The olm: The mysterious resident of the Postojna underground
9. July, 2026|Deep beneath the surface of the Postojna region, in the dark, silent waters of the karst underground, lives one of the world’s most extraordinary creatures. The olm (Proteus anguinus) is a true symbol of the underground world and one of the region’s greatest natural treasures.
It is perfectly adapted to life in complete darkness. Its eyesight has largely disappeared, so it relies on its exceptionally well-developed senses to navigate its surroundings. Moving slowly and conserving energy allows it to survive even in places where food is extremely scarce. It is also remarkably long-lived, with a lifespan that can exceed several decades.
The olm is found only in the underground waters of the Dinaric Karst, making it a truly rare species. It is a precious part of the natural heritage of the Postojna region and the wider karst world.
If you would like to see the olm in its natural habitat, a visit to Planina Cave offers a unique opportunity, as it is home to a stable and thriving population of these remarkable animals.
