Pivka & Black Cave
Part of the same system as Postojna Cave, but reached down a forest sinkhole and seen at walking pace beside the river.
Postojna without the train
North of Postojna the roof of the cave system has fallen in at several points, leaving steep-sided pits in the forest. One of them gives access to Pivka Cave. A stairway spirals down some 65 metres to the river, which arrives here from Postojna Cave and continues underground towards Planina.
The contrast with the main cave is the attraction. There is no railway and far fewer people, and the route follows the water.
Pivka & Black Cave at a glance
- Slovene names
- Pivka jama, Črna jama
- Location
- in forest about 4 km north of Postojna
- Part of
- the Postojna cave system
- Entrance
- collapse doline about 65 m deep
- Steps down
- about 300
- Season
- usually July and August
- Temperature
- about 8 °C
- Known for
- the underground Pivka river
A walk beside the river
At the bottom of the doline a path cut into the rock follows the Pivka through a high passage. In spring the river fills it with noise; in late summer it shrinks to green pools. The walls carry flowstone and curtains of stalactites.
Through the tunnel to Črna jama
A short artificial tunnel links Pivka Cave with Black Cave, a dry gallery named for the dark tint of its formations. It was among the first parts of the system explored on foot from Postojna in the 19th century.
The tour returns to the surface by a second entrance, so you do not have to climb all the steps again.
Pivka & Black Cave in figures
Inside and around Pivka & Black Cave
Select a photograph to enlarge it. All images are freely licensed; authors are listed in the photo credits.
Before you go
Getting there
The entrance is beside a forest campsite signposted from the road between Postojna and Predjama. It is too far to walk comfortably from Postojna Cave; drive or cycle.
On the tour
The visit takes about an hour and a half and is on foot throughout, with a long descent at the start. It is not suitable for anyone who has difficulty with stairs.
Good to know
The cave is open for a short summer season only and may close when the river is high. Tickets are sold through Postojna Cave Park.
Opening times, tour schedules and prices change with the season. Always confirm them with the operator before you travel: postojnska-jama.eu.
