Choose from 27 Fun Things to Do in Ljubljana
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Krizanke Summer Theatre
The mid-20th-century Slovene architect Jože Plečnik was responsible for much of Ljubljana’s rebirth as a cultured, elegant city; he built bridges over the Ljubljanica River as well as pathways along it and in the 1950s was also given the remit to design the Križanke Summer Theatre. It is located in the former Monastery of the Holy Cross, which dated right back to medieval times but was sacked by Yugoslav Communist leaders in the aftermath of World War II.
Plečnik set about creating a Renaissance-style entertainment venue with a vast entrance courtyard, paved with patterned cobbles and surrounded by arcaded walls etched with sgrafitto; his bust is also found here as a memorial to his designs, while some artifacts from the monastery are on display in a small museum next to the church. Today the complex offers four spaces, ranging from the Courtyard of Hell, where chamber-music concerts are held, to a sizeable stage where orchestral concerts and full-blown theater productions are held as well as rock concerts – it has a retractable roof in case of rain. The theater has a total capacity of 1,270 and is administrated by the Ljubljana Festival as the city’s most popular outdoor venue.
Practical Info
The theater is located at Trg francoske revolucije 1, and ticket prices vary by event.
Address: Trg francoske revolucije 1, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Ljubljana Old Town
Between Ljubljana’s medieval hilltop castle and the Ljubljanica River lie the narrow cobblestone streets and charming pastel-colored buildings of Old Town. The neighborhood’s impressive architecture, picturesque bridges, riverfront walkways, and heaps of cafés and bars with terrace seating help make Ljubljana a true jewel of Central Europe.
The Basics
Despite the fact that Ljubljana is Slovenia’s largest and capital city, Old Town is very walkable, as car traffic is restricted in the city center. Join a walking tour of Ljubljana to ensure you see all the popular sights such as St. Nicholas Cathedral, Central Market, and Dragon Bridge while also learning about the city’s history and architecture.
To get a bird’s-eye view of Ljubljana, ride the funicular from the town center to the top of Castle Hill where you can explore Ljubljana Castle and climb its watchtower for sweeping panoramas of the city. Most city walking tours include a funicular ride to the castle.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Old Town is a must-see for all first-time visitors to Ljubljana.
- Wear good walking shoes; Old Town streets are cobblestone and can be uneven.
- If traveling with children, the interactive Museum of Puppetry at the Ljubljana Castle is worth a visit.
- Old Town is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers, especially due to it being vehicle-free, though the streets can be bumpy and rutted in some areas.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach Old Town from Ljubljana. Buses run hourly from the Ljubljana Airport; the journey takes about an hour. Private shuttles, taxis, and car rentals are options as well. Old Town is a pedestrian-only area, so finding parking nearby can be difficult.
When to Get There
Ljubljana’s Old Town can be visited year-round. Summer, with street festivals galore and reliable weather, is the most popular season. To avoid the crowds, visit in May or September, when the weather is still pleasantly warm and prices are generally lower. For a few weeks in late March through early April, the blooming cherry blossoms make Ljubljana particularly lovely.
Cycling in Ljubljana
With designated cycling lanes and many car-free streets, Ljubljana is an incredibly bike-friendly city. Take a guided cycling tour of Ljubljana and bike alongside the Ljubljanica River embankment, tour Old Town’s hidden narrow streets, and cycle past historic sites and architectural wonders scattered throughout the city.
Address: Ljubljana, Slovenia
From $ 25
National and University Library of Slovenia
Established in 1774, the National and University Library of Slovenia is one of the country’s most prestigious institutions. Tucked away in Plečnik Palace on the edge of the medieval center of Ljubljana, the Jože Plečnik-designed, four-story building is patterned with contrasting limestone and brickwork and centered around a pair of internal courtyards. The impressive library reading room fans out around a monumental marble staircase scattered with 32 gray and black marble columns.
