Discovering the San Canziano Caves, between underground gorges and suspension bridges

Exploring the Škocjan Caves, majestic underground cathedrals on the border between Slovenia and Italy, feels like stepping onto another planet. It’s an electrifying experience and a stunning natural spectacle. Are you ready for this challenge? Prepare yourself for an Indiana Jones-style adventure, featuring natural bridges, gorges, and trails carved into the rock.

Škocjan Caves: An underground trekking adventure!

Travelers all agree: the Škocjan Caves (or Grotte di San Canziano, named after the nearby village) are an otherworldly wonder, a breathtaking natural paradise. Less touristy and well-known than the Postojna Caves—another top attraction in Slovenia—they are highly recommended if you’re looking for an awe-inspiring experience in the depths of the earth.

What can you expect? A captivating walking route through tunnels, galleries, and caves stretching over 5 km: you’ll stroll among stalactites dripping from the ceiling, stalagmites rising from the ground, and giant ice-like rock formations carved by water. You’ll walk along the edge of a canyon, crossing a suspension bridge over the river about 50 meters high, before finishing the experience surrounded by natural landscapes and extraordinary waterfalls.

• It’s almost like trekking in the mountains but tens of meters underground.

How does a visit to the Škocjan Caves work?

You have several options for visiting the Škocjan Caves and can choose between three routes, varying in duration and price. The first route takes you underground, while the other two are on the surface.

The first route is the classic one and takes you through the canyon; once completed, you can choose to continue on the second route (a trail that follows the Reka River among sinkholes and waterfalls, which can be explored independently or with a guide) or return to the starting point via an elevator. The third route, on the other hand, is an educational itinerary within the Škocjan Park, which can be done with a guide or on your own for free.

The second route is a natural extension of the first. Just visiting the caves would be enough to leave you stunned by the beauty in front of you, but I suggest continuing along the trail (opt for the “Route 1 + Route 2” combined ticket), the perfect conclusion to the experience. Depending on your energy levels and available time, you can also consider the Škocjan educational itinerary.

Route 1: Silent Cave, Murmuring Cave, and Cerkvenik Bridge

The first route, which takes you through the underground canyon, must be done with a guide, who will explain the history and anecdotes about the formation of the caves and karst phenomena. Taking photos is prohibited during this part of the tour.

• The visit starts at the ticket office, followed by a 10-minute walk to the cave entrance, where the actual tour begins. The visit lasts about 2 hours, covering almost 3 km.

Passing through an artificial underground tunnel, you’ll arrive at the first hall, the Silent Cave, rich in limestone formations. The route continues through the Collapse Hall and into the Great Hall, home to the massive Giant, one of the largest stalagmites in the world. The tour proceeds to the next significant hall, the Murmuring Cave, named for the roaring sound of the Reka River flowing through the rocks.

The most dramatic moment of the tour is crossing the suspension bridge over the river to traverse the underground canyon. The Cerkvenik Bridge is a "charming walkway" at a modest height of around 50 meters, with bats fluttering through the air, creating a scene straight out of a Tolkien movie. If you’re afraid of heights, it’s best not to look down.

The tour concludes at Tomnic Cave, a site of significant archaeological discoveries and the endpoint of the hiking trail.

• From here, you can decide to return to the visitor center via an elevator (the more convenient option) or take a panoramic staircase trail (slightly more challenging) that continues along the Reka River.

Route 2: Along the Reka River to the Underground

You chose to return to the surface via the trail that runs just above the Reka River (a highly recommended option). Great! It’s time to get your camera ready and start filling your album with memories from your day at the Škocjan Caves.

You gradually exit the caves through a tunnel where natural light filters in, continuing through sinkholes and lush green scenery featuring narrow channels and towering waterfalls cascading from rocky bridges. The extended self-guided walk (or guided tour) lasts another good half hour. While steep, the fantastic views of the karst landscape make the effort worthwhile.

• There are several , so even if you’re walking alone, it’s easy to navigate and reach the visitor center on foot.

Route 3: Skocjan Educational Trail

If you have some extra time, you can also explore the Škocjan Educational Trail – either independently or as part of a guided tour. This circular route within the park starts and ends at the information center.

