chose my birthday), which was the first time in the cave’s 200-year tourist history. One of the babies lost a leg in a peer fight, but it grew back after a year and a half.
Predjama Castle with secret accesses to the cave
Near Postojna Cave there is also Predjama Castle, the largest cave castle in the world and is therefore part of the Guinness Book of Records. It stands in a rock wall, 123 meters high and is more than 800 years old. It is connected to the cave below by mysterious underground tunnels. The castle, which was also a film venue, offered refuge to the legendary owner Erasmus of Predjama in the 15th century. Today, Erasmus is no longer in the castle, but a colony of bats has found a home in it. You’ll be able to admire castle’s armoury, chapel, kitchen, torture chamber and discover the magic of medieval life.
Adventures
For those who would still like to continue their vacation without the crowds, discover the hidden parts of the Karst world and experience a slightly more adrenaline-fueled tour of the depths, Postojna also offers adrenaline tours. There are six different tours for smaller groups, where you will cross the groundwater in cave equipment and make more demanding crossings.
Zaplana is an ideal starting point for visiting Postojna Cave, which is a 45-minute drive from Sweet Stay Forest House.
