Postojna or Škocjan Caves – Which Is Better to Visit?
Slovenia is home to some of the most impressive cave systems in the world, and if you’re planning a trip, you’ll likely come across two big names: Postojna Cave and Škocjan Caves.
Both are incredible in their own way, but they offer very different experiences. If you’re short on time and can only visit one, it can be tough to know whether to visit Postojna or Skocjan Caves.
We had the chance to visit both caves, and while they’re each impressive in their own way, they’re also completely different experiences. If you’re trying to figure out which one is worth your time, we’ll walk you through what to expect at each and share what stood out for us. Whether you’re travelling with kids, looking for an easy excursion or hoping for something a bit more adventurous, this guide will help you decide which is best for you.
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At a Glance: Postojna vs Škocjan
| Feature | Postojna | Škocjan |
| Experience | Train + walking through massive chambers | Walking tour through a deep underground canyon |
| Accessibility | Easy and family-friendly | More stairs and walking involved |
| Duration | ~1.5 hours | ~2 hours (feels longer with terrain) |
| Best for | Families, easy sightseeing | Adventure seekers, dramatic landscapes |
What to Expect at Postojna Cave
Postojna Cave is one of Slovenia’s most famous attractions—and it’s popular for a reason. It’s home to the world’s first underground cave train and the only double-track cave railway in the world. The unique underground journey is incredible and especially exciting for kids.
The visit starts with a 10-minute electric train ride that takes you 3.7 kilometres into the cave. From there, you’ll walk with a guide through enormous chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, bizarre formations, and a few dramatic cliffside walkways. The total tour covers around 5 kilometres, with about 1.5 kilometres on foot.
It’s a very structured and easy experience, with paved walkways, handrails and minimal climbing. Tours are available in several languages, and group sizes are large but well managed.
Things to Know
- The tour lasts about 90 minutes in total.
- It’s well-lit and not claustrophobic, even for those unsure about caves or confined spaces.
- Temperatures remain around 10°C year-round—bring a sweater or light jacket.
- Flash photography isn’t allowed inside the cave during the tour, but you are able to take photos during most of the toure.
Is Postojna Good for Kids?
Yes. With the train ride and short, easy walking paths, it’s great for younger kids or anyone who may have trouble with long distances or stairs. There’s also a vivarium near the entrance where you can see the cave’s famous “baby dragons” (also known as proteus salamanders or olms).
Can You Combine It with Other Sights?
Absolutely. Predjama Castle is just 15 minutes away by car and pairs well with a cave visit. This cliffside castle even features its own mini cave system to explore.
Our Take
Postojna felt more like an attraction than a wilderness experience, but it’s fun and incredibly easy to access. The scale of the cave is impressive, and the train ride is a novelty you don’t find elsewhere. It’s especially worth it if you’re travelling with kids or want a cave experience that doesn’t involve a ton of walking.
What to Expect at Škocjan Caves
If Postojna offers a more tourist-centred experience, Škocjan Caves is the raw, awe-inspiring counterpart. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for its massive underground canyon, and walking through it feels like stepping into a scene from Lord of the Rings.
The tour starts with a scenic walk through the karst landscape before you descend into the caves. Once inside, the scale is hard to put into words. You’ll follow a path that winds through chambers with soaring ceilings, cross a bridge suspended high above a rushing underground river, and climb up through steep passageways to reach daylight again.
It’s not a difficult walk, but there are a lot of stairs and sections with uneven ground. The air is cool and damp, and the sound of the river echoing through the chambers makes the whole experience feel a bit more adventurous than Postojna.
Things to Know
- The main tour lasts about 2 hours, with some uphill walking.
- Temperatures inside hover around 12°C, but can feel cooler due to humidity.
- Photography is not allowed in most of the cave.
- Guided tours are timed and limited in number—booking ahead is a good idea.
Is Škocjan Good for Kids?
Yes, it can be a great experience for kids—as long as they’re up for a bit of walking. My kids were 8 at the time and absolutely loved it. The bridges, cliffs and echoing river made it feel like a real adventure.
That said, it’s not ideal for younger kids. There are lots of stairs, sections with high railings and a few areas where you’ll want to keep a close eye. I did see a few parents with babies in carriers, but strollers aren’t an option here.
What Makes It Unique?
What really sets Škocjan apart is the atmosphere. It feels more like a natural cave experience than a tourist attraction. There’s no train ride, no souvenir shops or cafés—just a walking tour through a truly impressive cave system.
For me, the most striking part wasn’t just the size of the canyon, but the presence of the underground river. Hearing it rush through the cave as you walk along the paths was the highlight of the whole experience for me. It also hits you just how long it must have taken for the river to carve out these massive chambers. Which, we know, sounds a bit deep—but it’s hard not to go there when you’re surrounded by thousands of years of geology.
Our Take
Škocjan felt more like an adventure than a tour. There’s something about walking alongside an underground river and across high bridges that makes the whole experience feel more real and a bit wild—in the best way.
We loved how quiet and natural it was. No big crowds, no flashy extras—just a fascinating cave system that makes you stop and look around. It’s not as easy-going as Postojna, and probably not the best pick if you’re travelling with little ones, but if you’re up for a walk and want something that feels less touristy, Škocjan is worth it.
Postojna vs Škocjan: Which One Should You Visit?
