Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle Day Trip from Ljubljana

Summary

Ride the cave train see the baby dragon and explore a cliffside castle

You’ll ride deep into Postojna Cave by electric train, spot Slovenia’s legendary “baby dragon,” then climb through Predjama Castle perched on its cliff—all with entry tickets included and pickup in central Ljubljana. Expect cool air underground, stories from your guide, and time to wander both sites at your own pace before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Ljubljana when the scenery started shifting—fields giving way to thick green forests, everything still damp from last night’s rain. Our guide, Luka, had this easy way of weaving stories about Slovenia as we drove. I didn’t expect the Postojna Cave entrance to look so unassuming. Inside though, it’s like stepping into another planet. The air was cool (definitely glad I brought that extra sweater), and there’s this faint mineral smell—almost metallic? We all piled onto the little electric train. It rattled through tunnels lit just enough to make out weird shapes overhead. I caught myself ducking once or twice, even though there was plenty of space.

The walk after the train felt almost silent except for our footsteps echoing off stone. Luka pointed out these formations called “curtains”—thin sheets of rock that almost looked like they could flutter if you breathed too hard. At one point he stopped us near an underground pool and whispered for us to look closely—there was a Proteus Anguinus (the so-called “baby dragon”) floating just under the surface. Honestly, it looked more like a pale little lizard than a dragon, but still pretty wild to see something so rare just hanging out down there.

Back in daylight my eyes took a second to adjust—the sun felt almost too bright after all that blue-grey cave light. The drive to Predjama Castle wasn’t long but it was enough time for Luka to share some legends about robber knights (he got really into it; I think he likes the castle part best). The castle itself is wedged right into a cliff—like someone dared gravity to do its worst. Inside, you can hear wind whistling through cracks in the stone and wooden floors creak under your feet. There’s an audio guide but honestly my favorite bits were Luka’s asides about secret tunnels and old feuds—he made it feel less like a museum and more like snooping around someone else’s story.

I still think about that first moment stepping off the cave train—how quiet everyone went, even the kids—and how different everything felt above ground again. If you’re even half-curious about caves or castles (or just want a day trip from Ljubljana that doesn’t feel rushed), this one sticks with you longer than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle

• Enter Postojna Cave
• Ride electric train inside cave
• Guided walk through cave halls
• See Proteus Anguinus amphibian
• Drive to Predjama Castle
• Enter and explore Predjama Castle
• Return to Ljubljana

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Ljubljana to Postojna Cave?

It takes about 1 hour by car from central Ljubljana to Postojna Cave.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off service in central Ljubljana is included.

Are entrance tickets for both attractions included?

Yes, entry fees for both Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are included in the tour price.

What should I wear inside Postojna Cave?

The cave has a constant temperature of 10°C (50°F), so dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes (no flip-flops).

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join when accompanied by two paying adults; specialized infant seats are available.

Is there an audio guide at Predjama Castle?

Yes, an audio guide is provided at Predjama Castle as part of your ticket.

Will we see Proteus Anguinus ("baby dragon") during the cave tour?

You have a chance to spot Proteus Anguinus in an aquarium section inside Postojna Cave.

How long is the guided walk inside Postojna Cave?

The guided walk follows a short electric train ride; total time spent underground is typically around 1.5 hours.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off in central Ljubljana, entry tickets for both Postojna Cave (with electric train ride) and Predjama Castle, skip-the-line service at both sites, an audio guide at the castle, plus transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide throughout.