Your Guide to the Škocjan Caves
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ŠKOCJAN CAVES GUIDE
Why should I visit Škocjan Caves?
What is there to see and do at the Škocjan Caves?
How do i get to Škocjan Caves?
What is the best time to go to Škocjan Caves?
Where to stay around the Škocjan Caves?
Tours to Škocjan Caves
What's a good itinerary for Škocjan Caves?
Tips and facts for Škocjan Caves
Book your CAVES TOUR from LJUBLJANA!
I want to see Slovenia's UNESCO rated caves!
WHY SHOULD I VISIT ŠKOCJAN CAVES, SLOVENIA?
The sheer size and reputation of the Škocjan Caves make for a great day out.
It is a popular stop for off cruise excursion tours and other public and private day tours.
The family will be amazed at the vastness of the underworld that cannot be imagined from above.
In addition, another section of the caves have been opened up as an extra attraction that you can add to your ticket.
Around the caves, there are a number of excellent short hikes that take you to the actual village of Škocjan and beyond.
At the ticket office you will also find a museum, souvenir shop and food and beverages.
Škocjan is waiting for you, come on down!
Welcome to Škocjan Caves!
WHAT TO DO AND SEE AT THE ŠKOCJAN CAVES, SLOVENIA?
Top Sights and Attractions
ŠKOCJAN CAVES - MAIN UNDERGROUND CANYON
The main attraction is the main cave and canyon and what a canyon it is!
Buy your tickets at the main ticket office and then wait in the courtyard for your tour guide to arrive at the allotted time.
Whilst waiting for your tour time, you can follow the marked walking path past the ticket office for amazing views of the gorge above the
village of Škocjan. Well worth the extra effort for some great photos. This is part of the Skocjan Educational Trail, see more below.
As you begin your tour, you are led 500 metres to the entrance where the doors are unlocked to let you inside for the 2.3 kilometre trek.
The first gallery, carved out by the Reka River is the stalactite dripping Silent Cave.
The cave is dimly lit but that's because you simply cannot light a cavern of this size!
Next is the Great Hall which contains the impressive stalagmites called the "Giant" and the instrumentally inspired "Organ".
Then it's on to the Murmuring Cave, and it's here where you will see Europe's largest gorge at over 300 meters long and 110 meters wide from the
Cerkvenik Bridge that hangs 50 meters above the river. Carry on to Bowls Hall with its bizarre limestone shapes caused by the swirling waters.
You can appreciate the size of Škocjan by looking over the side of the into the vast abyss below!
The trail hugs the wall of the cave as you stare over your right to the vastness of this geological gem.
From here we near the end through Schmidt Hall and the Velika Dolina.
At the end you have the chance to take the funicular to the surface or there are stairs (lots of them!) also.
-The tours last approximately one and a half hours.
-The caves have a constant temperature of about 12 degrees celcius, so remember to bring a jacket or sweater.
-The path inside the cave can get slippery, so be sure to wear good walking shoes.
Need a cheap transfer from Ljubljana to Skocjan Caves? Our partners at Goopti have some of the cheapest shared transfers around and the earlier you book, the cheaper it is!
Just click our link here to browse and book:
BOOK GOOPTI
FOLLOW THE REKA RIVER - BIG AND SMALL VALLEY
Two additional caves (Mahoricic Cave, Marinic Cave) within the Mala Dolina are now open to delight tourists.
You can walk this path on your own or with a guide. You enter the cave below the village of Škocjan where
natural light penetrates through numerous openings and the water gushes under the path.
After exiting the Mala Dolina where the Reka River spills into a lake with a high waterfall,
you can also explore the Velika Dolina and Tominc Cave (Tominceva jama), known for its many archaeological finds.
You are able to buy a separate ticket for this new part of the cave system, or combine it with the main cave on the same ticket.
Book a car for the day to see the Škocjan Caves! Support the locals and book ATET.
Our partners at ATET have some of the best deals around and the customer service is outstanding.
