Groundbreaking Discovery Extends Europe's Longest Showcave by Further 3,500 Metres

Postojna Cave has been amazing visitors for two centuries, but just last week expert divers made the incredible discovery that the natural phenomenon actually measures 3,500 metres longer than previously recorded. The cave system is made up of four caves interconnected through the same underground river. However, according to speleology rules, the passages and siphons connecting the cavesmust be walked or swam through by man for them to be considered one whole. Connecting two of the main cave systems will make this the longest cave system in Slovenia and one of the longest in the whole of Europe.

For four decades, cavers have been working hard on overcoming the last obstacle; the remaining 2,000 metres of distance between Postojna Cave and Planina Cave. Following an initiative launched by Mr Marjan Batagelj, the Chairman of the Postojna Cave Management Board, experienced Slovenian cavers started a new intense exploration earlier this year.

The most recent dive on Saturday, 20 June 2015 lasted twelve hours, with divers concentrating on the main passage from Pivka Cave to Planina Cave. This was no mean feat; delving into siphons demands an extremely high level of physical and mental fitness. During a dive, the team carry approximately 50 kg of equipment each, and the underwater visibility in complete darkness is typically reduced to just half a metre or less.

As a result of the latest dive, an unexplored distance of just 400 metres remains between the two caves. When this final distance is overcome, Slovenia will boast a cave system expected to measure between 31,000 and 35,000 metres long!

Notes to editors

The company Postojnska jama, d.d. provides both moral and financial support for these endeavours alongside the International Union of Speleology. The Union celebrated its 50th anniversary only a few weeks ago, and was actually founded in the Dance Hall of Postojna Cave. All these exploration activities are another step towards their mission.
www.postojnska-jama.eu

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