Postojna Cave or Škocjan Caves?

How do Postojna and Škocjan compare?

Postojna is shorter, easier and train-assisted; Škocjan is longer, all on foot and built around an underground river.

Which cave is more impressive?

Different kinds of impressive: Postojna for its decorated halls and the train ride, Škocjan for the Reka River canyon.

At Škocjan you first cross the Silent Cave, a dry passage full of formations with a huge stalagmite called the Giant, then drop into the Murmuring Cave, where the Reka roars through what the Škocjan park calls one of the largest underground canyons in Europe. The Cerkvenik bridge crosses high above the river.

Postojna is the classic dripstone cave: formations lit and close to the path, with the Brilliant as its emblem.

Which cave is easier to walk?

Postojna, by a wide margin: just over a kilometre on foot with no steps, against 5 km and about 1,000 steps at Škocjan.

Postojna’s one hard stretch is a 200-metre climb at a 20% gradient. At Škocjan you can take an early exit at the Big Collapse Doline, which cuts the walk to 3 km and 500 to 800 steps. From October to April the tour always ends there, at Exit 1.

Škocjan’s park asks for sports clothing, proper shoes, a head cover, water and an umbrella if it rains, because part of the path runs outdoors. More on Postojna’s walk in the Postojna Cave tour.

Can you take photos in Škocjan Caves?

No: photos are not allowed inside Škocjan. Postojna allows them, without flash or a tripod.

For many visitors this settles it. If you want pictures of the formations, Postojna is the cave for you; at Škocjan you look, and you remember. Neither park allows pets.

How much do Postojna and Škocjan tickets cost?

Postojna Cave alone is €34.90 for an adult. Škocjan’s price list runs from €16 in winter to €24 in July and August.

At Škocjan the adult price is €16 from November to March, €18 in April and October, €22 in May, June and September and €24 in July and August, with lower prices for seniors, students under 26 and children. At Postojna, the Two Adventures ticket adds Predjama Castle for €49.90 in total. Details in Postojna Cave tickets.

Which cave is better for kids?

Postojna for most families: the train, the olms and a short walk; strollers even ride on the train.

Škocjan’s 1,000 steps are a lot for small legs, and nobody can carry a toddler that far comfortably. Older, sporty kids may love the canyon. See Postojna with kids for ages, prices and what to pack.

Bringing children? The half day includes both tickets, takes a child rate from age 2 and lists infant seats.

★ 4.6 · 5.5 hours · from $121

Explore the half day with all tickets → Tour details

Can you visit Postojna and Škocjan on the same day?

With a car, yes, but it is a long day, and you would probably drop Predjama Castle.

Postojna takes about 1.5 hours plus arrival time, Škocjan 2.5 to 3 hours on foot, and each runs on fixed tour times. The tours on this site do Postojna and Predjama, not Škocjan. If you want both caves, plan Škocjan on a separate day.

Which should you choose?

Match the cave to your group: photos and an easy walk, Postojna; a wilder hike, Škocjan.

• First visit to Slovenia, one day free: Postojna with Predjama Castle.
• Photographers: Postojna, because Škocjan bans photos inside.
• Fit walkers who want drama: Škocjan.
• Small children or limited mobility: Postojna.
• No car: Postojna, since every tour here goes there.

Frequently asked questions