Planina Cave is home to an extraordinary confluence: it has the largest confluence of underground rivers in Europe. The Pivka and Rak rivers re-emerge there as the Unica River. The caves in the region also tell the story of the Pivka’s course, but from different perspectives.
Discover underground rivers and caves
Pivka Cave is one of the last two karst caves along the underground Pivka River before it disappears and re-emerges in Planina Cave. A tour of Pivka Cave follows the underground river. This puts a particular section of the river’s course in the foreground, while Planina Cave is defined by the confluence of the Pivka and Rak rivers.
Black Cave offers a different focus: its cave tour passes through large chambers and horizontal passages with dark stalactites. When comparing cave experiences, you can look to these specific differences: the river’s course in Pivka Cave, and chambers and dark stalactites in Black Cave.
The Vivarium is located just 50 metres from the entrance to Postojna Cave. Its speleobiological exhibition covers karst studies, the underground environment and typical cave animals. It is unguided, so you can explore the topics at your own pace. The Vivarium therefore offers an exhibition visit, while the tours in Pivka Cave and Black Cave take you through the cave landscape.
Predjama: Guided Tour and Museum
A guided tour of Predjama Castle is available via an app and is included in the admission price. As visitor services may change, check the latest information before your trip.
The Stara Dama Museum is located in the castle’s visitor centre. One collection focuses on the Isonzo Front during the First World War, while another is devoted to hunting. The hunting collection showcases local forest wildlife and different forms of hunting, as well as the work of hunters and forest wardens and historic hunting equipment. The museum thus brings together a historical focus and insights into local wildlife and hunting history.
The Great Krpan Trail through the region
For an exploration beyond individual caves, the Great Krpan Trail offers a different scale: this 110-kilometre circular route runs through the Primorsko-notranjska region, passing intermittent lakes, karst caves, castle ruins and preserved manor houses. After crossing KaliÄŤ, the trail reaches Postojna and then returns to Pivka through the valley.
The Great Krpan Trail is primarily a marked hiking trail and is also suitable for cycling; four sections require short detours for cyclists. Check the latest route and trail-marking information before setting out. Unlike the cave tours, each of which explores a particular underground landscape, the circular route connects natural and cultural attractions across the region.
Practical guidance between attractions
Visitors with combination tickets for Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle can use a paid shuttle bus between the two attractions, if available. The shuttle operates seasonally and is subject to availability. Check its current operating schedule before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Postojna, Hruševje, Landol, Predjama, Pivka, Veliko Ubeljsko, Šmihel Pod Nanosom, Planina, Razdrto, Narin, Prestranek, Stara Vas.
For the wider travel overview: Slovenia.
