Skocjan Caves Park
Skocjan Caves Park
4.5
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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- WanderingOttersonsDenver, Colorado1,476 contributionsAbsolutely one of my favorite placesThis place is awesome. Make sure to book in advance on-line to get your time slot as the entry into the main cave area is guided and the group sizes are limited for each guide. There are plenty of slots but we came in early September and people who showed up without booking had 2-3 hour waits to get in. Once inside, be prepared to be awestruck. You cannot take photos inside the main attraction, which is too bad as it is indescribable otherwise. You just have to check out the photos on their website. When you leave that cave, your guided part ends and you have three choices to go back. the guides will let you know. These caves and areas al also wonderful. I can't come up with enough superlatives to describe it all........Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten December 4, 2023
- Agnieszka R1 contributionThe Skocjan Caves - Magical and rawIt's hard to find the right words to describe the Skocjan Caves. This place is so magical and so raw. I've been to several caves, but this one made a fantastic impression on me. The Skocjan Caves are so huge that you can easily feel the space. Phenomenal rock formations - stalactites and stalagmites, plus a rushing river beneath us. You are not allowed to take photos in the main area. We chose the longest trail - it's beautiful, it was a bull's-eye.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten February 14, 2024
- Karli SCalgary, Canada24 contributionsWonderful site, disappointing tourThe caves are so interesting and definitely worth a visit. I have some issues with how the tour was run though. As a visitor you have to sign up for a time stamped visit to the cave which includes a guided tour. But they don't appear to limit the number of people per tour time. The group we went in with was about 120 people total. They split it into 3 groups but our group was 45 people still. Really difficult to get a meaningful guided tour in such a place. It felt rushed with very little direct info. Mostly the guide just walked the group through the cave. It was a disappointing aspect to a truly amazing site.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten May 12, 2024
- TravelerY7322WNew York City, New York93 contributionsA must visit!This cave is unreal. When you see the largest room with the river inside you can’t believe your eyes. The largest cavern is nearly 500 feet tall from floor to ceiling. Wear shoes with good traction - it's slippery jn places. There are some complaints here about the “tour” being too simple but I totally disagree. I appreciate that the descriptions were given upfront so that when we actually went into the cave there wasn’t someone constantly talking. I love that there were no earbuds, and I enjoyed the stretches of silence where I could just feel the majesty of the cave and listen to the sounds of the river. This was a more natural experience, and yes, they are trying to protect the cave by not allowing photos. On the no photo policy - they ought to direct visitors to a website where they can get free high quality, professional photos. When they said "no photography" I could see people in the crowd getting upset. This could be headed off at the onset by saying, "at the end we will give you access to a QR code where you can get photos - better than the ones you can take anyway, just enjoy your experience in the cave." And by the exit mouth or somewhere inside where they aren't worried about the occasional flash (or where they already have lights) they could set up a designated spot where people are welcome to take a family photo. Not because they need the publicity, it seems like they don’t, but because younger generations share on social media and that is where they do learn about things like UNESCO’s missions and public parks generally, and about how we all need to come together and provide the money and manpower to preserve fragile sites like these. The way people share what they care about these days is through social media and UNESCO needs to make that easier!Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten June 20, 2024
- JAW39 contributionsWonderful caves to visitWe stayed in Lake Bled so weren't very nearby but it was well worth the visit. We paid for transport to take us to and from the caves with the transport company located near by the lake. They can be booked as a taxi and also offer a few tours, and hire bikes/scooters. Anyhow, the caves were massive, impressive and it took quite a while to pass through them. Once you have completed the walking tour with the guide you can choose which way you want to exit dependent on how much further you wanted to walk and explore. Well worth the visit, even from Bled.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 8, 2024
- KatieChicago, Illinois35 contributionsAmazing caves!Wow!!! These caves were amazing. Absolutely worth a visit when in Slovenia. My perception from guidebooks and such is that they’re a bit less visited than the Postojna caves, but I think these are the clearly superior caves and definitely worth a visit. You can’t take pictures when inside, and you go through the caves in a group guided by a trained geologist. Buy your tickets at least one day in advance. No need to buy them too far in advance, but don’t expect to be able to buy them day of. You can easily purchase tickets online. We visited the caves from Ljubljana. You get off the train in Divaca, and then it’s about a 45 min walk to the caves. It’s a very enjoyable walk—there’s one short stretch along a somewhat busy road, but other than that you’re walking through two little towns and a nice walk through the woods and fields. There is a map outside of the train station that shows the way, and signs (although sometimes far apart) on the route. Don’t use google maps—it will take you a much less enjoyable way to save a few minutes.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten August 15, 2024
- 50cab50Bracknell, United Kingdom419 contributionsLots of stepsSo glad we did this - enjoyed seeing the treacherous explorers’ route chiselled into the cave walls. Others have said how “wow” it is, so a few practicalities: We visited on 31/8 and there were spaces for walk-ups on the hourly tours up to about 20 mins before. Last tour appeared to be 4pm. A warm layer wasn’t necessary at all. The coolest part is the start (silent chamber) and that was still 12 degrees. With the walking, the temperature was fine. It’s considerably warmer in the river chamber (20 degrees). The pathway is textured concrete and steps throughout - it’s a bit slippery. Lots of steps but the pace is gentle. Wouldn’t be suitable for pushchairs, elderly or anyone who has trouble with steps. Funicular to exit via route 1 out (the shortest) very welcome. Try Hostel Skrla for an icy cold beer, 150 m from the funicular.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten August 31, 2024
- Ari F221 contributionsBreathtaking!Probably one of the most amazing caves I have ever visited! Just beautiful inside! The river running through it just adds to the beauty. The tour was very organized and offered in several languages. The groups were kept small which made the tour more personalized. Would recommend this over Postonja Cave if you have to chose between the two.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten September 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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KJain
New Delhi, India1,571 contributions
Oct 2019
The Caves are on UNESCO's List and quite an experience. However, the caves are quiet a walk. Moreover, it's very dark inside to actually notice all the things being told by the guide.