Open to guided tours, the library holds some 1.3 million books, 8,700 rare manuscripts, and other multimedia resources. It also contains five major collections of Slovenian artifacts, from medieval manuscripts to maps, all of which are available to view in a series of ornate exhibition rooms. The National and University Library is included on many walking tours of Ljubljana, and a visit can be combined with a cruise down the Ljubljanica River or local beer tasting for an experience that's one for the books.
Practical Info
Located on Turjaška ulica in Ljubljana, the library’s exhibition rooms are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 8pm and Saturday from 9am to 2pm. Admission is free, although visits must be booked in advance. The site is easily accessed on foot, but most bus lines will take you to the Drama bus station located less than a fourth of a mile (280 meters) northwest of the attraction.
Address: Turjaška ulica 1, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Hours: Mon–Fri: 8am–8pm; Sat 9am–2pm
From $ 20
Metelkova
Ljubljana’s funky, graffiti-strewn enclave of Metelkova is the alternative epicenter of the city, an area stuffed full of grungy clubs and bars that lies north of the Ljubljanica River. Whether they’re into rock, punk or folk, gay bars or beery dives, this is the place of choice for party animals amid the harsh military architecture of Metelkova’s former army barracks. These were abandoned by the defunct Yugoslav army in 1990 and were on line for demolition when a band of squatters moved in to save them; now they are run as an autonomous cultural center, along similar lines to Christiania in Copenhagen. In addition to being a mecca for late-night revelers, Metelkova is the destination for flea-market fans, pop-up street entertainment and edgy art exhibitions; the streets are packed most days of the week but the action really kicks off over the weekend, when kids flock in from all over Central Europe.
One of the city’s coolest hotels, the Hostel Celica, has its home in Metelkova, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova, which opened in 2011, is on its fringes in the newly christened Museum Quarter; it offers exhibitions of avant-garde European works, pop art and photography.
Practical Info
The Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova (MSUM) is located at Maistrova 3 and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am–6pm. Admission costs €5 for adults, €2.50 for seniors and students, and €8 for families.
Address: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am–6pm
Admission: €5 for adults, €2.50 for seniors/students, €8 for families
From $ 35
Dragon Bridge
At each entrance to Ljubljana’s dramatic Dragon Bridge, a pair of menacing green dragons stand watch, their stone-sculpted wings poised for flight and fire-breathing tongues darting out of their mouths. Erected in 1901, the striking quartet of dragons have become one of the city’s most memorable landmarks, but the statues are more than just aesthetic monuments. The mythical creatures are not only symbolic of the city’s founding (allegedly settled by Jason and the Argonauts after valiantly defeating a dragon) but local legend dictates that the dragons will swish their tails when the bridge is crossed by a virgin.
Crossing the Ljubljanica River just east of the equally impressive Triple Bridge, the Dragon Bridge is now one of the city’s most important bridges, connecting the modern city with the Old Town. Originally built and named for the Hapsburg Emperor, Franc Jozef, the more fitting nickname of the ‘Dragon bridge’ soon stuck, but the inscription of the side of the bridge still reads his dedication. The masterpiece of Dalmatian architect Jurij Zaninovic, the bridge is a much-celebrated example of the city’s Art Nouveau architecture, constructed from reinforced concrete and decorated with elaborate balustrades and original 20th-century street lamps.
Address: Connecting Kopitarjeva ulica and Resljeva cesta, Ljubljana, Slovenia
From $ 25
Portoroz
Portorož, which means "Port of Roses," is a city for those looking for a relaxing escape on the beautiful Gulf of Trieste. Enjoy the lovely beaches during the day, and then delve into Portorož's extensive nightlife in nightclubs, discotheques, casinos, and pubs.
Good music is always to be found in Portorož, as it is a cultural center of the Slovene coast. Another cultural asset is the International Sculpture Symposium Forma Viva, where the public can view artists creating their work right before their eyes.
The city is most famous for its health and wellness spas and thermal pools, making your Portorož experience one of pampering and well-being. Being a part of one of the biggest saltpans in the world, the natural elements of salt, brine, and fango mud make Portorož an ideal place for a spa, and is known as one of the most comprehensive spas in all of Europe.
