Postojna
Private Tour

In 1872, the 1^st tourists visited the cave onboard trains, after the railway was installed. Guides had to push wagons themselves until the beginning of the 20th century when a gas locomotive was introduced.

Electric lighting was added in 1884, 14 years earlier then the capital Ljubljana, proving the popularity of this attraction.

Postojna Cave was carved by the Pivka River over millions of years. The cave interior is largely shaped by speleothems, or cave formations, that grow at a rate of 1cm every 100 years. There are several different formations

• stalagmites: grow from the cave floor, due to ceiling drippings
• stalactites: grow from the ceiling
• pillars: when a stalagmite and stalactite connect
• curtains: formations that look like folded curtains, and are often translucent.

Endemic to this region, the proteus, is the largest troglodytic amphibian in the world. Differently from most amphibious, this salamander is entirely aquatic: it eats, sleeps, and breeds underwater. It is also called the “human fish” by locals because of its fleshy skin color. And it has adapted to live in complete dark, with undeveloped eyes, and extreme senses of smell and hearing. It has a snakelike shape and in average measures 20–30 cm.

The Brilliant is Postojna Cave’s symbol and main attraction. Considered one of the world most beautiful stalagmite, the Brilliant is 5 meters high and has a shiny white color due to pure calcite sinter deposited constantly.

In the 15th century, the castle became famous for being the home of a knight called Erazem Luegger, a renowned robber and the son of the Imperial Governor of Trieste, Nikolaj Lueger. According to legend, Erazem came into conflict with the Habsburgs and had to flee further from the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick III. No better place than his family’s fortress in Predjama. Once sheltered, he began to attack Habsburg estates and towns until his castle was under siege. Having resisted for a long time, Erazem was eventually killed, when one of his men betrayed him.

Known as Erazem’s secret, the  castle had a natural shaft connecting to the outside of the cliff, that was enlarged and allowed Erazem to secretly exit the castle to perform his robberies as well as supply the castle with food in the time of the siege.

Erazem’s Knight Tournament happens yearly during the Summer, for the past 15 years. It takes place in Predjama and is based on knowledge, notes and illustrations from the 16th century. It is a weekend event and it starts with the Night of Fire and Fun, where visitors can experience what night-time sieges of the castle used to be like, play games with fire, listen to traditional medieval music and learn medieval dances. The following day, the legend of Erazem is brought to life. The event is interesting for both adults and children and special workshops are being organized each year.

Visitors have access to the cave under the Predjama Castle from May to September. The cave network is about 14 km long, but only 700 meters are open for visitation, featuring the Stable, the Main Passage, the Passage of Names, the Great Hall and Fiženca, where the exit to the surface is located. The cave is inhabited by a colony of bats, and no electric lighting is provided, with visitors using battery-powered lights and helmets before entering the cave. This adventurous tour requires comfortable clothing and footwear.