If you have to choose between 2 caves in Slovenia, I'd recommend Postojna. It's most beautiful caves I have seen until now. If you have enough time, then both can be experienced.
If you have to choose between 2 caves in Slovenia, I'd recommend Postojna. It's most beautiful caves I have seen until now. If you have enough time, then both can be experienced.
Written May 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karli S
Calgary, Canada24 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
The caves are so interesting and definitely worth a visit. I have some issues with how the tour was run though. As a visitor you have to sign up for a time stamped visit to the cave which includes a guided tour. But they don't appear to limit the number of people per tour time. The group we went in with was about 120 people total. They split it into 3 groups but our group was 45 people still. Really difficult to get a meaningful guided tour in such a place. It felt rushed with very little direct info. Mostly the guide just walked the group through the cave. It was a disappointing aspect to a truly amazing site.
Written May 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmirFDM
Nahariya, Israel1,022 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
An impressive cave system, which was created inside a limestone rock.
Inside the cave there are stalamites and stalactites.
The special part of the cave is discovered after walking for about half an hour inside, then a part of the Reka River is discovered, which flows powerfully inside the cave.
From the meeting point we walk for about fifteen minutes to the entrance of the cave, at the end of the tour there is another walk and up in the elevator, back to the meeting point.
Photography inside the cave is prohibited in any form.
Inside the cave there are stalamites and stalactites.
The special part of the cave is discovered after walking for about half an hour inside, then a part of the Reka River is discovered, which flows powerfully inside the cave.
From the meeting point we walk for about fifteen minutes to the entrance of the cave, at the end of the tour there is another walk and up in the elevator, back to the meeting point.
Photography inside the cave is prohibited in any form.
Written October 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick-6411
Simpelveld, The Netherlands96 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
In essence, the caves are very beautiful and impressive and can be a really great part of your holiday. But due to a number of management choices, I say please skip this and go to Postojna!
- For some vague reason you are not allowed to take pictures inside under any circumstances. You can't, can you? Whereas in today’s day and age, photographing (and sharing those photos on social media and with family and friends) contributes very much to the holiday experience. On the high bridge in the cave you just have to be able to take a picture. Plenty of time for that in the tour.
- The unique selling point of these caves is the river that flows through the caves. Then you should be able to see it. The light was really too little to see the water, partly due to the enormous humidity. Better lighting helps the experience.
- You leave the visitor center with a huge group and after a 15 minute walk you will be divided up at the entrance of the cave according to the language. In our case, that created an uncomfortable situation. The first Guide speaks only Slovenian and takes four guests. The second group is a private German traveling party. As a result, the two English-speaking groups are huge (to the despair of the guides. Why not take stock of the language at the Reservation and then decide in advance in which languages the tour is offered?
- Moreover, if you are in the last group, you will be waiting outside the cave for an extra half hour. You can solve that much better with timed tickets. Waiting time is part of it, but if you've already waited at the visitor center for your tour to start, you don't want to have to do it again downstairs.
- For some vague reason you are not allowed to take pictures inside under any circumstances. You can't, can you? Whereas in today’s day and age, photographing (and sharing those photos on social media and with family and friends) contributes very much to the holiday experience. On the high bridge in the cave you just have to be able to take a picture. Plenty of time for that in the tour.
- The unique selling point of these caves is the river that flows through the caves. Then you should be able to see it. The light was really too little to see the water, partly due to the enormous humidity. Better lighting helps the experience.
