Lokvarsko Lake shapes the natural character of Lokve: the artificial lake is up to 40 meters deep and surrounded by coniferous forest. A range of activities take center stage by the water—from summer swimming and fishing to walks and cycling. You can tailor your stay to suit your interests, focusing on the lake or the forest.
By the lake: swimming, trails and forest
A 4-kilometer lakeside walking trail follows the contours of Lokvarsko Lake through the forest. Along the way, views of the water open up; in some places, access to small swimming spots may be possible. If you would like to explore the lake on foot, this is a specific route to follow, while cycling and traditional gatherings of hikers and cyclists are other activities mentioned. Local conditions may change; check the trail before your visit.
Summer is the best time for swimming. Walks, cycling and fishing add to the activities available by the lake, and not all of them are tied to the same season. Lokve therefore offers different ways to enjoy a nature getaway: spend time by the water, get active on the lakeside trail or stay in the surrounding coniferous forest.
More to discover in the wider destination of Općina Lokve
Golubinjak Forest Park is also part of the wider destination of Općina Lokve. The 51-hectare area is protected as a forest park. Guided walks are offered there and can be arranged in advance by phone or email. Barbecue areas can be rented; check availability in advance. If you are interested in karst landscapes, the forest park is also home to the 10.82-kilometer “Staza spilja” (Cave Trail). Visitors can explore speleological features along this route, which follows paths and trails with karst formations and decorations.
Špilja Lokvarka is another natural feature of the wider destination of Općina Lokve. It has been protected as a geomorphological natural monument since 1961. The explored section is 1,179 meters long, and the cave is 275 meters deep in total. Of its six levels, the first four are open to visitors. As access rules may change, it is advisable to check before visiting the cave. Another distinctive natural feature is the giant fir tree “Kraljica Šume” (Queen of the Forest): it is estimated to be over 250 years old and stands 42 meters tall.
Culture, herbs and tradition
The Kuća prirode “Kotač” (Kotač Nature House) combines nature-related themes with insights into regional production and history. Visitors can taste traditional Gorski kotar herbal liqueurs and visit the room where they are made. The attic is also open to visitors, with mountain herbs and plants drying there for use in production. A permanent exhibition is dedicated to the history of Lujzinska cesta.
The “Muzej žaba” (Frog Museum) is located in the KC “Picirk” building in Lokve. The “Žabarska noć” (Frog Night), held in Lokve since 1974, is also part of the tradition of the wider destination of Općina Lokve. If you plan to time your stay around this festival, check the dates.
Lokve offers a strong connection to nature around Lokvarsko Lake, while the wider destination of Općina Lokve adds forests, caves and cultural attractions. When choosing your accommodation, consider whether your trip will focus mainly on time by the lake or on discovering more of the wider destination.
For an overview of the wider destination: Općina Lokve.
