Pivka Jama, Cave system with underground river in Postojna, Slovenia
Pivka Jama is a cave system near Postojna carved by an underground river that flows through limestone passages. The cavern descends to a depth of roughly 65 meters and is accessed by stairs that lead visitors deeper into the formations.
Pivka Jama was first explored in 1850 by Adolf Schmidl and later investigated by Édouard Alfred Martel in 1893. After World War I, Italian military forces tunneled through limestone to connect the cave system with nearby Črna Jama.
The cave network maintains connections to local geological research centers, providing scientists with opportunities to study subterranean formations and water systems.
Access to the cave requires descending a long flight of stairs, which demands moderate physical fitness. Sturdy shoes with good grip are essential since the steps can be damp and slippery from underground moisture.
Italian soldiers carved an artificial tunnel after World War I to connect this system with Črna Jama, creating a rare link between two natural cave networks. This human-made passage remains a striking reminder of how military activity shaped the region's geology.
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