Krizna Jama (Cave) is one of the best known karst caverns in the world. It is particularly renowned for its chain of twenty two underground lakes of crystal clear water, separated by calcite (calcium carbonate) barriers. The cave was first documented in 1832. The early explorers had come across the skeletons of bears that had once inhabited the cave but it wasn't until some years later when Ferdinand von Hochstetter, a member of the Vienna Academy of Science, visited the cave that serious archaeological excavations were started. In 1878 he and six others of his expedition along with Ferdinand Schulz, Curator of the Ljubljana Museum, excavated over 2000 cave bear bones in only four days. These were estimated to be the remains of no less than 100 individual animals. Two complete skeletons were assembled from the excavated material and these can be seen today as part of the collection in Vienna Natural Science Museum.

The most beautiful part of the cave includes the lakes and stream passages which are accessible only by boat. These were first explored by Slovene cavers in 1926. The calcite barriers that hold back the lakes that make Krizna Jama unique are made of calcium carbonate that is carried into the cave in the waters of two streams that sink on the Bloke plateau. The calcium carbonate is deposited as rimstone barriers between pools in the cave. The barriers are still being built up and consequently the water in the lakes is rising and has, in many places, flooded stalagmites on the floor. This gives the explorer the impression that some of the formations have "grown" out of the water.

The most famous symbol of Krizna Jama is Kalvarija. In this chamber is a huge mound of collapsed material which is covered with a stunning display of stalactites and stalagmites. At Kalvarija the cave splits into two branches - Blata Rov to the north and Pisani Rov to the north-east.

The Blata Rov is not as accessible and is less frequently visited. Most explorers choose to continue along Pisani Rov which requires the use of boats. Part of the way along Pisani Rov is a side gallery which is named Matjazev Rov and contains several mighty columns. Continuing along Pisani Rov the explorer enters the impressive Kristalna Gora (Crystal Mountain) which is the largest chamber in the cave. The explorer can climb the mountainous pile of collapsed rocks to a point well above the stream and yet the roof still soars above him out of sight. There are many unusual and impressive towering stalagmites which provide a fitting climax to any exploration.

TURIST VISIT  TO THE
       KRIŽNA JAMA

HOW TO MAKE YOURSELF A POSSIBILITY TO VISIT THE CAVE!

* visit to the cave can be arranged  by e-mail or phone:
krizna_jama@yahoo.com
+386-41-632-153

A.) 1 hour visit -  into the dry part of the cave,

* which does include a paddling across the first lake in a boat, can be arranged for large groups of up to 50 people.
        It can be done by ordinary turists, even children.
* visit is possible:
              - every day (from 1.1. to 31.12.) by prearangement on phone or e-mail
                         - April, May, June; every Saturday and Sunday at 3 PM
                         - July, Avgust; evey day at 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM
                         - September; every day at 11  AM, 1 PM and 3 PM
 

B.)   SPECIAL  3,5 - 4 hour visit - ONLY 600 visitors in a year - Visit must be booked in advance!

- trip beyond the first lake
* it can only be done by small group of 4 people once a day!
                 visitors must be in good phisical condition.
 

C.)    SPECIAL ALTERNATIVE VISIT

In winter time (from 1.11. 2009 to 30.3. 2010)
we offer you a special visit - only for the chosen ones! This is:

6,5 - 7 HOUR VISIT TO THE CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN!
The visit is possible only by prearrangement and reservation under special conditions.

LIMITATIONS:
  - Annual number of visitors  - 100
  - 3-4 people (300 kg) in the group
  - sufficient mobility of visitors
  - suitable water-level in the cave
  The price for visit - 180 EUR per group.

TO MAKE RESERVATION FOLLOW INSTRUCITONS LISTED BELOW!

INADEQUATE RESERVATIONS  ARE NOT TAKEN IN ACOUNT!

 

                  HOW TO MAKE RESERVATION OF
                             4 and 7 hour VISIT?

                        - name and surname of the person placing the reservation
                         - full address
                           - mobile phone number (reachable at least few days before the visit)
                            - e-mail
                              - number of the visitors (from 2 to max 4)
                               - united weight of all the visitors in kg (max 320 kg)
                                - age of the visitors (the visit is possible for visitors aged from 10 to 65)

 

WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR THE 4 or 7 hour VISIT?

- 3 pairs of warm socks
- long trousers
- warm shirt with long sleeves
- warm pullover

 SCHEDULE
- we recommend you to try to enyoi the SPECIAL visit of the 4 or 7 hour (PROTECTED WATER PART OF THE CAVE)
in winter time (from 1.10. to 1.4.). In this time of the year the water level in the cave is the most stable and water the most crystally clear and green.

The cave guide have all the equipment you need for these explorations - high waterproof boots, caving suits, battery lights and inflatable boat.

After periods of heavy rain the water in the cave can rise above its normal level and this can prevent trips beyond the first lake.

The temperature in the cave is a constant 8 deg. C.

PRICE LIST
 

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