Hiking Tour: The caves of “Skocjanske” (Slovenia)

The amazing underworld of Slovenia: The Skocjanske Caves

This tour starts at the information center of the Skocjanske Jame (GPS: 45.663177, 13.989432), joining the guided Tour 1 into the Skocjanske Caves.
At the end of the tour (cave portal), (instead of directly continuing with Tour 2) follow the path on the right and take the lift back to the information center (you might also take the left foot-path).
When reaching the information center, follow the trail 2 into the small village of Matavun and then into the self-guided second part of the tour in the opposite direction (which allows a later exit towards the gorge).
Now, instead of returning to the information center, follow the trail towards the left after the exit gate towards Betanja. This is the starting point to the gorge besides the Reka river, that is followed till reaching Famjle. In the middle, the trail becomes very steep and demanding but is fully protected via wooden stairs and cables. On the way back, the trail uses easy-to-pass mountain pastures towards the unique vista-point of Skocjanske Jame, close to the parking.

At the information centre, purchase a combi-ticket for the guided Tour 1 and the self-guided Tour 2.

Ticket prices and tour data can be found here.

Tour Description

00:00	Start at Skocjan Caves Information Centre (GPS: 45.663177, 13.989432) participating in the guided tour 1.
01:40	Instead of directly doing tour 2, follow the trail back to the information center.
02:00	Enjoy a well-deserved short break with a house-brewed at the visitor center.
02:15	Follow the self-guided tour 2. The trail first leads you through the beautiful village Matavun and then – after crossing the street – downwards to the caves.
02:30	Follow the trail through the cave along the river.
03:00	At the exit, follow the path again towards the visitor center but after the first exit gate (electronic door), follow the left trail towards Betanja.
03:30	Well deserved break () at Betanja.
04:30	Follow the trail (gravel-road) heading north downwards.
04:45	At the crossing, turn right and follow the trail (see signpost) downwards. Stay on the trail (straight) till reaching the river Reka.
04:50	Follow the track next to the river and enjoy the scenery.
05:00	At the crossing, go straight ahead till you finally reach the end of the track. This is an ideal place to enjoy a self-brought in nature..
05:15	Head back and at the crossing ascent the steep (short) path upwards.
05:20	At the ruined, first turn left (around the ruined), but immediately turn right and follow the steep trail back to the river.
06:00	At the end of the gorge, turn around and head back to the ruined building.
06:20	At the ruined, turn right and follow the path through the mountain pasture.
06:30	Turn left and follow the small trail through the pasture.
06:40	Turn left again in the small trail that brings you back to Betanja.
06:55	Now walk towards the village Betanja and follow the sign-posts towards the parking (educational trail).
07:00	Instead of directly returning to the parking, follow the sign-post towards the vista-point that gives an unique view over the region. Return afterwards to the parking.

General Tour Data

Area:		Regijski park Škocjanske, Slovenia
Distance:		18km
Ascent:		455m
Descent:		456m
Highest Pt:		441m
Lowest Pt:		333m
Duration:		6h 08min (without breaks) 7h 15min (with breaks)
Stop/Rest:		Turistična kmetija “Pr Betanci”
Equipment:		Comfortable hiking shoes Backpack with standard hiking equipment Food and plenty of water 1x “Gipfelbier” () Torch / Headlamp Sun & Weather protection Camera