- You leave the visitor center with a huge group and after a 15 minute walk you will be divided up at the entrance of the cave according to the language. In our case, that created an uncomfortable situation. The first Guide speaks only Slovenian and takes four guests. The second group is a private German traveling party. As a result, the two English-speaking groups are huge (to the despair of the guides. Why not take stock of the language at the Reservation and then decide in advance in which languages the tour is offered?
- Moreover, if you are in the last group, you will be waiting outside the cave for an extra half hour. You can solve that much better with timed tickets. Waiting time is part of it, but if you've already waited at the visitor center for your tour to start, you don't want to have to do it again downstairs.
Automatically translated
Written July 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JAW
39 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
We stayed in Lake Bled so weren't very nearby but it was well worth the visit. We paid for transport to take us to and from the caves with the transport company located near by the lake. They can be booked as a taxi and also offer a few tours, and hire bikes/scooters. Anyhow, the caves were massive, impressive and it took quite a while to pass through them. Once you have completed the walking tour with the guide you can choose which way you want to exit dependent on how much further you wanted to walk and explore. Well worth the visit, even from Bled.
Written July 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie
Chicago, IL35 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Wow!!! These caves were amazing. Absolutely worth a visit when in Slovenia. My perception from guidebooks and such is that they’re a bit less visited than the Postojna caves, but I think these are the clearly superior caves and definitely worth a visit. You can’t take pictures when inside, and you go through the caves in a group guided by a trained geologist.
Buy your tickets at least one day in advance. No need to buy them too far in advance, but don’t expect to be able to buy them day of. You can easily purchase tickets online.
We visited the caves from Ljubljana. You get off the train in Divaca, and then it’s about a 45 min walk to the caves. It’s a very enjoyable walk—there’s one short stretch along a somewhat busy road, but other than that you’re walking through two little towns and a nice walk through the woods and fields. There is a map outside of the train station that shows the way, and signs (although sometimes far apart) on the route. Don’t use google maps—it will take you a much less enjoyable way to save a few minutes.
Buy your tickets at least one day in advance. No need to buy them too far in advance, but don’t expect to be able to buy them day of. You can easily purchase tickets online.
We visited the caves from Ljubljana. You get off the train in Divaca, and then it’s about a 45 min walk to the caves. It’s a very enjoyable walk—there’s one short stretch along a somewhat busy road, but other than that you’re walking through two little towns and a nice walk through the woods and fields. There is a map outside of the train station that shows the way, and signs (although sometimes far apart) on the route. Don’t use google maps—it will take you a much less enjoyable way to save a few minutes.
Written August 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flolanormande
Jouy-le-Moutier, France2,035 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
We were there yesterday morning. We had of course bought our tickets online several days in advance (fortunately because they ran out of seats). We chose the 9:00 tour to avoid the crowds. They told us we had to arrive half an hour before. We didn't understand why... To kill time, you can visit the museum (small) or go to a viewpoint that is a few hundred meters away. You can also have a drink or a snack. At 9:00, a Guide arrived and asked us to follow him. We had to walk for 10 minutes. There, they split the group into 4: a group of Slovenes and 3 groups with an English-speaking Guide. We didn't try to get past the others. So we ended up in the last group. We had to start the tour around 9:30. We had plenty of time to go back to the bathroom! Our Guide was "good." He stopped where he needed to (when we started to tire!). Be aware that the visit can be long and difficult for children. It's a succession of climbs and descents. We are in the dark and often on the verge of emptiness. The Guide's comments, while restful to some, can be lengthy or even lengthy for children who do not understand English. Children were crying in our group. A daddy carried his son on his back. It wasn't safe, in my review. The atmosphere of these caves has nothing to do with those of Postojna. This is not slaughter. It's not a "cash pump." At the exit of the cave, we had the choice between 3 routes to return to the parking. We opted for the fastest and least tiring exit (with the funicular, right). It was understood that it was necessary to be in good physical condition to choose the circuits on the left and that the times indicated were underestimated. Last thing: if you have a dog, don't leave it in the car. Some French left their dog in their car. Park staff were looking for the owners!
Automatically translated
Written August 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucie Arnaud
Valence, France20 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Remember to reserve your seats obviously, these caves are really splendid, interesting explanations (in English), but it progresses quickly, although there are ups and downs so be careful if you plan to take children, it may seem long and tiring for them.
The second part of the tour is without Guide choosing one of the 3 return paths, we made the longest and probably the most beautiful. I advise you to do it because few people take this path announced at 1:30, in reality it is done in half time but you must be in good physical shape!!!
The second part of the tour is without Guide choosing one of the 3 return paths, we made the longest and probably the most beautiful. I advise you to do it because few people take this path announced at 1:30, in reality it is done in half time but you must be in good physical shape!!!