Just click our link here for discounted rates: BOOK ATET - Car rental
ŠKOCJAN EDUCATIONAL TRAIL
The 2km trail takes about an hour but can take longer of course if you stop to admire the views along the way. A guide is available
from the ticket office or just follow the signs yourself.
You will be an expert on the phenomenon that is the Karst by reading the many information boards along the way. Look down to steep ravines
and the disappearing Reka River. Also delight in the Karst fauna and flora. Birdwatching is also excellent along the path.
Walk through the charming small village of Betanja and see some traditional old Karst homesteads before reaching Škocjan itself. The village
has a few sights to keep you entertained like the Church, Cemetery and the Museum of Cave Exploration in the area (fee).
Finally we reach the village of Motovun before ending up back at the Ticket Office. This is a great addition to visiting the caves so don't be in a hurry to
drive off!
DIVACA
Divača is the main town around Škocjan and acts as a transfer hub for the caves. There is a train station and bus station here.
From here the caves run a free shuttle in the main tourist season to the caves.
If you're staying at the
Hotel Malovec in Divača, there are some great walking trails around Divača. The village of Lokev is not far to the south and Divača Cave is also
worth a diversion along the way.
Divača is also a great starting point for the cycle\hiking route that heads up towards Razdrto and back around again via Senozece
Vemski Britof and Rodik before heading north to Škocjan again and Divača. The Karst terrain is quite fascinating and well worth a few days touring.
HOW DO I GET TO ŠKOCJAN CAVES, SLOVENIA?
By Air - Flying into Slovenia
A list of current destinations servicing Ljubljana Airport can be found HERE.
These include the long standing destinations of London, Paris, Frankfurt and Istanbul but new services and seasonal services will differ from year to year.
From Ljubljana Airport into Škocjan Caves
DISTANCE: 100km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 1.15 Hour
TRANSFER: To reach Škocjan Caves centre from Ljubljana Airport contact us by email for a quote here
BUS: You can also use the local bus from the airport to Ljubljana and then onto Škocjan Caves (stop in Divaca)
CAR HIRE: If you wish to hire a car at the Airport then without doubt use our partners at ATET for the best service in Slovenia.
Use the code SLOFORYOU when booking.
From Ljubljana to Škocjan Caves
DISTANCE: 80km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 1 hour
BUS: To reach Škocjan Caves from Ljubljana (stop in Divaca), then check the local bus timetable HERE
TRANSFER: To reach Škocjan Caves centre from Ljubljana, contact us by email for a quote here
CAR HIRE: If you wish to hire a car in Ljubljana then without doubt use our partners at ATET for the best service in Slovenia. Use the code SLOFORYOU when booking.
From Venice/Venice Airport to Škocjan Caves
DISTANCE: 200km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 2.5 hours
TRANSFER: To reach Škocjan Caves centre from Venice, contact us by email for a quote here
CAR HIRE: If you wish to hire a one-way car rental from Venice then contact us by email for a quote here
From Koper to Škocjan Caves
DISTANCE: 35km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 30 minutes
BUS: To reach Škocjan Caves centre from Koper (stop at Divaca), then check the local bus timetable HERE
CAR HIRE: If you wish to hire a car in Koper then without doubt use our partners at ATET for the best service in Slovenia. Use the code SLOFORYOU when booking.
From Trieste to Škocjan Caves
DISTANCE: 25km, TIME TAKEN TO CENTRE: 30 minutes
TRANSFER: To reach Škocjan Caves centre from Trieste, contact us by email for a quote here
CAR HIRE: If you wish to hire a one-way car rental from Trieste then contact us by email for a quote here
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT ŠKOCJAN CAVES, SLOVENIA?
Any time is a good time to visit the Škocjan Caves but if you want a more practical answer then here we go:
JULY-AUGUST - Peak time, can be hot and crowded but thats summer!
APRIL,MAY,JUNE - Not a bad time with Spring blossoming but weather can be unpredictable.
SEPTEMBER - The best month in our opinion, still warm and kids go back to school.
OCTOBER-NOV - Getting colder but the autumn colours are beautiful.
DEC-JAN-FEB-MARCH - Unless you like the cold, the least likely time to visit.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY NEAR THE ŠKOCJAN CAVES, SLOVENIA?
