How to Visit Predjama Castle in Slovenia – The Witcher Filming Location (2026)!

If you’re heading to Slovenia, then you must visit the majestic Predjama Castle.

It’s a fortress that has been built into a karst cave, and looks like a scene plucked from the pages of a fairytale.

I’ve had this enchanting place on my bucket list for so long, and finally got to visit. It’s now one of my favourite castles in the world.

It makes a magical day trip from Ljubljana as it’s located near Postojna Cave.

If you’re a fan of The Witcher, you will also want to go on a quest here, as this was a filming location in season three.

Here is how to visit Predjama Castle in Slovenia and whether it’s worth going inside! 

The history of Predjama Castle

This unique cave castle has a captivating history of more than 800 years and is steeped in myth and legend. 

It was first built by the Patriarch of Aquileia in 1274 under the German name Luegg. 

It later became the seat of the legendary Knight Erazem of Predjama (Erasmus of Lueg). 

He was the lord of this castle in the 15th century and ordered a series of secret tunnels to be made in the karst cliffs.

This is so he could sneak out of the castle and steal from rich nobles to help the poor. Similar to Robin Hood. 

There is an alternative legend that says he built them as a way to meet his star-crossed lover. 

He came into conflict with Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III of the Habsburgs in Austria when he killed an imperial army commander. 

They laid siege to the castle for over a year. Erasmus was able to withstand due to the secret tunnels where he could sneak out for supplies.

Unfortunately, he was betrayed by his own men and met his end by cannon while sitting on the toilet. 

His grieving sweetheart buried his body in Our Lady of Sorrows church and planted a linden tree over him. This tree still stands today. 

Predjama Castle is now listed as the world’s largest cave castle in the Guinness Book of World Records and is open to the public.

Predjama Castle Witcher filming location

Aside from the incredible history, another reason I wanted to visit this fairytale castle is that it was a The Witcher filming location.

This castle appeared in series 3, episode 2, “Ubound” as Vuilpanne Castle (Vulpan Castle).

This is where we see Geralt following a lead to find the mage Rience, or more eloquently, Fire F**ker. 

He finds a mysterious girl in the cave who is being guarded by a mangled monster!

So, Geralt does what he does best and meets it with silver.

Of course, the production team used CGI to make the castle look more menacing, but you’ll definitely recognise it.

As a huge fan of The Witcher, it felt surreal to be standing where Geralt of Rivia stood! 

Where is Predjama Castle in Slovenia?

Predjama Castle is located around 63 kilometres from Ljubljana in Slovenia.

It’s tucked away in Postojna Cave Park. A magical corner of the Karst world, home to two world-famous attractions. 

Its proximity to the capital makes it a very popular day trip, as you can visit both Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave in one day. 

How to visit Predjama Castle

Predjama Castle is in a remote area of the Slovenian countryside, so the easiest way to visit would be to drive.

This is especially important in the winter season when the shuttles and local public buses aren’t running.

There is ample parking available onsite, and you will need to pay €3 an hour. 

How to visit Predjama Castle without a car 

If you’re not driving, the easiest way to visit Predjama Castle without a car would be to take a local bus or shuttle. 

You can take the train from Ljubljana to Postojna and get a local bus from outside Postojna station to the castle from April – October. 

Alternatively, there is a bus stop at Postojna Cave, so you could visit both attractions self-guided.

They also run a shuttle to Predjama Castle from the cave in summer every 20 minutes.

In October, the only option I had was a local bus from Predjama Station/ Postojna Cave that ran ONCE per day.

It cost €2 for a return journey, and I had around an hour to visit the castle before the last bus back. It was rushed, but I had little choice.

In November – March, there is no public transport or shuttle to the castle at all. I think this is pretty bad, as they sell joint tickets all year. 

Local taxis cost around €30 one way (cash only) if you’d prefer to visit on your own schedule. You can always split with others.

There is no Uber here, so I would ask the ticket desk or Jama Hotel to call one for you.

Why not book a guided tour?

If you’re staying in Ljubljana, it may be more convenient to book a guided tour.

You’ll visit both Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle in one day with all your transport and tickets included:

Arriving at the cave castle

I’ve had this fairytale fortress on my bucket list for a while now, so when I first arrived, I was over the moon.

I took a taxi early morning to explore the area and get some photos without the crowds.

The entire experience felt like walking through a dream. 

Seeing the sun rise in the valley beyond and lighting up the castle made for such a magical morning. 

Exploring the castle grounds

Although you do need to buy tickets to go inside Predjama Castle, visiting the grounds is completely free of charge.

Out of hours, you can walk right up to the castle door over the portcullis and take a closer look.

