Žirovska Trmoglavka - Jurečeva jama

The story of the cave began in the summer of 2022, when a small opening was discovered by chance during a walk by Benedikt Praznik. A strong gust of cold air flowing from the hole suggested a larger underground system. Excavation soon began, first widening the entrance and then clearing passages leading to a collapsed chamber. The most demanding task was digging through nearly 20 meters of a heavily filled sloping passage, followed by an additional vertical section. The work required structural reinforcement with wooden supports and dry-stone walls, and it took nearly three years to complete.

A breakthrough came on March 21, 2025, when a team of four cavers finally broke through into a large chamber. This marked the beginning of extensive exploration. Unlike previous attempts, the cave continued further, revealing a complex and promising system of passages and halls.

Exploration quickly intensified, with frequent expeditions uncovering new sections almost weekly. The cave proved remarkably diverse, ranging from inactive fossil passages to muddy corridors and richly decorated chambers with active speleothems. Four siphons were discovered, one of which contained two small, unidentified fish.

The cave features exceptional formations, including aragonite crystals, stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate “spaghetti” formations. Among the most significant discoveries are cave pearls and a nearly 600-meter-long water passage, accessible through narrow openings. This passage includes pools, flowstone barriers, and even a waterfall over five meters high. A striking multicolored rock wall further highlights the cave’s geological richness.

The cave is also home to various animals, including bats, a dormouse, isopods, and a cave beetles. Measuring over 5,100 meters in length and 166 meters in depth, the cave remains sensitive and complex, suitable only for experienced cavers. It continues to offer significant potential for future discoveries.

I was invited as cave photographer, to document cave for presentation to public. We done four trips so far.

Due to sensitivity cave is closed.

Assistents: Benedikt Praznik, Rok Filipič, Tobija Aljaž Novak, Neža Potočnik, Bor Simič, Aleš Humar, Vid Naglič, Aleš Štrukelj, Ana Makovec, Jakob Majdič.