Automatically translated
Written August 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelerY7322W
New York City, NY93 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
This cave is unreal. When you see the largest room with the river inside you can’t believe your eyes. The largest cavern is nearly 500 feet tall from floor to ceiling. Wear shoes with good traction - it's slippery jn places.
There are some complaints here about the “tour” being too simple but I totally disagree. I appreciate that the descriptions were given upfront so that when we actually went into the cave there wasn’t someone constantly talking. I love that there were no earbuds, and I enjoyed the stretches of silence where I could just feel the majesty of the cave and listen to the sounds of the river. This was a more natural experience, and yes, they are trying to protect the cave by not allowing photos.
On the no photo policy - they ought to direct visitors to a website where they can get free high quality, professional photos. When they said "no photography" I could see people in the crowd getting upset. This could be headed off at the onset by saying, "at the end we will give you access to a QR code where you can get photos - better than the ones you can take anyway, just enjoy your experience in the cave." And by the exit mouth or somewhere inside where they aren't worried about the occasional flash (or where they already have lights) they could set up a designated spot where people are welcome to take a family photo. Not because they need the publicity, it seems like they don’t, but because younger generations share on social media and that is where they do learn about things like UNESCO’s missions and public parks generally, and about how we all need to come together and provide the money and manpower to preserve fragile sites like these. The way people share what they care about these days is through social media and UNESCO needs to make that easier!
There are some complaints here about the “tour” being too simple but I totally disagree. I appreciate that the descriptions were given upfront so that when we actually went into the cave there wasn’t someone constantly talking. I love that there were no earbuds, and I enjoyed the stretches of silence where I could just feel the majesty of the cave and listen to the sounds of the river. This was a more natural experience, and yes, they are trying to protect the cave by not allowing photos.
On the no photo policy - they ought to direct visitors to a website where they can get free high quality, professional photos. When they said "no photography" I could see people in the crowd getting upset. This could be headed off at the onset by saying, "at the end we will give you access to a QR code where you can get photos - better than the ones you can take anyway, just enjoy your experience in the cave." And by the exit mouth or somewhere inside where they aren't worried about the occasional flash (or where they already have lights) they could set up a designated spot where people are welcome to take a family photo. Not because they need the publicity, it seems like they don’t, but because younger generations share on social media and that is where they do learn about things like UNESCO’s missions and public parks generally, and about how we all need to come together and provide the money and manpower to preserve fragile sites like these. The way people share what they care about these days is through social media and UNESCO needs to make that easier!
Written June 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laureno650
Washington DC, DC392 contributions
May 2023
The Skocjan tour was a highlight of our trip to Slovenia! You feel like you're in the Lord of the Rings in a dwarf cave! The first rooms feel like another planet - like Star Wars sets have sculpted the rocks from imagination. Then, the winding lit paths along the huge chamber walls are almost romantically lit as you admire the awe inspiring power of nature to carve out these massive caves. At the end, our guide sold us on the long route back, and it was so worth it to walk through more caves and along the ridge on the forest trail. Just make sure to bring enough water on a hot day.
Written May 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does anyone know if you have to have a guided tour, or can you walk through on your own?
Do you have to apply for a photography permit?
Thanks :)
Written February 28, 2020
To walk arround on surface you are on your own. To enter the cave there is entance fee and guided tours only.
As I know you can take photos without permit.
To explore caves not beeing skiled caver is danegerous. The easyest way to do it on your own is to go to Rakov Škocjan and visit 'Zelške jame'. If water level is low you can walk into. But have in mind to have good shoes, clothes (+10°C inside), lamp and backup lamp. And studa weather forecast. if rain starts cave is flooded.
Use entranse under 'Little bridge', there is a path on one side of the river coming from the cave (but flooded if water level is even moderate, when I visited I have to walk into water).
Genearly in Slovenia caves are closed with gates to prevent accidents, pollution and destruction. This one can't be closed because of wide river.
Written February 29, 2020
Moet je best op voorhand tickets kopen of kan het ter plaatse ook nog?
Written July 13, 2019
Ussualy they are not over booked, except in high season in summer. You can call them +386 (0)5 70 82 100 and ask.
Written March 1, 2020
Is the cave suitable for the oldies and children? Our group has 65 to 75 years old grannies.
How long do we have to walk in total for the short tour?
Is there any cafe area around there for the one who want to wait?
Written March 27, 2019
Depend how fit they are. If they can walk for two kilometers without any aid it is OK.
There is snack facility and toilet on the spot.
Written March 1, 2020
Hola, viajo en agosto de 2017 y me gustarĂa llegar a Ĺ kocjan Caves Park desde Trieste. Alguien sabe medios de transporte y precios? Tambien quiero saber cuantas horas lleva el paseo y si despues hay alojamientos cercanos o me conviene ya viajar a la peninsula de Istria.
Espero respuesta, gracias!!
Written May 31, 2017
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