Postojna Cave in Slovenia has been offering the world’s first guided cave tours since 1824, and by 2024 had welcomed over 38 million visitors. To celebrate the 200th anniversary, we’ve compiled a list of common, interesting and special visitor questions about Postojna Cave that we hope you’ll bookmark in advance if you’re planning a visit.
1、Is Postojna Cave located underground?
- Map: Jamska cesta 30, 6230 Postojna, Slovenia
- Opening: 9am – 6pm
Postojna Cave is indeed located underground and is a typical representative of Karst landscape. It is a subterranean cave formed by the long-term dissolution of limestone and other soluble rocks by the submerged flow of the Pivka River. The entire cave system is underground and has seven natural entrances, two of which are shafts.
![Postojna Cave - a long karst cave system in southwestern Slovenia.](https://viet36.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/visit-postojna-cave-in-slovenia.webp)
2. Are the Postojna Caves naturally formed or artificially carved?
Postojna Cave known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, is one of the largest natural landscapes in Slovenia and is strictly protected. The caves were formed over thousands of years by the underground Pivka River and geological processes. In the past, lighting, railways and walkways were installed in the caves for the convenience of visitors.
3. Can stalactites and stalagmites break off in an earthquake?
Locals and cavers consider Postojna Cave to be one of the safest places to be during an earthquake. Because the caves are located below the surface and are deep enough, they are able to avoid the direct effects of surface earthquakes. In addition, the cave’s geological formations are very stable and strong, further reducing the risk.
4. How long is the Postojna Cave? How deep is it?
The Postojna Cave is a horizontal cave that can be easily accessed by visitors via railway. The total length of the cave is 24 kilometres and varies greatly in appearance and depth. In the deepest part of the cave, visitors will find themselves 115 metres underground.
5. Are cave sediments salty?
Never try to lick the cave sediments as it can damage them. The sediments in Postojna Cave are not salty. Carbon dioxide escapes from the dripping water and dissolves the calcite or limestone, forming cave sediments that are deposited on the cave walls. The sediments grow very slowly, only a few centimetres per thousand years.
6. Are there bats in Postojna Cave?
Postojna Cave is the cradle of cave biology, inhabited by more than 150 species of cave animals, including bats. However, bats usually stay in areas away from the main tourist routes. Bats are an important part of the cave ecosystem and the protection of their habitat is vital to the long-term health and ecological balance of the cave.
7. Can I eat cave salamanders?
The cave salamander (Olm) is endemic to the Dinaric Karst region of Slovenia and is affectionately known as the ‘baby dragon’. These mysterious animals are protected by law and are an endangered species. It is illegal and unethical to consume cave salamanders. We are committed to protecting cave salamanders and their natural habitat, as they are an important part of the karst cave ecosystem.
8. Why can’t I see roots in the cave?
Postojna Cave is located deep underground, so the roots of surface trees are not visible at the top of the cave. In addition, the limestone rocks that form karst caves are usually very hard, making it difficult for tree roots to penetrate even if the cave is not far from the surface.
9. Is the Pivka River above or below us in Postojna Cave?
Before visiting Postojna Cave, the Pivka River can be seen in the entrance area of the cave, in the sinkhole and in the “Big Dome” hall. For most of the tour, the river is below us because Postojna Cave is a multi-level cave system.
10, Is there Wi-Fi in Postojna Cave in Slovenia?
Postojna Cave is so interesting and spectacular that you don’t need to be connected to social networks during your visit. We want you to enjoy the views, observe the world around you, and soak up the serenity. As much of the cave is located deep underground, most areas have limited or no internet signal.