If you're one for adventure, there are daily boat excursions into the Gulf, as well as diving, sailing, and windsurfing opportunities.
Good music is always to be found in Portorož, as it is a cultural center of the Slovene coast. Another cultural asset is the International Sculpture Symposium Forma Viva, where the public can view artists creating their work right before their eyes.
The city is most famous for its health and wellness spas and thermal pools, making your Portorož experience one of pampering and well-being. Being a part of one of the biggest saltpans in the world, the natural elements of salt, brine, and fango mud make Portorož an ideal place for a spa, and is known as one of the most comprehensive spas in all of Europe.
If you're one for adventure, there are daily boat excursions into the Gulf, as well as diving, sailing, and windsurfing opportunities.
Practical Info
Portorož has a very small airport, but it is used mostly for charter flights. The nearest airport is Trieste, about 30 minutes away by shuttle, or Ljubljana, about an hour away.
If you'd like to take a bus in, all routes in and out of Piran stop in Portorož. There is also a free shuttle to and from Piran. The nearest train station is the Koper Railway Station, about 15 km out of the city.
If you're coming from Italy, there is a boat service out of Venice.
If you'd like to take a bus in, all routes in and out of Piran stop in Portorož. There is also a free shuttle to and from Piran. The nearest train station is the Koper Railway Station, about 15 km out of the city.
If you're coming from Italy, there is a boat service out of Venice.
Address: Portoroz, Slovenia
Admission: Free
From $ 86
Butchers' Bridge
Butchers' Bridge (Mesarski Most) may not be the most romantic sounding attraction in Ljubljana, but it's certainly popular among lovers. Since its construction in 2010, couples from around the world have adorned this footbridge over the Ljubljanica River with hundreds of locked padlocks to symbolize their eternal love. The city's answer to Pont des Art in Paris, the bridge is locally known as 'lovers' bridge,' and is the most recent of the 17 crossings over the river, connecting the Petkovšek Embankment to the Central Market.
More modern than Ljubljana's more famous bridges, Butchers' Bridge features a simple design, with two glass walkways, steel wire railings, and several bizarre bronze statues by Slovenian sculptor Jakov Brdar. Though recently built, the bridge gets its name from its first incarnation in the 13th century, when it occupied the area now covered by Shoemaker's Bridge. Home to the city's meat markets, the original bridge was moved out of the city after hundreds of complaints about the stench around the stalls. Romantic! Given new life in the 21st century, this bridge is now smell-free and an integral part of city walking tours.
Practical Info
Butchers' Bridge (Mesarski Most) is located in old town Ljubljana. There is no admission and can be accessed at anytime. Though a pedestrian bridge, bus lines 13 and 20 will take you closest to the bridge, alighting at Zmajski most bus stop on the north side of Ljubljanica River.
Address: Mesarski most, Ljubljana, Slovenia
From $ 141
Karst Region
Not limited to a specific municipality, the Karst (sometimes referred to as 'Kras') region is the land situated between Trieste Gulf and the Vipava Valley. The limestone plateau is so picturesque, and is famous for lending its name to a specific topographical phenomenon wherein fusible stones are affected and shaped by water. The lakes, springs, swallow holes, caves, and potholes that qualify as Karst make up a large portion of Slovenia.
As such, Karst is most famous for its incredible caves. These include Vilenica, Lipica, Divača, Kacna Jama, Postojna, and the Škocjan Caves, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. These are the main tourist attractions, and are certainly not to missed during a visit to Slovenia.
There are around 100 municipalities within the region, the center being Sežana. The main rural centers include Divača, Dutovlje, and Komen.
Cerknica Lake appears between October and June, and provides a wonderful atmosphere for fishing and bird-watching.
Practical Info
Because the region is so widespread, the most effective way to see it is by car. If you're flying into Ljubljana, it is possible to rent a car, take a taxi, or get a bus into any major city in the region.
The geological haven requires a good map and a good idea of how you would like to spend your time, as the lack of centralization can be confusing.
