Planina Cave, Underground cave system in Inner Carniola, Slovenia
Planina Cave is a show cave in Inner Carniola featuring passages that extend deeply beneath limestone formations, with underground waterways flowing through its chambers. The Pivka and Rak rivers flow within the cave and eventually merge to create the Unica River, a surface waterway that emerges from the limestone landscape.
The cave was historically known by a different name before being identified as part of the broader Postojna cave network that developed through water erosion over millennia. It represents one section within a much larger system that continues to be shaped by subterranean water activity.
The cave holds scientific importance as a habitat for endemic species that have evolved in darkness, making it a focus for research into adaptation and survival in extreme environments.
The cave interior stays cool throughout the year, so visitors should bring warm layers even during summer months for comfort during exploration. Sturdy, non-slip footwear is essential since passages can be damp and slippery, particularly in areas near the flowing underground rivers.
The underground confluence where two rivers meet beneath the surface is one of Europe's largest subterranean river junctions, making it geologically remarkable. This natural merger is rarely seen on such a scale in other cave systems, and visitors can observe this phenomenon during their tour.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
