Caves within an hour or two of Ptuj

Pekel, known in English as Hell Cave, is a karst cave in the Savinjska region of eastern Slovenia, in the hills near Žalec. It is one of the few show caves in this part of the country and makes a short underground stop on a day out in the Lower Savinja Valley.

Mornova zijalka is a small cave in the Savinjska region of northeastern Slovenia, near Šoštanj in the Šalek Valley. It is known as an archaeological site, where traces of Stone Age human presence have been found. It makes a short detour for those exploring the hills around Velenje and Šoštanj.

This entry marks a cave near Kostanjevica na Krki, the small town in the Posavje region known for its old centre on an island in the Krka River. The karst cave lies at the edge of the hills just outside town and is a natural stop to pair with a stroll around the riverside centre. Base yourself in Kostanjevica na Krki in the lower Krka valley and reach the cave on a short trip from town.

Terezija rov is a cave in the Zasavje region of central Slovenia, an area of steep valleys along the Sava river. It is a quiet spot for visitors interested in the underground side of the local landscape. The site lies in the hills of Zasavje, so expect a short hike on forest paths and check access conditions before setting out.

Snow Cave (Snežna jama) is a cave in the mountains of the Savinjska region in northern Slovenia. It is one of the higher-lying caves in the country, and as its name suggests, snow and ice can linger inside. Reaching it involves a mountain approach in the upper Savinja valley area, so plan for a hike rather than a roadside stop.

Potok Cave (Potočka zijalka) is a high mountain cave on the slopes of Olševa in the Karawanks, in the Savinjska region near Solčava. It is one of the best-known Palaeolithic sites in Slovenia, where excavations uncovered cave bear remains and bone tools left by Ice Age hunters. Reaching it is a mountain hike, so plan for a proper walk on marked trails rather than a short stroll.

Krka Cave (Krška jama) is a karst cave near the source of the Krka River in central Slovenia, in the Osrednjeslovenska region. It is a short detour for anyone exploring the upper Krka valley and its springs. The cave lies in the hilly countryside south-east of Ljubljana, close to the village of Krka.

Jama Poltarica is a karst cave in the Osrednjeslovenska region of central Slovenia, southeast of Ljubljana. It is a natural site rather than a show cave, worth a stop for those interested in the region's underground karst landscape. Plan it as part of a day out in the hilly countryside of central Slovenia and check local access conditions before setting out.