Address: Karst, Slovenia
Admission: Free
From $ 985
Bohinj Lake
Slovenia’s largest lake is a tranquil oasis of pristine water lying in Triglav National Park northwest of Ljubljana. Bordered by the peaks of the Julian Alps, this is a region of powerful natural beauty, rich in cascading waterfalls and limestone cave complexes burrowing underground. It was formed by glaciation in the last Ice Age and today the lake is fed by spring waters bubbling up through limestone deep under its northern shores as well as glacier melt from the Savica River, which starts life plunging over a spectacular 71-m (232-ft) waterfall upstream in the Julian foothills. The same river leaves Lake Bohinj as the Sava Bohinjka, which twists and turns its way 30 km (18.5 miles) through tumbling gorges into the clear waters of Lake Bled.
Lake Bohinj is a hive of activity all year round, with cyclists and hikers basing themselves in the sleepy town of Ribcev Laz to follow the marked trails around the shoreline. While Bohinj occasionally freezes hard enough for ice-skating in winter, the sunny summer months are a haven for sports fans, when water temperatures are warm enough for swimming, wind surfing, kayaking and canoeing. Sailing and fishing for trout and char are other popular summer pastimes and excursion boats chug around the lake, departing from Ribcev Laz between May and October. Ibex, rare chamois and golden eagles can sometimes be spotted in the remote alpine landscapes surrounding Bohinj.
Practical Info
Lake Bohinj has a shoreline of 11.25 km (seven miles) and is 75 km (46.5 miles) northwest of Ljubljana. It is easily accessed by road or rail. Savica Waterfall is accessible Apr–Oct daily 8am–6pm, admission €2.
Address: Triglav National Park, Slovenia
From $ 66
Ptuj Castle (Ptujski Grad)
The Renaissance-cum-Baroque castle in Ptuj stands over Slovenia’s oldest town on a bend in the Drava River and its site has been occupied since pre-Roman times. In the 16th century the castle began to take on its present shape, replacing the medieval fortress commissioned by an archbishop of Salzburg, of which only the Western Tower now remains. It has been extended piecemeal since then and was transformed into the Ptuj Regional Museum in 1945, showcasing a host of treasures from Slovenia’s cultured, aristocratic past.
The six permanent exhibitions are woven into a tour of the castle apartments and include Slovenia’s biggest collections of ancient armor and handmade musical instruments on the ground floor plus a series of fine paintings of the Habsburg Imperial Family in the Castle Gallery. The most sumptuous chambers are found on the first floor, where period furniture, Chinoiserie, tapestries and paintings are laid out in reconstructed rooms dating from the late 16th to the 19th centuries.
The Festival Hall houses a rare collection of Turqueries, which are 17th-century Turkish portraits of military commanders, dignitaries and fine Ottoman ladies. However, the real stars among the museum’s collections are the traditional shaggy costumes and animal masks worn during Ptuj’s Kurent (Shrove Tuesday) carnival to stave off winter spirits; they are displayed in castle’s former stable block.
Practical Info
Na Gradu 1, Ptuj. Open May–Oct 14 Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun 9am–8pm; Oct 15–Apr 30 daily 9am–5pm. Admission adults €5; seniors €4; children younger than 16 €3. Ptuj is 81 miles (130 km) east of Ljubljana and the castle is best accessed on foot via Grajska ulica and a covered wooden walkway that leads to the Peruzzi Gate entrance.
Address: Na Gradu 1, Podravska 2250, Slovenia
Hours: May–Oct 14 Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat–Sun 9am–8pm; Oct 15–Apr 30 daily 9am–5pm
Admission: adults €5; seniors €4; children younger than 16 €3
From $ 75
Preseren Square (Presernov trg)
Located in the New Town at the foot of the iconic Triple Bridge, Preseren Square is one of Ljubljana’s most famous public spaces and a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists. Perched by the riverside on the cusp of the Old Town and feeding many of the city’s main thoroughfares, Preseren Square makes the perfect spot from which to explore the city.
