Inside Predjama Castle With Kids: Is It Worth It?
Perched on a cliffside and partly built into a cave, Predjama Castle doesn’t look real at first. It feels like something out of a storybook—or maybe a movie set. But as soon as we stepped inside, it became one of our favourite stops in Slovenia.
It’s often listed as one of the top places to visit in Slovenia, and after going inside, it’s easy to see why. We visited after exploring nearby Postojna Cave, and weren’t sure if it would be worth going into the castle or just seeing it from the outside.
We’re glad we did. Inside, the mix of medieval rooms, damp stone passageways, and quirky legends made it one of the most memorable places we visited on our trip—and my kids are still talking about it.
Here’s what to expect inside Predjama Castle—and why it’s worth stepping through the gate.
Inside Predjama Castle: What to Expect
Unlike other castles with perfectly restored interiors, Predjama Castle keeps much of its original character. As you walk through its stone rooms and damp corridors, you can see how it was carved directly into the rock face. The castle’s layout leads you through narrow staircases and lookout windows with stunning views of the valley below.
Some rooms are furnished to show how people lived and worked, while others are left bare, letting the raw structure speak for itself.
There’s a small dungeon, displays of knight’s armour, and the cave behind the castle that was once used for hiding, escaping, and storing supplies.
We used the audio guide, which was a hit with my kids. It let them explore at their own pace, listening to stories and details that made the castle feel alive. The guide is well-marked and easy to follow, and honestly, they were more on top of it than I was.
At one point, I thought we’d finished a section, but the boys quickly corrected me and made us double back because I’d missed one of the rooms. They weren’t about to skip a single story.
Our Favourite Part? A Gross-but-Funny Legend
One story really stuck with my kids. Legend has it that Erazem, the so-called Robin Hood of Slovenia, hid out in the castle for over a year while under siege. He used a secret tunnel through the cave system to bring in food—but in the end, he was killed by a cannonball while using the toilet.
Why? Because the castle’s outhouse was attached to the outside wall, and someone tipped off the enemy. The audio guide tells this story in a way that’s both historical and just gross enough to be memorable for kids.
Is It Worth Going Inside Predjama Castle?
If you’re already visiting Postojna Cave, yes—go inside Predjama Castle too. It only takes about an hour to explore, and walking through the rooms gives you a much better appreciation for the castle’s history and how unique it is.
What we loved:
What really made the visit stand out for us was seeing a castle literally built into a cave. It’s one thing to hear about it, but walking through those damp stone corridors and seeing how the rock forms part of the structure is something else.
My kids loved using the audio guide and being able to explore at their own pace, stopping at each station to listen to the stories. They especially enjoyed the quirky and sometimes gross parts of the castle’s history.
The views from the upper levels were also a highlight for me, with sweeping panoramas of the valley below. (scroll down for the photo…)
Compared to Postojna Cave, the castle area is much quieter. When we visited, it wasn’t crowded at all, which meant we could take our time without being rushed through.
Planning Your Visit
Tickets:
You can buy a combo ticket that includes both Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave. It’s the easiest option if you’re visiting both sites on the same day. Tickets are available online or at the entrance.
Getting There:
Predjama Castle is about a 15-minute drive from Postojna Cave. There’s also a free shuttle that runs in high season (July and August) if you don’t have a car.
Facilities:
There’s a small kiosk near the entrance for snacks and drinks, but don’t expect a big restaurant or gift shop like at Postojna Cave. Bathrooms are available near the entrance.
Time Needed:
Plan for about an hour to explore the castle at a relaxed pace. If you’re doing both Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle on the same day, it makes for a full but manageable outing.
Want to pair this with a visit to the caves?
Check out our full comparison of Postojna vs Škocjan Caves to help you decide which cave experience is right for your family.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Predjama Castle
If you’re heading to Postojna Cave, adding Predjama Castle to your itinerary is an easy and worthwhile detour. Seeing the castle from the outside is impressive, but going inside is what really makes the experience. From the cave-like passageways to the offbeat stories shared through the audio guide, it’s an experience that feels different from any other castle visit. My kids were fully into it—and honestly, so was I.
It doesn’t take long to explore, and it’s one of those places that sticks with you after you leave. Whether you’re into history, unique architecture, or just want to explore something that feels a little unexpected, Predjama Castle is worth the stop.
Planning your Slovenia trip?
Start with our full comparison of Postojna vs Škocjan Caves then check out our tips for visiting Slovenia with kids, the best things to do in Ljubljana with kids, or ideas for a one week Slovenia itinerary to make the most of your time in the region.