There is also a balcony in front of the castle that makes a great photo opportunity.

I enjoyed taking the stairs down to the grassy area below for an alternative view.

You can walk down towards the river with a path that leads to the lower cave system. 

It felt like being transported back in time or to another world entirely. It was so enchanting. 

As a huge The Witcher fan, getting to stand where Geralt stood in the show was the cherry on top!

Is it worth going inside Predjama Castle? 

Yes, Predjama Castle is one of the most majestic castles I’ve visited on my travels, and you must go inside. 

I highly recommend a self-guided tour of the fortress, which will take around 45 minutes to an hour.

You’ll wander through many chambers, including the dining hall, kitchen, bedroom, and chapel. 

I particularly enjoyed the armoury where there were lots of weapons and plates on display.

There was also a rather bleak dungeon and torture chamber where I’m sure many poor souls met their end. 

But some of the best reasons for visiting are the panoramic balconies that provide sweeping views over the countryside. 

Every floor had something amazing to discover, and I couldn’t get enough.

Just be mindful of your footing as it’s an old building, and there are lots of steep and slippery steps. Sensible shoes are a must.

Entering the karst cave 

The part that truly makes this fortress remarkable is the enormous karst cave and secret tunnel system.

When I first walked into the cavern, it took my breath away. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. 

I’ve been to hundreds of castles in my lifetime, but this room really blew my mind and made this one stand out. 

From the top of the stairs, you can see incredible views over the valley below. 

As well as the upper cave, there is a large show cave underneath the castle. This is the second-largest cave system in Slovenia.

You can book a separate tour to explore these mystical caves in more detail.

How much are tickets?

You don’t have to pay to visit the outside of the castle, only to go inside.

Tickets for Predjama Castle are €19.50 for an adult and €11.70 for a child.

You can pay for entry to just the castle, but I recommend purchasing a joint ticket that includes both the castle and the Postojna Cave for €43.

As I was staying overnight, I bought the full park experience ticket for €53, and this included:

1. Predjama Castle
2. Postojna Cave
3. Vivarium
4. Expo Cave Karst

I found this ticket to be excellent value for money, as all the attractions were incredible.

It also meant I got to see some of the Olm or baby dragons during my visit!

Opening times

Technically, Predjama Castle is open 24 hours a day, as you can visit the outer grounds without a ticket.

If you want to take photos, I highly recommend getting here before the castle opens, as it gets busy.

It’s open every day of the year for self-guided tours – even holidays. Opening hours vary by season:

• Summer: 9 am – 7 pm
• Shoulder: 9 / 10 am – 5 / 6 pm
• Winter: 10 am – 4 pm 

The last entry is always around 30 minutes before the castle closes. 

It’s always best to check the official website for the latest opening hours before you go. 

Where to eat around Predjama Castle

There are a couple of independent restaurants found just outside the castle.

Both have indoor and outdoor seating to enjoy food or drink with charming views of the fortress. 

I visited Gostilnica Predjamka. As it was autumn, I was excited that they had a pumpkin-spiced latte on the menu. 

I loved sipping my cosy coffee with views of this romantic keep! I highly recommend them. 

Is Predjama Castle worth visiting? 

Yes, Predjama Castle is a truly unique attraction that is worth seeing. 

It’s a scene plucked from the pages of a fairytale, and so it has to be on your travel bucket list!

I’ve seen many fortresses on my travels, but this was truly singular as it’s embraced by a dramatic karst cave. 

Finally, if you’re a fan of The Witcher, you definitely need to take a side quest here to follow in Geralt’s footsteps.

Visit Postojna Cave next

No visit to Predjama Castle would be complete without a tour of Postojna Cave. 

It’s the biggest cave in Europe, which has been open to tourists for the last 200 years.

Many famous people have visited this cave, including Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph. 

You will take an exhilarating underground train ride through the karst cave (!) and then explore this subterranean paradise on foot.

Near the end, you can send a postcard from the world’s only cave post office. 

It’s truly an unforgettable adventure that you have to experience while in Slovenia. 

Where to stay near Predjama Castle

Most people visit Predjama Castle from Ljubljana on a day trip, but I highly recommend staying the night if you have time.

The Jama Hotel is the only accommodation next to Postojna Cave, and it’s very convenient.

From here, you can visit the attractions early morning to beat the crowds and then get the shuttle bus to the castle. 

I loved my stay here as it was so peaceful, and the panoramic views of Postojna Cave Park from my room were outstanding. 

Read more of my Slovenia guides

Ojstrica Hike – the best views of Lake Bled

How to visit Vintgar Gorge in Slovenia

How to visit Savica Waterfall in Slovenia

Save Predjama Castle in Slovenia for later!