This is the busy heart of Ljubljana, lined with elegant shopping boutiques and atmospheric cafés, and ringing with the sounds of street musicians and entertainers. Although laid out in the late 19th century by architect Maks Fabiani, many of Preseren’s buildings underwent a makeover in the 20th century, bestowing an array of impressive Art Nouveau façades on the square. Additional architectural highlights include the 16th century Franciscan Church of the Annunciation; the Secessionist Hauptmann House, designed by Ciril Metod Koch; and the exquisite Urbanc House (Centromerkur).
Dedicated to beloved national poet France Preseren, the square’s namesake is honored by the prominent central statue, a poignant sculpture by Ivan Zajc, which depicts the poet gazing over at the statue of his great love across the square.
Address: Prešernov trg, Ljubljana, Slovenia
From $ 20
Congress Square
Ljubljana’s Congress Square (Kongresni trg) is an historical Baroque piazza uniting some of the city's most beautiful buildings and popular attractions—yet it's best known as a place to relax. Built in 1821 just a street over from the main area of old town, the peaceful square and verdant Park Zvezda (Star Park) that sits in its middle offer locals and visitors a quiet place to eat, read, and soak in views of the city's iconic hilltop castle.
The University of Ljubljana and Slovenian Philharmonic line the southern flank of the square, while the Baroque-designed Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity and popular Kazina are found on the square's north end. Also nearby are excavations of the Roman settlement of Emona.
Though most popular in summer when an open-air cinema plays free movies in the park in August, the square's surrounding Biedermeier-style architecture, convenient cafes, and beautiful scenery make it a major stop on most walking and cycling tours of Ljubljana.
Practical Info
Congress Square, or Kongresni trg, is located in old town Ljubljana. There is no admission fee and it is best accessed on foot, but most bus lines stop in close proximity to the park.
Did You Know? Congress Square plays an important role in the national psyche as it was here that Slovenia’s independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire was celebrated in 1918, and here where the Slovenes gathered to demonstrate for freedom from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Address: Kongresni trg, Ljubljana, Central Slovenia, Slovenia
From $ 20
Cathedral of St. Nicholas (Stolnica Sv. Nikolaja)
Ljubljana’s main church is also its biggest and the grand Cathedral of St Nicholas towers over Pogačarjev trg in the historic Old Town. Despite a history dating back to the 13th century, the present day cathedral dates back to an 18th century design by architect Andrea Pozzo, an elegant baroque structure, featuring twin towers and an enormous central dome.
It’s the opulent interiors that draw the most attention – an expanse of pink marble, white stucco and gilt, lavishly decorated by many of the city’s most prominent artists. Highlights include the baroque-style frescos by artists Giulio Quaglio and Matevž Langus; a pair of bronze walls erected in honor of the late Pope John Paul II; and the magnificent carvings decorating the choir stalls, organ and altar – the handiwork of Italian sculptor Francesco Robba.
Address: Dolničarjeva ulica 1, Ljubljana, Slovenia
From $ 25
Lipica
Tucked almost on the border with Italy in Slovenia’s limestone karst landscape, Lipica is an ancient village best known for the stud farm that started breeding white Lipizzaner horses when the region was part of the Austrian Habsburg empire in the 16th century. The first brood mares and stallions were brought here from southern Spain in 1581 and although the stud has been relocated several times over the centuries – thanks to wars, earthquakes and changing national boundaries – the same Lipizzaner strain has been bred ever since.
A visit to Lipica Stud Farm encompasses guided tours of the historic estate, family-friendly “meet the horses” sessions, carriage rides (weather-dependent), seeing the horses in morning training and dressage performances by the stallions in the manège, while the Lipikum Museum showcases the backstory of the stud. For non-equine fans, the farm has a year-round nine-hole golf course.
Also to see in Lipica are mass graves dating from World War II, the Vilenica and UNESCO-listed Škocjan karst cave complexes and the ornate little Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Dolina Valley, which is now a popular Catholic pilgrimage point.
Practical Info
Guided tours of the Lipica Stud Farm take place daily and last 90 minutes; tickets for adults are €6, students €9, children aged 5–15 €6, and kids under 5 enter for free.
