
These caves are very impressive, and the visit is see them is definitely worthwhile. However I did struggle a little bit with understanding why these caves, compared to the many other impressive caves systems around the world, are under the protection of UNESCO.
Nevertheless, I can certainly recommend a visit. There are three tour options available, Tour 1, the classic Underground tour for EUR 18 per adult, Tour 2, to follow the Reka River further, for EUR 12.50, or a combined ticket for both tours for EUR 24 per adult. Tour 1 is guided only, with no photography allowed, whereas Tour 2 is self-guided and photos are allowed. I opted for Tour 1 only and was pleased with this decision. Tours run hourly, on the hour and take around 90 minutes (excluding the walk out at the end).
Initially all ticket holders are walked together for around 800 meters, off the visitor centre site, along the road, into the forest and down some steps to the cave entrance. I wasn't expecting this!! At the cave entrance the group of around 50 people was split into two groups, one for Slovenian speaking visitors, one for English speaking. On the day I visited, around 45 visitors were English speaking. We then had a briefing on the discovery of the caves, the geography of the area and details regarding our visit.
Entering the caves, you pass through two caverns, large but not huge, filled with stalactites and stalagmites. I was not particularly impressed with these sections and was worried the visit would be a disappointment. However soon you can hear the river beyond and after descending a number of steps we popped out high up the side of an enormous cavern, the river running gently (in a dry September) far below. The view here is breathtaking. You then walk along the edge of the cave descending further to a narrow bridge spanning the cavern, 45 meters above the river below, to protect it from the frequent floods. This cavern is by far the most impressive part of the visit and I found it disappointing that there is a no photo policy.
Next we ascend a large number of steps to emerge back into daylight. A lift takes visitors back up to the visitor centre, or you can take a 40-50 minute walk back. I can heartily recommend this walk, as you get to see an impressive waterfall, the extent of the collapsed roof of the cave system, and enjoy the woodland areas. This path is actually the first part of Tour 2 but you don't need to have paid for this tour to enjoy the walk out.
The guide was engaging and knowledgeable, stopping several times to give explanations. However he did not speak loudly enough for the whole group to hear, which was a shame.
The visitor centre has a small museum, toilets, large parking area, souvenir shop and a cafe/bar. There is a shuttle bus from here to the nearby town of Divaca, but as I had my own transport, I am not sure of timings.
Overall a really enjoyable half day.
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