Are you searching for something unique to do on your next family vacation? If you just said yes, do I have the family adventure for you? What if I told you that you could take a train ride through a cave in Europe? Postojna Cave is one of the few caves in the world that has a train running through it. You will find this spectacular cave in the country of Slovenia. Today, I am going to share the history of Postojna Cave, as well as what to expect during your train ride.
Postojna Cave is the second-longest cave system in Slovenia. This cave was created by the Pivka River. It took millions of years for the rushing water to create this cave.
The entire cave is full of prehistoric events, as well as medieval history. During your visit, you will hear numerous legends and myths about this cave.
Postojna Cave can be found within Postojna Cave Park. Inside this park, your family can also see the Expo Postojna Cave Karst exhibit, Vivarium, and Proteus Cave.
Oh, and you won’t want to miss visiting the underground post office at this cave. It is an excellent place to mail out postcards!
The caves became a tourist destination in 1819 when Archduke Ferdinand visited. Lighting was added in 1884. Ironically enough, Postojna Cave had light well before the public did in the city of Ljubljana.
Rails were installed inside Postojna Cave in 1872. This was when the very first non-motorized train cars wound through the cave. Guides pushed the train cars along the rails. Each train car only held four people.
In the beginning of the 1900s, a gas locomotive was introduced. After World War II, an electric train was installed.
The only section of the Postojna Cave that is open to the public is just over three miles long. The train itself only follows two miles of that area.
Don’t worry; you won’t need to skip the remaining mile of the cave. You can easily walk that with a guide.
A train ride through this cave, as well as the walking portion, takes approximately an hour and a half. During the ride, you will see galleries, halls, and karst corridors.
A feature called the Skyscraper is a stalagmite that measures around sixteen meters. In the Dance Hall, you will see beautiful Murano-glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Other must-see halls include Congress Hall and Gothic Hall.
Keep an eye out for blackened surfaces. Those surfaces are from when the petrol stored in the caves burned during World War II.
Not too far from Postojna Cave is Predjama Castle. This fairy-tale-like castle was constructed in the middle of a cliff. The cliff is one hundred twenty-three meters high. The castle has been in this location for more than eight hundred years.
Predjama Castle is considered the largest cave castle in the world. During your visit, explore the chapel, kitchen, armory, and torture chamber. Medieval weapons can be found in the attic. Gorgeous views of the valley can be seen from there as well.
Tours of this castle last for one hour. Keep that in mind when planning your trip.
This is what you need to know to take a train ride through Postojna Cave. If you have been searching for a unique family adventure, grab everyone and head out to Slovenia for a little cave and castle fun! You won’t regret the memories you make as you take the train through this beautiful cave. And I can plan the rest of your time in Slovenia so you have the family vacation you have always dreamt about.
If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.
Not ready to book a family vacation yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.
COPYRIGHT © ELITE TRAVEL JOURNEYS 2023
ABOUT
TERMS And CONDITIONS
FAMILY ADVENTURES
PLANNING PROCESS
IN THE MEDIA
CONTACT
FREE RESOURCES
FAQS
PRIVACY POLICY
CUSTOMER DISCLOSURE
Elite Travel Journeys, Inc. is registered with the state of California as a Seller of Travel - Registration #: 2143950-40
Elite Travel Journeys, Inc. is registered with the state of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration No. ST43207
BLOG
HOME