Address: Lipica, Slovenia
From $ 19
Koper
The Venetian-era old city, with its crumbling building facades, picturesque streets and impressive stone detailing is among the most popular sites in this historic port town. Tito Square, a gathering space for both locals and travelers, sits at the center of old city and provides a perfect starting point for visitors looking to explore.
In a city filled with buildings in near ruin, Praetorian Palace, built in the 15th century, is one of the only completely restored structures on the plaza. Though still in relatively rough condition, Cathedral of the Assumption remains an iconic church in the city and travelers can climb to the top of the bell tower at Campanile for some of the best views of the Koper.
Practical Info
Koper is easy to navigate on foot and accessible via public transit. Travelers can take the bus or train to stations located a short walk south of the Muda Gate in the old city.
Address: Koper, Slovenia
From $ 70
Ljubljana Castle
Perched on top of Castle Hill overlooking Slovenia’s capital city, the mighty medieval Ljubljana Castle dates back to the 11th century. This well-preserved fortress is visible from most everywhere in town and is a must-see for unbeatable views of the city. Tour the castle’s Museum of Slovene History for a fascinating introduction to Slovenia’s past.
The Basics
Visiting the castle grounds is free—wander the trails in the castle park and view the slopeside vineyard—but an admission ticket is required to climb the watchtower, enter the chapel, or view any of the exhibits in the history museum or the whimsical Museum of Puppetry. Not for the faint of heart, climbing the castle watchtower is a must—ascend a wrought-iron spiral staircase comprising 100 steps to enjoy 360-degree panoramas of Slovenia’s capital. Throughout the summer, the castle hosts medieval reenactments and live theater and music events.
Tour the castle attractions on your own or join a guided walking city tour to learn more about Ljubljana’s most noteworthy history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ljubljana Castle is a must for medieval history buffs and all first-time visitors to the city.
- If traveling with small children, be sure to visit the Museum of Puppetry.
- The castle courtyard is free to visit, but it is worth the price of admission to climb the watchtower.
- Most of the castle and its exhibits are accessible to wheelchairs, but the watchtower is not.
How to Get There
There are several ways to reach Ljubljana Castle from Old Town, with the easiest being a funicular ride from the city center. Many guided tours include the funicular railway ride. There’s also Ljubljana’s urban tourist train, which stops at all the main tourist sights, and several walking pathways that ascend Castle Hill. Special access is available for the physically disabled.
When to Get There
Ljubljana Castle is open year-round, with extended operating hours during the summer. The castle is a very popular attraction, so visit early in the morning or late in the evening if you want to avoid crowds. The castle tower and grounds offer incredible sunset views of Ljubljana.
Ljubljana Castle Events
Not only is the Ljubljana Castle a key historic landmark in town, but it is also a center for cultural events and festivals. During the summer months, the castle courtyard hosts numerous live music and theater events, as well as an outdoor film series shown under the stars.
Address: Grajska planota 1, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Admission: Varies
From $ 9
Podsreda Castle
Built in the first half of the 12th Century Podsreda Castle is a classic example of traditional Romanesque architecture. Though this iconic hillside structure fell into disrepair during World War II, exhaustive renovations have since taken place in an effort to restore Podsreda to its original splendor.
Travelers can tour the grounds, which are tucked into a rustic mountain slope that overlooks the quiet, picturesque township that shares the same name. Well-kept gardens, towering white columns, impressive double windows and decrepit remains of original interior paintings are just some of the highlights of a visit to this whimsical destination. Travelers who tour the grounds during summer months are likely to stumble upon wedding ceremonies, too, since the castle serves as a popular romantic backdrop to exchanging vows.
Practical Info
The Castle is located in the Savinjska region in Kozjanski Park. It is open year-round and travelers can tour the place with expert guides or on their own.
Address: Podsreda, Slovenia
Hours: Open year round.
From $ 115
Bohinj Valley
The quiet town of Bohinj is a favorite destination for winter amateurs, with its ample opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, and ice skating. Located in the Julian Alps, stunning views are abound, and the natural attractions are the valley's biggest appeal.
