Cerknica: Lake, Karst and Living Culture

Lake Cerknica usually remains on the Cerkniško polje for around eight months of the year. At its maximum extent, it covers around 26 km² and is Slovenia’s largest lake. Together with Rakov Škocjan and Križna jama, it forms part of an internationally important Ramsar wetland and a Natura 2000 site.

Experience the lake, karst and nature

Rakov Škocjan is a karst valley formed by the collapse and disintegration of the roof of a karst cave. Two distinctive natural bridges give the valley its own geological landmarks: Mali naravni most is 42 metres high, and Veliki naravni most is 37 metres high. A total of 303 bird species have been observed in the Lake Cerknica area.

Križna jama also reveals the karst from an underground perspective. This naturally preserved water cave features numerous underground lakes and sinter barriers; it is also an important site for finds of cave bear bones. There is no electric lighting or concrete paths on the tour. Visitors are provided with rubber boots and a portable battery-powered lamp.

Hiking and cycling routes

The Drvošec Trail runs from the Rešeto swallow holes to a point just over 500 metres before the bridge at Otok. It is 3.7 kilometres long one way. The first section of the Drvošec Trail can be visited in a wheelchair along a level gravel path, provided the wheelchair is suitable for this surface.

The marked hiking trail up Slivnica offers a different perspective. It starts at the bowling alley on Brestova ulica in Cerknica. Slivnica lies above Cerknica on the northeastern side of Lake Cerknica. From the trail, you can see the Javorniki ridge and the lake; the best viewpoint is just below the summit, near Dom na Slivnici.

For a cycling trip, the 29-kilometre Jezerko Route offers another option: it starts in Dolenje Jezero, runs alongside Lake Cerknica and through Rakov Škocjan, and is mostly flat. Only the section through Rakov Škocjan is more varied. Pictograms of the water figure Jezerko mark the route. This is distinct from the combined cycle and pedestrian path between Cerknica and Dolenje Jezero, which is 1,393 metres long in total.

Local culture and orientation

The Lake Cerknica Museum in Dolenje Jezero is a cultural and information centre offering an engaging experience. Those interested in natural and cultural heritage can also explore the Menišija nature trail: the marked route features information boards and illustrates the connection between these two themes.

The branch church of St Lawrence is located in Dolenja vas. It was first mentioned in 1581; the year 1616 is engraved in its church portal. Three altars have been preserved inside, including a golden high altar dedicated to St Lawrence. Also in Dolenja vas, Hiša izročila operates a protected essential-oil distillery. The distillery is registered with the Ministry of Culture as the first of its kind in Slovenia. Hiša izročila is an educational centre for intangible cultural heritage under the UNESCO Convention.

Regional cuisine and customs complement the nature and culture on offer. The Okusi Notranjske experience showcases traditional cuisine made with local ingredients, from typical stews to sweet dishes. The Cerknica Carnival includes the customs of “Žaganje babe” and “pokop Pusta”. Events take place throughout Carnival week, culminating in the renowned procession.

For practical visitor information, the Cerknica Tourist Information Centre provides information on fishing, caving, bird and bear watching, horse riding, hiking and cycling. In front of the Lake Cerknica Visitor Centre in Dolenje Jezero, there is a car park with three spaces reserved for people with special needs.

Discover more destinations: Žerovnica, Gorenje Jezero, Dane, Nova Vas, Radlek, Runarsko, Rakek, Cerknica, Grahovo, Markovec, Iga Vas, Stari Trg Pri Ložu, Kozarišče.

For the main travel overview: Slovenia.