Cerkniško jezero shapes Cerknica with a distinctive rhythm: it is usually present on Cerkniško polje for about eight months of the year. At its fullest, it covers around 26 km² and is Slovenia’s largest lake. Together with Rakov Škocjan and Križna jama, it is part of an internationally significant Ramsar wetland and a Natura 2000 site. 303 bird species have been observed in the lake area—a striking glimpse of the diversity of this landscape.
Water landscapes and karst features
Rakov Škocjan also tells the story of the area’s geology: the karst valley formed when the roof of a karst cave collapsed and broke apart. Two natural bridges provide tangible landmarks in the landscape. Mali naravni most is 42 metres high, and Veliki naravni most is 37 metres high. In Križna jama, you can explore a world-renowned karst water cave with numerous underground lakes and sinter barriers. It is also an important site for cave bear bones, and its natural conditions have been largely preserved. Visitors are given rubber boots and a portable rechargeable lamp for the tour. This naturally preserved show cave has no electric lighting or concrete paths.
On foot: the lake and viewpoints
The Drvošec Trail leads from the Rešeto sinkholes to a point just over 500 metres before the bridge near Otok. It is 3.7 kilometres long one way. Wheelchair users can visit the first section on a level gravel path, provided their wheelchair is suitable for this surface. This option applies to the first section and depends on the wheelchair’s suitability for gravel.
Slivnica offers a different perspective. It lies above Cerknica, on the northeastern side of Cerkniško jezero. The marked hiking trail starts by the bowling alley on Brestova ulica in Cerknica. Along the way, you’ll find views of the Javorniki ridge and the lake; the best view is just below the summit, near Dom na Slivnici. The Menišija nature trail complements these landscape views with information boards. It is marked and illustrates the connection between natural and cultural heritage.
Cycling routes and navigation
The 29-kilometre Jezerko cycle route starts in Dolenje Jezero and follows the shores of Cerkniško jezero and passes through Rakov Škocjan. The route is mostly flat, while the section through Rakov Škocjan is more varied. Pictograms of the water figure Jezerko mark the route. Compared with the Drvošec Trail’s 3.7 kilometres one way, Jezerko is a considerably longer cycling route with its own course through the landscape. As route details may depend on local conditions, check them before setting off. There is also a shared cycle and pedestrian path between Cerknica and Dolenje Jezero; it is 1,393 metres long in total.
If you’re interested in a range of activities, the Cerknica Tourist Information Centre provides information on fishing, speleology, bird and bear watching, horse riding, hiking and cycling. The subjects therefore range from wildlife watching and speleology to routes on foot or by bike. The Museum of Cerkniško jezero in Dolenje Jezero is a cultural and educational experience centre.
Culture, traditions and cuisine
Local culture is also reflected in recurring customs. Cerknica Carnival includes “Žaganje babe” and “pokop Pusta.” The events span the entire carnival week, culminating in the well-known procession. Those interested in regional cuisine can enjoy traditional dishes made with local ingredients at the Okusi Notranjske experience—from typical stews to sweet treats.
The Church of St. Lawrence in Dolenja vas was first mentioned in 1581; the year 1616 is carved into its church portal. The church retains three altars, including a gilded main altar dedicated to St. Lawrence. Also in Dolenja vas, Hiša izročila operates as an educational centre for intangible cultural heritage under the UNESCO Convention. It works from a protected essential oil distillery, registered with the Ministry of Culture as the first distillery of its kind in Slovenia. In Cerknica, discoveries of nature and culture sit side by side—from the changing lake and karst features to time-honoured customs and tangible traces of history.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Rakek, Cerknica, Grahovo, Markovec, Iga Vas, Stari Trg Pri Ložu, Kozarišče, Žerovnica, Gorenje Jezero, Dane, Nova Vas, Radlek, Runarsko.
For the overview of the wider region: Slovenia.
