Visitors to Postojna Cave will enjoy a guided stroll through an amazing underground cavern. After purchasing tickets, go to the cave entrance. When the doors open, board the open-air train that takes travelers deep into the underground. Paths are wel...
KARST REGION, Slovenia --
I FEEL SLOVENIA (FEEL and LOVE in bold), the slogan of Slovenia's tourism board, is completely on target, as visitors who make the trip to the country of about two million will "feel" it -- and fall in love -- on their first trip there.
There are many sights to see in the central European nation that was once part of Yugoslavia, so multiple trips or a longer stay might be necessary. One easy day trip from Vicenza, though, is a "cave and castle" day in the Karst region, about a two-and-a-half hour drive.
Start your trip by hopping onto autostrada A4/E70 in the direction of Padova and Venice, and drive towards the Slovenian border. Make sure to stop before entering the country to purchase the mandatory vignette that allows travel on the country's motorways. All motorcycles, passenger cars and vans must be equipped with the window sticker. For a regular passenger car (toll class 2a), a weekly vignette cost €15; monthly is €30; and yearly is €110. Do not risk driving without the sticker because the penalty for driving without one is a fine between €300 and €800.
Now you're ready to visit Postojna Cave, which boasts more than 37 million visitors from all over the world since it was opened to the public 200 years ago. Considered the greatest tourist attraction in Slovenia, the cave system is more than two million years old and was created by limestone and the Pivka River. It is the biggest cave system in Slovenia, with more than 12 miles of explored caves.
A combination ticket for €32 includes a 10-minute train ride underground, 90-minute guided walk through the cave, and entrance to Predjama Castle about 9 km away. For those who go in summertime, the ticket also includes a shuttle between the two places. Guests always have the option to drive themselves, too. It's an easy drive, albeit on a bit of a winding road.
During the cave tour, the guide shares information on how the stalagmites (forming from the bottom) and stalactites (dripping from the top) are slowly working their way toward each other and the cave-dwelling creature Proteus anguinus (the so-called human fish). Visitors end up in the impressive concert hall and gift shop before boarding the train for the ride back to the surface.
Once back at ground level, peruse through the shops along the street. The town is a bit touristy, but it's fun Editorto wander through to find some typical Slovenian souvenirs of honey, pumpkin seed oil, and artwork created by Slovenian artists. A few places are available to get something to eat and drink, as well as a gelato stand or two, but you could wait until you head over to the "castle" part of the "cave and castle" day in Predjama.
Upon arrival, park in the small parking lot near the church. Walk towards the medieval castle that is burrowed into the side of a mountain, and find several restaurants to have a little lunch before the self-guided castle tour. Just outside the castle, show your ticket to pick up the audio guide in your preferred language.
The first castle was a 9th-century fortress embedded deep in the cave behind the current castle. Visitors really get a feel of what it may have been like to in the Middle Ages as they wander through the drafty, damp castle that was used as a home base for a series of Robin Hood-style raids by a nobleman named Erasmus. Those who want to visit the castle and not the cave will pay a €12 entrance fee.
Enjoy falling in love with Slovenia. If you make the trip, feel free to post a photo and tell us what you thought on the USAG Italy Facebook page, www.facebook.com/vmcitaly, with #IloveSLO.
*Editor's note: Make sure to have tourist passports and documents needed for border crossing. Check unit requirements.
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