Slovenian underground world keeps some undeniable gems out of sight, but if you’re interested in exploring them it’s easy to detect which way to go. To be able to reach the famous “Postojna cave”, you have to head towards a small town of Postojna, located in the southwest of Slovenia. We headed in that direction in the morning because when you go beneath the earth surface it doesn’t matter if outside there is a beautiful day or pouring rain. The sightseeing takes about 1.5 hours, which includes the train ride to reach the inside chambers where the tour starts. It’s nice that there are a mini train and a concrete path you must follow, but the entry fee, which is a 25€/per person is too high for what they offer. The whole attraction is very well thought out and tour guides presented the cave very thorough. Soon after the tour started, we were notified that we weren’t allowed to use a tripod for the camera. A similar story has already happened to us, and I really don’t have a single clue why does a tripod on the concrete floor bother them so much. I guess they are afraid of great photos we could do with our tripods, next time we will use our gimbal, he he.
Anyway, I’ve already adjusted the settings, cursed the cave gods and took a few shots. The chambers are truly spacious and sublime and the stalagmites and stalactites of all ranges grow both from the ceiling and from the ground. To grow three inches, it takes hundreds of years, and when you get a 16-foot-high masterpiece made by nature, you start to consider time. Once you become aware of the negligible percentage this mass grows in one’s lifetime, you realize the short period of time we contribute to the environment in comparison with nature. Something that has existed on earth longer than us, beyond doubt, deserves some respect and protection. Inside the cave, it’s unlikely to be able to spot a living thing, except the visitors, of course, but they found a solution to put the famous resident on display. The symbol of this cave was put in an aquarium, so a few human fishes are now safe there.
Unfortunately, this zero-legged animal is endangered, as underground rivers and waterways are polluted by our pesticides, fertilizers and heavy metals. An animal that does not have a natural enemy has just got an awful one – us humans. Our ancestors found refuge in caves around the world, but to be able to live down there and never leave the cave, it is unimaginable for me. I missed the sun even before the end of the tour, and when we came out I was grateful for the clear sky. We depend on the sun, one way or another.
"An animal that does not have a natural enemy has just got an awful one – us humans"
Viewing the Postojna Cave was a nice experience. It is one of those one must see once in a lifetime, and I hope that the visit to places like these encourages you to appreciate the world above.
If would you like to see the whole gallery, please click HERE