A small Slovenian village near limestone caves with underground canyons and waterfalls. The cave system is part of UNESCO's natural heritage sites.
Walk through the massive Martel Chamber in Škocjan Caves, where limestone formations tower above you and an underground river rushes 150 meters below. The cave system includes rimstone pools, stalactites, and one of the world's largest known underground canyons. In the surrounding park, Alpine flowers grow alongside Mediterranean plants in collapsed dolines, creating unique ecological zones across three small villages.
Walking Through the Underground Canyon
The cave system stretches for 6 kilometers, with the main canyon reaching heights of 150 meters and widths over 120 meters. Listen to the Reka River flowing through cascades below as you explore. The temperature inside stays at 12°C throughout the year, so bring a light jacket even during summer months. The Martel Chamber measures 2.5 million cubic meters, making it one of the largest underground chambers worldwide.
Guided Tours Through the Caves
Tours run daily between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM in Slovenian, English, Italian, and German. The standard tour costs 16 EUR for adults and 7.50 EUR for children, covering 3 kilometers and taking 3-4 hours, including 400 stairs. During summer months, tours often sell out, so book your tickets in advance through the official website. Your tour starts at the reception center and takes you through the Silent Cave with its dry fossil formations before reaching the Murmuring Cave where the underground river flows.
The Reka River's Journey
The river starts 55 kilometers away from the caves, flowing above ground before disappearing into the cave system. It travels underground for 34 kilometers before resurfacing near Monfalcone. During heavy rainfall, the water levels can rise dramatically by more than 100 meters, as the small siphon at the canyon's end cannot handle the immense water volume.
Plant Life in Collapsed Dolines
The Big and Little Collapse Dolines create microclimates where cold-loving Alpine plants grow next to warm-climate Mediterranean species. The Karst meadows support more butterfly species than the entire United Kingdom. Natural and artificial ponds dot the area - these historic water sources for cattle now support various plant and insect species.
Getting to Škocjan
Drive from Ljubljana to reach the caves in about an hour. Take regular trains from Ljubljana to Divača station, then walk along the marked footpath to the caves. During summer, a shuttle bus connects the train station and the caves. Begin your visit at the visitor center in Matavun, where you'll park and meet your tour guide.
