Discover Cerkno: Laufarija, Culture and Landscape

Cerkno combines a strong cultural tradition with seasonal activities in the surrounding hills. The Cerkljanska Laufarija, exhibitions on the region’s history, Jazz Cerkno and the ski centre offer different highlights. Guided tours and regional dishes are also among the things you can take into account when planning your stay.

Laufarija and History in Cerkno

The Cerkljanska Laufarija features 25 characters; the tradition includes 26 masks carved from lime wood. Held annually in the market square in Cerkno, the ceremony ends with Pust being sentenced to death with a wooden lumberjack’s hammer. Laufarija has been listed in Slovenia’s Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage since February 2012. In 2014, a decree by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia declared it intangible cultural heritage of national significance.

The Cerkljanski muzej is housed in the former local courthouse. It presents two permanent exhibitions: “Cerkljanska skozi stoletja” explores the region through the centuries, while “Pust je kriv!” is about the Cerkljan Laufarji. The “Pust je kriv!” exhibition also displays reconstructions of the clothing and props for all 25 characters in the Laufar family. This lets you encounter the tradition both as an annual ceremony in town and through an exhibition focused on its characters and costumes.

Festival, Tours and Activities

Jazz Cerkno has been held every year since 1996 in mid-May, on the specially covered “star plac” square in the centre. The exact festival dates vary. The programme combines jazz with rock, electronic, new and classical music, experimental music, and various traditional music forms. If you would like to include the festival in your trip, check the dates for the relevant year.

In winter, Cerkno Ski Centre offers 18 kilometres of groomed slopes, including challenging runs for experienced skiers, slopes for relaxed skiing and a practice area for beginners. The ski school teaches children and adults skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. The centre operates seasonally, so plan around the winter season and check the latest information before travelling.

The guided tour “Zgodbe cerkljanskih hiš” takes you from house to house in Cerkno and then to the Brdce viewpoint. There, the tour provides information about the events that took place in Cerkno in 1944; the viewpoint also offers a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Advance arrangements may be required for groups.

Cycling is another possible focus. E-mountain bike tours in Cerkno make it easier to ride uphill and on steep, less well-maintained tracks, and are suitable for occasional as well as regular cyclists. Nine electric MTB SCOTT Aspect ERide 40 mountain bikes are available to rent in Cerkno; the fleet may change, so check availability when planning. Separately, Route No. 2 starts in the centre of Cerkno and includes a 2.5-kilometre climb with views of the surrounding hills. Check trail conditions before setting out. The rounded hilltops around Cerkno attract hikers and cyclists in summer.

Different seasons bring different highlights: Jazz Cerkno takes place annually in mid-May, the ski centre is part of the seasonal winter offering, and the hills attract hikers and cyclists in summer. Which of these aspects matters most to you may therefore also influence your choice of travel dates.

Regional Cuisine and Memorial Site

Idrijski žlikrofi are made according to a traditional recipe in the wider area of Idrija and Cerkno. Their regional origins therefore extend beyond Cerkno. Pajtičke are a type of savoury onion potica characteristic of the Cerkljansko region and are among the representative dishes of the Idrija-Cerkno gastronomic region.

Partizanska bolnica Franja, a Second World War hospital and memorial site, is located in the Pasice Gorge near Dolenji Novaki, close to Cerkno. It is closed until further notice while damage caused by the flood of 13 July 2023 is being repaired. Check its status before travelling, as the reopening date may change.

Discover more destinations: Lome, Vojsko, Zakriž, Črni Vrh, Idrija, Bukovo, Srednja Kanomlja.

Return to the main travel overview: Idrija.