In the summer, swimming, rafting, rock-climbing, hiking, fishing, and horseback-riding are the primary forms of entertainment, along with a thrilling opportunity for cave exploration.
Bohinj also offers the occasion to pamper yourself: its health and wellness spas are considered to be some of the best in Slovenia, and after a long day of physical exertion, relaxation will be well deserved.
Practical Info
Bohinj is accessible by bus and train from most major cities in the country, and also by plane. The closest airport is Ljubljana, and from there, visitors can rent a car, take a taxi, or take a bus into Bohinj.
Address: Bohinj, Slovenia
Admission: Free
From $ 68
Postojna Cave
The Postojna Cave—a subterranean wonderland of karst tunnels, caverns, and galleries, adorned with dramatic stalagmites and stalactites—is one of Slovenia’s most remarkable natural wonders and among the country’s most visited tourist attractions. It stretches along the Pivka River for an impressive 12.5 miles (20 kilometers).
The Basics
Visitors can discover the underground world of Postojna Cave on a 1.5-hour guided cave tour, which includes a ride on an electric train and an 0.9-mile (1.5-kilometer) hike through cave areas such as the Great Mountain, the Concert Hall, and the Brilliant Passage. Full-day Postojna Cave tours run from Ljubljana, Koper, and Bled, as well as from Zagreb or Rovinj in Croatia, and are often combined with nearby attractions such as Predjama Castle, Lake Bled, or the Skocjan Caves.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Guided tours are available in four different languages and audio guides are offered in 17 languages.
- Temperatures inside the cave average 45–50°F (8–10°C) even in summer, so it’s recommended to bring warm clothing and wear comfortable walking shoes.
- There is a hotel (Hotel Jama), gift shop, and restaurants onsite.
- Postojna Cave is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Postojna Cave is located 34 miles (55 kilometers) southwest of Ljubljana, about a 50-minute trip by road. The easiest way to visit is by private car or as part of a guided tour, but it is also possible to arrive by public transport—buses from Ljubljana stop close to the Jama Hotel, while train services connect to Postojna town (1.2 miles or two kilometers away).
When to Get There
Postojna Cave is open year-round, but the most popular time to visit is between May and October, when tours are held hourly. Winter sees fewer crowds, but it’s best to book ahead as there are sometimes only four interior tours per day.
Highlights of the Postojna Cave Park
After exploring the beautiful caves, pay a visit to the nearby Predjama Castle, the largest cave castle in the world. Then, visit the Proteus Vivarium to discover the large number of animals that dwell in the caves, including the famous olms or “baby dragons.” Other highlights include the EXPO Postojna Cave Karst, an exhibition on the cave’s unique karst landscapes, and adventure tours of the neighboring Pivka Cave and Black Cave.
Address: Postojna, Slovenia
Hours: Daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 76
Predjama Castle
Over 700 years old, this incredible castle is unique in every way. Home to the infamous rebel knight Erazem of Predjama in the 15th century, this Renaissance castle sits in the mouth of a cave on a 123 meter (40 foot) high cliff. The interior houses an incredible collection of historical artifacts, from antique armaments to old artworks, as well as the original furnishings and decorations.
For the adventurous visitor, the famous tunnel of Erazem, the secret passage used when the castle was besieged, is designed as a historical center of the legend, and can be ascended.
The observation post perched on a cliff provides a breathtaking view of the countryside, and is not to be missed. If you're visiting in July, be sure to check out the annual Erasmus tournament, in which people gather in costumes to participate in traditional tournament events in true medieval fashion.
Practical Info
The castle is located 10 km (6 mi) from the Postojna caves, and can be accessed by shuttle, car, or bus from Ljubljana.
The opening hours change depending upon the month, and during the summer months, the cave below the castle is open to the public.
Address: Predjama 1, Postojna 6230, Slovenia
Hours: Open Daily 10am - 4pm. Hours extended in summer
Admission: Varies
From $ 70