Postojna Caves is a day trip from Ljubljana, which can also be combined with Prejadma castle (10 kms from the caves). Every couple of hours, there is a bus from the main bus station in Ljubljana which takes approximately 90 minutes to reach Postojna. The scenic route passes through small villages and farmland. Mid way into the journey, I was fascinated while tracking the flight of hot air balloons and they kept me company for quite some time.
It was a cool morning in Postojna and the 20 minute walk from the bus station to the caves did me a world of good.
Due to the crowds, I could only get the 12pm entry slot. As I had time to kill, I roamed the area and spent my time at a nearby photo exhibition. The stunning cave photos increased my yearning to enter the caves and by 11:30, I could not wait any longer. So, I joined a queue which was filled with people who were as excited and as impatient as me.
After scanning our tickets at the entrance, we entered the caves and took a train for the first couple of kilometers (60 meters below the ground). The train ride is absolutely stunning and the damp air is filled with shrieks of joy from kids and adults alike. In moments such as these, there really is not much of a difference between the children and grown ups. Everyone is mesmerized by the sights they are witnessing and excitement is palpable in the air. Soon, everything becomes surreal as you enter the depths and it is like we have been transported into a different world altogether.
The cave train is in use since 1872. Initially, it was pushed by the guides but in the 20th century, gas locomotive was added. Yeah, go figure that out - it's mind boggling how it has been in use for such a long time.
The caves are 24 kms long and were created by the Pivka river. The cave was first described in 17th century but graffiti in the caves indicate it might have been in use as early as in the 13th century.
When the caves were being prepared for the emperor of Austria-Hungary, a local guide Luka Cec accidentally discovered a new area of the cave. Gradually, everyone began to realize how huge this cave really is.
In 1884, electric lighting was added inside the cave even before it was done for the capital Ljubljana.
There are stunning formations - stalactites and stalagmites (part of the geography lessons in school) in all its glory. There are also formations which are called curtains (for obvious reasons). The English guide showed us around 5kms of the cave (open to the public) and we reached max depth of 120 meters. There are so many stunning formations that you frequently stop to admire and take photos.
There is a history lesson too. During WWI, Russian prisoners built a bridge over a large area of the cave and the bridge is still called as the Russian Bridge.
During WWII, Germany used the cave to store around 1000 barrels of aviation fuel, which was destroyed in 1944. The fire burnt for 7 days, damaging large sections of the cave and blackening the cave entrance. After 1945, the gas locomotive was replaced by the electric one.
In 2015, cave divers found another underwater cave linking it to Postojna and this wonderful cave keeps growing. The underground Pivka river is still carving the cave today. The cave is also home to an amphibian called olm, which I have never seen before in my life. I could not take its photograph, as it was so dark.
The iconic formations are never ending and everywhere you look, you will find a masterpiece worth admiring. I am a big fan of the train and the caves. This is one of the best places to visit in Slovenia, for sure !
Time flies when you are having fun - I did not want the cave exploration to end. And when the guide announced our last stop from where we were supposed to take the train back to ground level, most of us groaned. To say we were disappointed was an understatement ! Realizing that all good things must come to an end, I made my way towards the cave shop to buy a souvenir for my ever growing collection. As the train wheels screeched on the tracks and pierced the silence, it was a reminder to everyone hanging around in the shop that we were only delaying the inevitable - It was our cue to go back up !
Once we leave the dark interiors of the cave and come outside, it takes a few minutes to adjust to the brightness and colors outside. Appearing from mother nature's womb, I feel rejuvenated and excited as I look forward to my next adventure in Slovenia !
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