There are lots of choices in all categories in and around Škocjan Caves.
Peruse the options listed below and pick one that suits your needs, all bookings help keep the website going!
Here are our top picks, book using our links and enjoy your stay!
Super clean, cozy and welcoming rooms, and very good breakfast! Everything was perfect, including the price, but this hotel was by far our best stay for this price! nice plus, the staff was really friendly and welcoming.
If you are planning to go to Škocjan Caves, Lipica, Trieste or the coast , this is the perfect place to stay. thank you :)
The food was excellent, the beds comfortable, the whole place spotlessly clean and the host was friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. I thoroughly recommend!
This property is in a lovely location close to the caves and feels more like a bed and breakfast.
"Welcoming staff, awesome breakfast, the rooms are spotless, comfortable and relaxing. The bar has a great view and is a nice spot to enjoy the coffee. Also, the bathroom in our room was wonderful! I enjoyed the stay!” Book today.
TOURS TO THE ŠKOCJAN CAVES, SLOVENIA
SKOCJAN CAVES and PIRAN PUBLIC TOUR from LJUBLJANA
Book a half day tour or head for the coast and visit the mighty Škocjan Caves along the way, great day out!
BOOK NOW BELOW.
SMALL GROUP PRIVATE TOURS around Škocjan Caves and area
Why book this event?
Grab the group and book a private day tour with driver to the Škocjan Caves and the surrounding area. On a private tour, you can tailor the day to your needs.
You know what to do, email us today if you want to plan a day trip!
CLICK HERE TO ENQUIRE or BOOK TOUR - ask about TIMES, CONDITIONS and PRICES - info@sloveniaforyou.com
WHAT'S A GOOD ITINERARY FOR ŠKOCJAN CAVES, SLOVENIA?
The Škocjan Caves\Karst is a great place to relax and to explore the caves and region.
Here are some suggested itineraries and ideas:
Škocjan Caves in one day -
If staying at accommodation near Škocjan perhaps rent a bike and ride to the caves and also explore the area.
Visit the Škocjan Caves (you will spend 1.5 hours on the tour and another 30mins or more if you browse
for souvenirs or take photos etc.)
Find Lunch at the caves or nearby Vremski Britof.
You could also do the Follow the Reka trail and the Educational Trail and make a day of it at Škocjan
Have dinner in Divaca or nearby.
Škocjan Caves in 2-7 days -
Day one as above
With car, Visit further afield for the day. You could explore:
- the coast (Piran, Izola, Koper, Portoroz, Istrian Hillside, Secovlje saltpans)
- Ljubljana - our amazing capital
- wine country in the Karst, Vipava or Goriska Brda
- the Soca Valley past Nova Gorica
- Trieste including Miramare castle!
- Croatian coast (Rovinj etc.)
- Lake Bled, Kamnik or even Eastern Slovenia is doable (Maribor/Ptuj/Jeruzalem)
DID YOU KNOW? FUN FACTS FOR THE ŠKOCJAN CAVES, SLOVENIA
1. The exceptional volume of the underground canyon is what distinguishes the Škocjan Caves from other caves and places them among the most famous underground features in the world.
The Martelova dvorana (Martel's Chamber); with a volume of 2.2 million cubic metres, is considered the largest discovered underground chamber in Slovenia and one of the largest in the world
2. Three millennia ago, the magnificent entrances to the underworld and the dramatic scenes of the entrance of waters into the dark underworld gave Škocjan a great symbolic religious power and transformed it into a cult centre without rival in the territory of Slovenia and far beyond it.
3. Due to particular microclimatic conditions, an extraordinary ecosystem has developed in Velika and Mala dolina. For instance, Alpine (e.g. Prumula auricula) and Mediterranean species (e.g. maidenhair fern, Adianthum capillus-veneris) grow side-by-side: exceptionally rare in nature!
Book an exciting tour from our partners today!
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ATET Car Rental Slovenia
Book your Slovenian car rental with the best. ATET have offices in Ljubljana, Airport, Škocjan Caves & Koper.
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