Križna cave tours

1. SHORT TOUR WITH BOAT RIDE ON THE FIRST LAKE (1–1.15h)

The initial part of the cave is characterized by large chambers. Other passages are in places interrupted by flowstone formations or rocks, rimstone pools and smaller stalactites and stalagmites. After just a few hundred meters there is no more natural light in the cave and visitors continue their exploration with hand torches. The main passage continues through the Great Hall towards the stalagmite Čimboras, where visitors can see an exceptional attraction – displayed cave bear bones, impressive both in their size and quantity. The path continues along the passage, past the cave stream which drains water from the first lake. There we embark on a short (10–15 minutes) boat ride on the first lake. We return to the exit along the same path.

Reservation for the short tour with a boat ride on the first lake can be made via TICKETS
(If you do not make a reservation, those who have made a reservation will be given priority)

This tour is suitable for individuals or groups of up to 60 visitors
(tours take place in small groups – with one guide for a maximum of 20 visitors).

Important instructions:

Please wear long trousers, a long-sleeved sweater and bring extra warm socks.
(the cave temperature is only 8°C).

Rubber boots and a hand torch are provided for the tour.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour.

The tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

2.) VISIT WITH BOAT RIDE ON FIRST LAKE AND BEAR TUNNEL (1.5–2h)

The first part of the tour is the same, like on short visit with boat ride on first lake. Additionally you can also see one of the important bones of the cave bears in Bear tunnel. See the consequences of long-term exploration on the cave space. There is also a Tiberian lake with typical significance bulkheads in the Bear tunnel. The return is followed by the same route to the exit.

Tours are possible all year round by prior arrangement.

BEAR TUNNEL RESERVATION or reservation via: CONTACT.

Restrictions:
– group of 2 to 12 persons
– sufficient mobility of visitors (there are quite a few natural steps in the Bear tunnel)
– minimum age for this tour is 6 years

Important instructions:

Please wear long trousers, a long-sleeved sweater and bring extra warm socks.
(the cave temperature is only 8°C).

Rubber boots and a hand torch are provided for the tour.

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the tour.

The tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

3. WATER PART TO CALVARY (3.5–4h)

From the first lake we continue our way over rocks to the second lake. At it’s center the ceiling lowers which makes the transition to a typical water tunnel harder, but marks a beginning of an unforgettable journey.  Over the banks water flows from the lake into a smaller one. The banks are built of sinter, which is secreted from two streams that flow from the Bloke Plateau (Bloške planote). The banks – and with them the water level – continue to grow.

Water partially covers ground stalactites and stalagmites which makes it seem like they are growing out of the water (the Venice Pier, a pirate ship, Organ, Lynx – Beneški pristan, Piratska ladja, Orgle, Ris). The lakes are up to 6 meters deep. In the beginning part of the tunnel the lakes are shorter, but in the end part they are longer. The journey ends at Calvary hall (Kalvariji), which is rich with stalactites and the cave divides  into two parts – northern Blato tunnel and north-eastern part Pisani tunnel. We take the same route back to reach the exit.

Reservation can be made via the RESERVATION CALENDAR

If your preferred date is already fully booked, you can sign up for the waiting list.
(we will contact you if a spot becomes available).

For the tour of the water part to Calvary, special conditions must be observed special conditions.

4.) WATER PART TO CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN (6.5–7h)

Tour to the crystal mountain is a continuation of the 3.5-4 hour tour. In 14th lake there is an extremely low passage, which demands the visitors to lie down in the boat if they want to pass it. At the end of the lake there is a passage called Cross mountain (Križna gora), which has to be passed on foot and then the tour once again continues in the 15th lake. The tour is then followed with some of the next lakes and then stops at an exceptionally rich stalactite in Matjaž tunnel. At the end of the 20th lake we reach the most powerful spot of the cave – Crystal mountain. The central part is especially rich with stalactites. Space measured from the water to the ceiling is 75 meters. At the top of the mountain the tour usually stops for a few minutes, so visitors can enjoy in a small snack they brought with them. We take the same route to reach the exit.

NOTE: The first available dates are in January 2030 or later.

Reservation can be made via the CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN RESERVATION FORM.

If your preferred date is already fully booked, you can sign up for the waiting list.
(we will contact you if a spot becomes available).

For the tour of the water part to Crystal Mountain, special conditions must be observed special conditions.

All tours are conducted in Slovenian or English.