An easy day trip from Ljubljana is the historic Predjama Castle and the mesmerising Postojna Cave. This trip was not only a journey through stunning landscapes but also a dive into the rich history and natural wonders of this beautiful country.
Our first stop of the day was Postojna Cave, where we ventured into the depths of one of the largest karst cave systems in the world. The journey began with a thrilling ride on a miniature electric train, which took us deep into the underground wonderland. This was surpsiingly fun part of the day, we knew there was going to be train ride but we weren’t prepared for how fast it shot through the tunnels and caverns. The formations of stalactites and stalagmites were nothing short of breathtaking. We had visited two difference cave systems in Ireland, as it’s always a good way to learn about geology first hand, but neither of these Irish caves compared to the magnitude of Postojna Cave.
Guided by knowledgeable and friendly staff, we embarked on a walking tour through the illuminated galleries and chambers. Each turn revealed more stunning rock formations and intricate patterns carved by nature over millions of years. The kids also enjoyed spotting the rare "baby dragons," or olm, a cave-dwelling amphibian unique to this region.
Our next stop was a 30 minute drive away at the awe-inspiring Predjama Castle, perched dramatically on a 123-meter high cliff. As we approached, the we were immediately captivated by the sheer size and unique positioning of the castle, half-hidden within a cave.
Inside, we explored the medieval rooms, winding staircases, and eerie dungeons. The kids particularly enjoyed the tales of the legendary knight Erazem, who famously used the castle's secret passages to evade capture. I was amazed the huge caves that stretched back into the rock behind the castle. The best thing was that it wasn’t even crowded. Postojna Caves could handle a lot of visitors but the we were only a amougst a handful of other tourist. But Braino and I wonders how long it might be before these sites become as crowded as some of the other sites we had visited in Italy and Greece.
Our visit to Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave was a wonderful family experience, adding to the love for history and geology for the girls. The captivating landscapes of Slovenia created lasting memories. We highly recommend including these sites in any family trip to Slovenia for adventure and invaluable learning experiences.