The Skocjan Caves are absolutely amazeballs!
In fact they are so incredible that they’re a UNESCO site.
And cave is probably not the right word as this cave system is really an underground canyon.
I toured this site on a day trip from Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.
Now there are 2 things I want to point out.
One is that it was some sort of holiday on the day I visited where sites in Slovenia were free.
So I didn’t get the usual guided tour.
We were able to simply walk through on our own and ask questions of the various staff along the trail through the caves.
In hindsight, I would have gladly paid for the guided tour to hear more about what I was looking at.
I bought a nice book at the visitor center shop to give me the information I wanted.
The second thing is that they tell you there is no photography, so I kept my big camera in its pack.
But I did take images with my iPhone 7.
So while I have some photos of the caves, they’re not great.
However, I’ll share a few of the better ones here.
Okay.
Let’s learn a bit about this magnificent natural treasure in Slovenia.
Where are the Skocjan Caves?
This UNESCO site is located in Southwest Slovenia.
Because Slovenia is so small, you can get there in an hour from Ljubljana.
The area around the Skocjan Caves is beautiful.
But all of Slovenia is stunning!
I had a car so it was an easy drive from the capital.
There is a nearby town called Divaca that you can bus or train to from Ljubljana and elsewhere in Slovenia.
At Divaca there are shuttle buses that take you to the Skocjan Caves visitor center or you can walk a well-marked 3km long path.
Check the website for more information.
What makes this site worthy of my time?
So, I’m not going to go into a major geology or history lesson here.
But I will say that this natural wonder is more than caves.
As I said in the intro the Skocjan Caves are more of an underground canyon.
The Reka River runs through the caves.
And it is thought that millions of years ago the river was actually above ground.
Over time the Reka River began to disappear under the earth.
All this happened due to the type of rock that it flowed over and between.
As it disappeared underground it began to carve out a gorge in the limestone.
You can actually see some of the terraces formed as you tour the caves.
You’ll see and hear the word “karst” to describe the caves.
The dictionary defines karst as:
Landscape underlain by limestone which has been eroded by dissolution, producing ridges, towers, fissures, sinkholes and other characteristic landforms.
And this is what makes the Skocjan Caves so special as these karst areas don’t occur in this grand of an area.
UNESCO decided to give the caves their honor because it is one of the largest known underground chambers and it’s one of the most famous spots in the world for studying this karstic phenomena.
The geology is beyond my comprehension as I’m not overly science-y.
But I can appreciate what Mother Nature has created over millions of years — the power of the river, the “just right” type of rock and a lot of time.
How on earth did someone discover this underground canyon?
I’m always fascinated by explorers who discover these sites.
And really, how the hell did someone find the Skocjan Caves?
According to the main website there is documentation of the caves as early as the 2nd century BC.
In fact, they did find human remains here proving that humans did know about these caves a long, long time ago.
But it was in the 1600’s that you begin seeing some writings on the flow of this underground river and begin to see some maps of the river and the caves.
So it sounds as though a few someones found their way into this underground playground.
In the late 1800’s exploration began in earnest and by the 20th century most of the cave system had been discovered and mapped.
Interestingly enough, tourism to the Skocjan Caves began as early as 1819 when a visitors’ book was introduced.
What can you expect when you visit this UNESCO site?
I will tell you that if you are not up for a lot of walking, have a strong fear of heights or being underground then this is NOT for you.
From the visitor center you have to walk about 1km to the entrance of the caves where you’ll meet your guide.
Then it’s another 2km through the underground canyon.
There are quite a few steps as well as some up and down.
The trail through the underground is good, but it does get wet due to the rushing river below and all the moisture.
And it can be a bit cooler.
Be prepared with shoes with good traction, a light jacket and maybe a hat as sometimes you’ll feel drips of water from overhead.
There are some bridges to cross over, but everything is über safe — railings, etc.
You’ll see some incredible waterfalls in the underground and there’s a fabulous one to see once back outside.
These can make if quite loud in the underground especially if there has been a lot of rain.
I happened to be visiting at a time where Slovenia had seen quite a bit of rain so the river was really flowing!
Be prepared for lots of steps as you make your way back toward the visitor center.
However, the walk is wonderful with lots of gorgeous views of the karst, the trees and all the beauty of Slovenia.
And you go through a small settlement that’s really charming.
There are actually 2 trails and you can do both.
The main trail #1, is the one that is always guided and the one I’ve just told you about.
You can do trail #2 on your own or with a guide.
Trail #2 wasn’t open when I was there due to the special holiday freebie day (I think).
It’s typically open April through October.
A ticket for the main underground canyon tour is €16-20 for adults depending on the time of year.
Adding trail #2 will bring your ticket price up to €24.
I’ve heard the other trail is worthy of time for sure.
Next time!
My impressions of the Skocjan Caves
The Skocjan Caves are awing.
You know, jaw-dropping, WTF, holy cow, wowzers awing.
I want to go back — and have a guided tour.
And walk on the other trail to see what that’s all about.
This is seriously one of the coolest sites I’ve ever visited.
Now there are the other famous caves in Slovenia, namely the Postojna Caves.
I didn’t visit these.
But from images and what I read, these are also worthy of time.
They are not a UNESCO site and they have a train going through them.
I feel like they have a more touristy ambience to them — although they do look impressive.
The Skocjan Caves have a more natural feel.
If you have time, do both.
And if time is limited, I’d recommend Skocjan.
The Skocjan Caves also have a wonderful visitor center, a small shop and a good cafe for food and drink.
I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again — I will go back to this UNESCO site.
Practical information
Through the underground tours (Trail #1) are offered year round with tours offered more frequently April through October.
Following the Reka River underground tours (Trail #2) are offered April through October.
There are various programs and events all year. Check the website for this information.
You’ll find a restaurant and a souvenir shop at the visitor center area. Check the website for opening times.
