There are many options for visiting Karst. You can combine a tour of the Postojna Cave with a visit to the Predjama Castle, a fairy-tale castle built into the mouth of a cave, in a huge limestone cliff with its own network of underground caves. You can also opt for a culinary tour, exploring the Karst Wine Road and sampling local specialties like the traditional Slovenian hot pot and plum brandy.
The Karst Region runs from the Gulf of Trieste through much of northwestern Slovenia. The Postojna Cave is located 33 miles (53 kilometers) southwest of Ljubljana, and the Skojan Caves are 22 miles (35 kilometers) northeast of Koper. Considering the vastness of the Karst region and the infrequent public transportation options in rural Slovenia, it's best to drive or join a guided tour from Bled, Ljubljana, Koper, or Piran.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Slovenia’s Karst region, so it's more relaxed to visit in May or September, when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds have lessened. Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle are open all year round, though the caves under Predjama Castle can only be toured from May through September, since they're an important nesting ground for bats during the winter months.
The Karst Wine Road connects dozens of family-owned vineyards and passes through several ancient villages and many fruit farms. You can pick up maps of the wine route from tourist information centers or take a tour of Slovenia’s wine region from Bled, Ljubljana, or Koper. Highlights of the region include the fortified hilltop village of Štanjel and the Boris Lisjak winery.