Quick Decision Guide
Best for families with young kids ➝ Postojna
Best for nature lovers or adventurous types ➝ Škocjan
Easiest to access ➝ Postojna
Most awe-inspiring natural experience ➝ Škocjan
Best combo with other attractions ➝ Postojna + Predjama Castle
Choose Postojna if:
- You’re travelling with younger kids or anyone who needs an easier walk
- You want a smooth, well-organized experience with amenities
- You’re looking to combine it with a visit to Predjama Castle
- You like the idea of riding a train through a cave
Choose Škocjan if:
- You prefer something less touristy and more immersive
- You’re up for a bit of walking and don’t mind stairs
- You’re curious about geology and love feeling connected to nature
- You want to see and hear an underground river in action
So, Which Is Better: Postojna or Skocjan Cave?
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. But if we had to pick just one, we’d go with Škocjan. It felt more like a natural wonder than an attraction, with the underground river and quieter, less commercial setting making it feel more memorable overall.
That said, Postojna is much easier to do with kids, and combining it with Predjama Castle makes for a really fun and full day. If you’re travelling with a family or looking for a less physically demanding visit, it’s a great choice.
Tips for Visiting Either Cave
A few practical things to know that apply to both caves:
Book in Advance
- Guided tours are scheduled and can fill up, especially in summer
- Booking online ensures you get your preferred time and language
Dress for the Cave
- Both caves stay cool year-round—around 10–12°C
- Wear a light jacket or sweater, even in summer
- Good walking shoes are a must, especially for Škocjan
Photography
- Postojna allows photos in some areas—ask your guide if you’re not sure
- Škocjan doesn’t allow photos during the tour
Facilities
- Postojna has more on-site facilities: restaurants, shops, parking and even a small playground
- Škocjan is simpler—parking, a small café and a visitors centre, but more low-key
Arrive Early
- For both caves, aim to arrive 20–30 minutes before your tour time
- At Postojna, the parking lot is close, but getting to the front of the group helps you hear the guide better
- At Škocjan, there’s a short walk to the entrance, so give yourself time to park and walk to the entrance
Getting There
Both caves are easy to visit on a day trip from Ljubljana, and both are accessible by car or public transit—but one is a bit simpler than the other.
By Car
Driving is the most convenient way to reach either cave.
- Postojna Cave is about 45 minutes from Ljubljana by car. Parking is right near the entrance, and it’s well signed from the highway.
- Škocjan Caves takes about 1 hour from Ljubljana, located a bit further southwest. Parking is a short walk from the visitors centre.
If you’re planning to combine Postojna with Predjama Castle, a car makes it easy—but in July and August, a shuttle runs between the two. Outside of those months, you’ll need to drive or take a taxi.
By Public Transport
It’s possible to visit both caves by train or bus, but Postojna is more straightforward.
- Postojna: Regular trains run from Ljubljana to Postojna town. From there, it’s a 10–15 minute walk to the cave entrance.
- Škocjan: You can take a train to Divaca, the nearest town. From the station, it’s a 30-minute walk to the caves or a short taxi ride.
If you’re relying on public transport, Postojna is the easier option.
Don’t Want to Deal with Transit? Take a Tour
If you’re not renting a car, joining a small group tour is a convenient way to visit either cave without worrying about public transit.
We didn’t take a tour ourselves, since we had a car, but both of these are well-reviewed options that include transportation from Ljubljana:
- Škocjan Cave Day Tour from Ljubljana: Includes transport, entrance fee and a guided visit to the Škocjan Caves.
- Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle Tour: A full-day trip that covers both the cave and the castle in one go.
These tours are a good option if you’re based in Ljubljana and want everything taken care of in a day.
Can You Visit Both in One Day?
Yes, it’s possible to visit both Postojna and Škocjan in a single day—but it’s not something we’d recommend unless you’re really set on seeing both.
The tours themselves aren’t long, but the travel, timing and logistics can make it feel rushed. If you’re travelling with kids or want time to enjoy the surroundings, it’s better to pick one and explore it fully.
That said, if you really want to see both in one day, it is doable with an early start and your own car. You could begin the morning at Postojna Cave, then head over to Predjama Castle right after—it’s only about 15 minutes away. After a quick lunch, drive down to Škocjan Caves for an afternoon tour. Once you’re finished, you’ll still have time in the evening to explore nearby spots like Lipica or head toward Piran on the coast for dinner.
Just be sure to book both cave tours in advance, since time slots can fill up, especially in the summer. And keep in mind this plan only works smoothly if you’re driving.
Final Thoughts: Postojna or Skocjan Caves
Slovenia’s caves are some of the most impressive in Europe, and whether you choose Postojna or Škocjan, you’re in for something special.
If you’re looking for a cave experience that’s smooth, easy and fun for the whole family, Postojna is a great choice—especially if you want to combine it with Predjama Castle. But if you’re up for more of an adventure and want something that feels a little more off the beaten path, Škocjan is the one that left the biggest impression on us.
Either way, you’ll walk away amazed at what’s hiding underground in this small but incredibly diverse country.
Planning more of your Slovenia itinerary? Check out our favourite things to do in Ljubljana with kids, what to see in Piran, the best places to visit in Slovenia that you won’t want to miss, and how to put it all together in this one week itinerary.
