July 2024
Underground adventure in Huda luknja
It was a rainy Saturday, a welcome change after a long period of heat, when we set off from Ribnica to Velenje. Upon arrival at Vila Bianca, we were warmly welcomed by Saša, who greeted us with small gifts. The hospitality set a positive tone for the rest of our trip. We started our day with a delicious breakfast that included an interesting dish of scrambled eggs with octopus.
Our original plan was to take e-bikes to the cave, but this was canceled due to the weather. Instead, Tina, our local guide and translator, informed us about Štrekna, a scenic cycle path constructed along the abandoned route of the former Velenje–Dravograd railway line, featuring some of the best bike infrastructure in the region.
On the way to the cave Tina continued to provide us with insightful information about the area. Next, we went to Jamarska Hut by Huda Luknja cave, where we met our guide Milan and received information about our upcoming cave adventure, checked the map, and were provided with caving gear. Our plan was to do trekking through the Lisičnica passage and crossing into the Medvedov passage. We also learned about the ferrata inside the cave, which is probably the only one of its kind in the world, offering a challenging route for experienced climbers.
Huda Luknja is one of Slovenia’s oldest tourist caves, open since 1895. It has a complex system with over 2,900 meters explored so far. Our exploration began with a walk towards the cave, passing a sinkhole. We entered the cave through a hidden entrance, navigated a small metal gate, and received final instructions on how to move within the cave.
The cave journey involved crawling, squeezing, climbing, sliding, and trying to avoid water. We observed shining golden and silver bacteria on the walls and listened to fascinating stories about the cave’s history. The highlight was reaching the Medvedji Rov, the largest part of the cave, where among other things we also learned about bats and the impact of global warming on their habitat.
Due to the rain, the cave was wetter than usual, making the return journey a bit challenging. Nevertheless, we exited the cave thrilled by the underground adventure. We returned to the hut to change and then headed back to Vila Bianca for a well-deserved dinner at Bistro Bianca.
We enjoyed a delightful dinner, starting with chicken liver pâté with truffles, followed by pljukanci with shrimp and clams. The meal was a perfect end to an active and exciting day.
This trip was a fantastic adventure, perfect for those seeking unique and active experiences. Exploring the incredible underground world of Huda Luknja was a highlight, making this trip one to remember. The Šalek Valley region has much more to offer, and we will certainly come back to discover more of its hidden gems. Slovenia truly offers treasures waiting to be discovered by adventurous souls.
Aga and Rok
Photos by: Aga & Rok
