While some of you are attending the crazy sales on Boxing Day, I spent my day in a little differently 🙂 – since Boxing Day is not very popular in Slovenia, my husband and I opted for a nice trip, izlet, out.
The sun was bright, the sky blue, the temperature above 0ºC, every element for a wonderful day out. My husband and I weren’t sure where to go exactly, so we grabbed our copy of 52 Izletov by Nina Arlič (a gift that we got for our wedding), flipped some pages and decided to go visit the Postojna Cave.
As some of you already know, Postojna Cave – Postojnska Jama is the most famous cave in Slovenia and a renown world attraction, visited by its 36 millionth visitor in 2015. Everyday, the Postojnska Jama Park is a very popular touristic spot, especially during the holidays, therefore, I strongly suggest that you reserve your tickets ahead and avoid the long waiting lines.
This was my first time visiting the Postojna Cave, I haven’t went before, mainly because of the price, 22.90€ but on Boxing Day, we used our Spar Discount Card and got a 50% discount on the tickets. Also, you have a possibility to combine activities (Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, Proteus Vivarium and EXPO Postojna Cave Karst) as a package. We visited the Postojna Cave and the Proteus Vivarium.
Underground Train into the Postojna Cave
The others caves that I have visited, I always had to walk in with a guide, the experience in Postojna was a bit different. Every 30 mins, a mini train brings the visitors into the main part of the cave. The ride is about 5 mins and the rail system exists since 1872.
I was pretty excited, the ride was short but at a very decent speed. While riding the mini train, be careful not to raise your arms or move your head outside the train as the path is pretty narrow and you don’t want to hurt yourself.
From the mini train, you can already admire the impressive stalagmites of the cave. You can also feel the cold temperature of the cave, around 10ºC, so dress warmly and have a good pair of shoes.
The Walk through Living Nativity Scenes
The Postojna Cave has approximately 24 km of paths, halls and tunnels. The visit of the cave, following the mini train ride, is about 90 mins.
Glimpse of a Christmas Tree inside of Postojna Cave, Slovenia
For the holidays seasons, the Postojna Cave is filled with festivities and Christmas lights. When we went off the mini train, we were greeted by a hostess and live music.
Along the path, there were living nativity scenes through the caves, making the experience even more joyful. You can see angels, Mary, Joseph, Jesus and many more. Some scene are accompanied by live singers and light shows. The scenes are truly impressive and enchanting.
At the end, we reached the Great Hall for the final touch of the visit, it is so huge that it can hold up to 10 000 people at the same time! Then the mini train came pick us up and brought us back outside the cave.
Proteus, the Human Fish
The most famous cave animal can be seen in aquariums during the Postojna Cave visit and in the Proteus Vivarium.
This aquatic salamander reaches around 25 to 30 cm of length, lives completely underwater and is adapted to the darkness. Its eyes are undeveloped, leaving him blind.
The proteus is also called the “human fish” because of the color of its skin.
Due to the lack of lighting in the vivarium, taking a good pictures of the Proteus was very difficult, you will have to go for yourself 😉
Wall of Old Signatures
Since the Middle Ages, the Postojna Cave has already attracted many visitors. Back then, it was normal that visitors would sign their names on the walls of the cave. The oldest signature discovered was dating from 1213! Although, it can’t be seen anymore as it has been covered by natural calcite growth.
Wall of Old Signature in Proteus Vivarium in Postojna Cave, Slovenia
You can see the “New” Wall of signatures in Postojna Vivarium. Those signatures are dating from 1818, when guided tour of the Postojna Cave begun.
Nowadays it is common sense that signing on the walls of the cave is strictly prohibited!
I had a wonderful Boxing Day without the buzz of doing some crazy shopping. Visiting the Postojna Cave during the Christmas holidays was totally worth it. I’ve also calmed my curiosity around proteus by seeing them myself.
Once again, happy holidays,
have some awesome quality time with your loved ones,
Anna ❤
Anna in Slovenia 