Slovenia is a karstic land, and it was the Slovenian Karst that lent its name to karst landscapes and phenomena across the world, for it was here that scientists first explained numerous karst features. Speleologists discover new caves in Slovenia every year, which amount to more than 8,000 by now, but only about 20 of them are show caves. The largest and most visited is Postojna Cave, the home of the human fish. Škocjan Caves, a natural and cultural site inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list, continue to impress visitors with their unique beauty.
Vilenica is the oldest show cave in Europe, and Križna Jama cave delights with its underground lakes. Postojna Cave is connected through passages with Pivka Cave, Black Cave, Planina Cave (Planinska jama), Otok Cave (Otoška Jama), the cave under the Predjama Castle and many others.
Feel the northern wind of the Karst, the bora, sweeping across the landscape. Discover the intermittent lakes, especially the largest among them, Lake Cerknica. Visit the Eco-museum of the intermittent Pivka Lakes and learn more about the mysterious life of karstic rivers in the Rakov Škocjan regional park. The Wild Lake (Divje jezero) near Idrija is another lake with a karstic character. The area of the Karst Living Museum showcasing characteristic karst phenomena such as sinkholes, collapse dolines, limestone pavements (škrapljišča), chasms and, of course, underground caves, is identified as an ecologically important area, the largest part of which is protected as a Natura 2000 site. In the past the area was closed to the public for nearly a half-century.
Many visitors looking to enjoy authentic local food are drawn to the Karst. Try the traditional jota hot pot, made from sauerkraut or pickled turnips, beans and potatoes, a frtalja omelette and many other seasonal dishes served in inns across the Karst. Discover the wine region praised by the ancient Greeks and Romans. The Karst Wine Route boasts more than 100 wine cellars where you can taste and explore the wealth of Karst wines. Fruit lovers mustn’t miss the Brkini Fruit Route, known for its first-class apples, plums, and the Brikini plum brandy known as “Brkinski slivovec”.
Teran is Slovenia’s autochthonous red wine. It is produced in the Karst from the Refošk variety of grape in the red loamy soil called “terra rossa”. Hence its name – terrano (terra – soil).
Karst pršut (air-dried ham) is labelled with the “protected geographical indication” designation. All it takes is salt, clean air, the bora wind, a watchful eye, and 12 to 16 months of curing for you to be able to cut a slice of this truly delectable, succulent ruby red prosciutto with its inviting, intoxicating fragrance.
The Karst boasts a pleasant climate all year round, allowing you to explore different hiking trails or go cycling, horseback riding or even play a round of golf.
Since time immemorial, the Karst and the Brkini Hills have served as a source of artistic inspiration. Celebrated architect Maks Fabiani and poet Srečko Kosovel, one of Slovenia’s most notable poets, both lived and worked here. Visit the Museum of Slovenian Film Actors and the Škratelj homestead in Divača. Take the Wheel of Culture Karst cycling tour and discover the artists, poets and writers who have left their mark on the Karst.
The Karst boasts a diverse variety of hotels, private apartments and camping opportunities.
A good hour’s drive and you’ll find yourself in an entirely different part of the country, with different customs and landmarks. But wherever you go, hospitable locals will be waiting.
Global surprises from salt pans to karst caves.
Activities among the highest mountains and the wildest waters.
Feeling good between health resorts and wine-growing hills.
Liveliness of the capital and nature hikes – to primeval forests.
Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are world-class attractions!
Lipica is a renowned cradle of the Lipizzaner horse breed in Europe.
The land of unique vines and first-rate cuisine between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea
Slovenian treasure troves of world heritage
Don’t just visit the most famous Slovenian caves! If you visit the Karst, make sure to take this publication with its list of numerous other special features of this surprising landscape.
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