Staying in the capital of Croatia for a couple of days, rushing through the crowd visiting its medieval core, enjoying the atmosphere on numerous festivals held in the city or attending one of its many cultural events, you might want to take a short brake, because Zagreb is very dynamical city. In its immediate vicinity you can find a small country blessed with great natural beauties. One of those magnificent sights is magical Postojna cave.
On the approximately 2 hours driving distance, lies the second-longest cave system in the Republic of Slovenia. Postojna is 24,340m long karst cave as well as the biggest and most visited cave in Europe. This cave, created by the Pivka River, was first time described in the 17th century by the Carniolan pioneer of study of karst phenomena. A century later, after the visit of Archduke Ferdinand, this subterranean paradise became officially known as a tourist destination. Its grand galleries and chambers, decorated with stunning stalagmites, stalactites and columns of incredible shapes and sizes, have been connected with the two-way railway, set up for sightseeing of the cave. That makes it the only place in Europe with this kind of attraction. All visitors are welcome to see 5 kilometres long area of cave’s passages, tunnels and grandiose halls.
When already on the move, why not explore Slovenia a little bit more? Just 9 kilometres from Postojna Cave, there lies a little village of Predjama. There you can find a castle which in 2015 entered the Guinness book of records as the biggest cave town in the world. As an alternative to a small village you can choose the capital of Slovenia which lies on approximately 30 minutes driving distance from Postojna Cave. Ljubljana offers you many beautiful sights such as its castle, National Museum or, for special photography lovers, a splendid view on the Julian Alps and Karavanke.
When you decide to let Postojna Cave to take your breath like it did to many people through the past two centuries, be prepared and take some warmer clothes (no matter the season!) as it is always cold underground.