Škocjan Caves: Tours, Schedules, and Useful Info

Group tours (available in multiple languages, including Italian) to the Škocjan Caves depart hourly during the summer months, while in the off-season, there are only 3-4 tours per day. The first tour starts at 10:00 AM, and the last departs at 5:00 PM (June through September) or 3:00/3:30 PM during other months.

If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, consider arriving at the ticket office 20-30 minutes before opening hours. Note that groups depart every 5-10 minutes, so if you’re part of the later groups, you may spend some time waiting for your turn to enter the caves. Here are some additional useful tips to help you plan your visit:

• Dress as if you’re going on a hiking excursion in the mountains. Wear suitable footwear for long walks, sportswear, and a sweater or jacket (it’s cold and humid inside the caves).
• The cave paths are dimly lit. It’s prohibited to take photos or touch the limestone formations. However, bring your camera along – there are stunning views outside for capturing postcard-worthy shots after the guided tour.
• If you’re planning to do both Routes 1 and 2, the excursion will take about 3 hours. Have something to eat beforehand. There’s a café/restaurant near the ticket office with reasonable prices, public restrooms, and a souvenir shop. Alternatively, enjoy your packed lunch in the small picnic area with benches and tables nearby.

Accessibility and Visiting with Children

Overall, visiting the Škocjan Caves is challenging but manageable, even for children. However, given the steep and sometimes slippery trails, the tour is not suitable for visitors with mobility issues or those traveling with strollers.

• During the tour, you descend as deep as 150 meters underground and walk several meters above the ground on a suspension bridge. The visit is not recommended for those with severe vertigo or claustrophobia.

Where to Eat Near the Caves

If you’ve booked two tours at different times, one in the morning and another in the afternoon, you might want to grab a quick bite in the picnic area or at the restaurant next to the ticket office during the break.

How to Get to the Škocjan Caves

The Škocjan Caves are located on the border between Italy and Slovenia, and the best way to reach them is with a guided tour. Alternatively, you can travel by rental car, which offers greater freedom and flexibility. From Ljubljana, it’s about a one-hour drive; from Trieste or Koper, it’s just over 30 minutes. The good news is there’s a large free parking area next to the ticket office and picnic area.

BOOK A GUIDED TOUR WITH TRANSPORT TO THE ŠKOCJAN CAVES

If you’re planning a longer vacation and prefer to stay overnight near the caves, consider lodging in the Divača region, just a few kilometers from the Škocjan Caves.

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Škocjan Caves or Postojna Caves?

Before heading to Slovenia, many visitors wonder whether they should visit the Škocjan Caves or the Postojna Caves. Ideally, if you have the time, it’s fantastic to see both; otherwise, it depends on the experience you’re looking for.

• Due to their less touristy reputation and their UNESCO World Heritage status, the Škocjan Caves offer a more authentic and natural cave experience. If you want to marvel at a true natural wonder and prefer fewer crowds, the Škocjan Caves are your best bet.

The Postojna Caves, on the other hand, are more popular and touristy. During the summer months, the site is bustling with visitors, drawn by its “commercial” attractions, such as the underground train ride and the Murano glass chandeliers hanging from the rocky ceilings. It’s almost like a theme park experience, perhaps more suitable for families with children.

The Postojna Caves are also easily accessible from Ljubljana and Trieste. You could plan a day tour from Slovenia’s capital or a day trip from Trieste.

“Green” Excursions in Slovenia: Predjama Castle, Lipica, and Lake Bled

Regardless of which caves you choose, the Postojna Caves and Škocjan Caves are just two of the many “wild” experiences in Slovenia.

Slovenia is one of Europe’s greenest countries, offering extraordinary nature activities. Not far from the Postojna Caves is the breathtaking Predjama Castle, the only preserved cliffside castle in Europe. Near the Škocjan Caves, you might visit Lipica, famous for its Lipizzaner horse farms, or take a trip to Piran and other stunning towns along Slovenia’s coast.

How can you cap off a perfect trip to Slovenia? Visit enchanting Bled and plan a trip to its lake or castle – magical gems that feel straight out of a fairy tale.