Experience the World's Oldest Musical Instrument!
Discover more than 50,000-Year-Old Neanderthal Flute and Embark on an Exciting Journey into the Past at Divje Babe Cave – The Birthplace of Music!
In the scenic region of the Idrija and Cerkno hills, where the top of the Šebrelje Plateau offers stunning views of the Idrijca river valley, lies an archaeological and natural gem – the archeological park with Divje Babe cave. It was here that the world's oldest musical instrument was discovered - the Neanderthal flute, more than 50,000 years old. Did you know, that the Neanderthal flute is among the 6 oldest artifacts in global museums? The original flute is on display in the National Museum in Ljubljana.
Divje Babe Cave is a digitalized cave in Slovenia. Check very short video. Projections on the cave walls will give you a unique insight into the historical layers that reveal life during the Ice Age. Digitalization allows you to relive the mysterious world of the Neanderthals and the creation of the world's oldest musical instrument.
This remarkable Paleolithic site is fascinating for its musical history with the oldest musical instrument and for the many other discoveries. From the bones of more than 60 animal species, for example cave bear, to stone and bone tools. The remains of Neanderthal fire pits that tell the story of the lives of our ancestors were also discovered here.
The cave can only be visited accompanied by a guide. You are kindly invited to discover the place where music saw its first notes. Get ready to discover archaeological treasure of global significance.
12 people
min. age: 3
2 h
Walking
BOOKING
Check for next available date, enter your data and make a payment. You’ll receive an email with invoice and information to visit cave Divje babe, including map and guide phone contact. A calendar appointment will be set to remind you of your booked experience.
Venture into the world of first music!
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TOUR OVERVIEW
- The visit is suitable for those prepared for a slightly more challenging approach, with several steep steps but well-protected paths. There are also several steep stairs.
- Exploring the Divje Babe Cave is a true journey into the depths of history and nature, where the heritage of the past and the untouched underground are intertwined. Our experienced guides will take you through the archaeological site, where you will discover artefacts that testify to the earliest inhabitants of the area, including one of the world's oldest musical instrument. Our guides will take you through the unique historical layers whilst you learn about the geological features of the cave.
- Divje Babe Cave offers an authentic discovery experience without modern lighting and man-made pathways. Pathways, shaped over the centuries by the power of time and water, lead you through naturally formed passages that testify to the history of the place.
- A visit to the Divje Babe Cave is not only a historical exploration, but also an opportunity to connect deeply with nature. The journey through the untouched underground allows you to feel the harmony of nature and the past in every stone and every step along the way.
WHEN
DURATION
CHILDREN
PRICE
- Children under 5 years: free.
- Children from 6 to 15 years: € 9 (individual) or € 7 (groups of 20+).
- Adults: €12 (individual) or €10 (groups of 20+).
- School groups (pupils, students): € 7.
- Small groups (up to 5 persons): € 60.
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
- Guided tour of the cave and the archaeological park
- Projections as an insight into the life of the Neanderthals.
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
- The cave is not deep, so the temepratures are almost like outside.
- Sports or walking shoes due to the steep access to the cave.
LOCATION
PARKING
Parking is available at the Church of St. Ivan (St. John the Baptist) in Šebrelje, where there is also a meeting point.
USEFUL INFORMATION
- Walking time to the cave: 15-20 minutes in one direction.
- Distance: 500 meters one way.
- Altitude difference: 120 meters.
- Tours are only possible with a guide and by prior arrangement at least 3 working days before the visit.
- During summer can be very hot, the way is exposed to the sun.
- The archaeological site can be approached from two directions. Visitors can access the cave either from the top of the Šebrelje Plateau, descending via a slightly more challenging but well-secured path starting at the Church of St. Ivan. The longest way is from the village of Reka down in the valley, ascending the mule track to the Church of St. Ivan before descending to the Divje Babe cave.
TIMELY RESERVATION: We would like to request that all individual visits and groups, especially of school children, are booked and notified on time and in advance at least seven days before the desired visit and that the difficulty of the program is discussed with the management. Because of the descent and the visit to the cave, comfortable clothes and sport shoes are mandatory.
Visitors under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian.
VISITING OTHER CAVES: If you want to visit more caves in the region you are invited to a journeying through wild
Dante's cave near Tolmin.
LIMITATIONS
- good physical fitness,
- a natural cave with artificial paths.
- due to the steep, but protected stairs, the descent into the cave can be difficult for some visitors.
The cave is closed to visitors outside the opening season (November-March).
MEETING LOCATION
Meeting point: In front of the Church of St Ivan (St John the Baptist) in Šebrelje. Check Google map "Arheološki park Divje Babe".
PHOTO GALLERY
