Explore Grahovo on a nature trail, with a stop at the old ironworks. To reach Slivnica, you can take either a marked trail from the town center or the Coprnica cycling route, which is intended for experienced cyclists. This lets you plan hiking, cycling, and local history as different focuses of your trip.

Nature underground: Križna jama

Križna jama is a karst water cave with underground lakes. Sinter barriers separate the lakes, and crystal-clear water flows over the barriers. A shorter guided tour takes about an hour and includes a boat ride on the first underground lake. If you would like to include the tour in your day’s plans, check the current tour times in advance.

The cave is also known for finds of cave bear remains, including the world’s largest cave bear skull, which is said to have weighed 1,500 kg.

To Slivnica on foot or by bike

The marked trail to Slivnica starts in the center of Grahovo. It first crosses a field and then joins a forest track. Remains of military fortifications can be found along the marked trail to the Church of St. Nicholas on Slivnica. The route description thus combines a specific sequence of terrain with historical traces along the way.

The Coprnica cycling route passes through Grahovo and turns right at the church. From there, a steady 10 km climb leads to Slivnica, the legendary witches’ mountain. The route is intended for experienced cyclists and leads to a viewpoint at 1,114 meters on Mount Slivnica. Check current local cycling conditions before setting out.

Ironworks, church, and archaeological traces

The Grahovo ironworks complex includes a forge and a mill. It was declared a cultural monument on January 30, 1997. Its high heritage value lies in its spatial impact, historical significance, and architectural qualities. The nature trail includes a stop at the old ironworks.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Grahovo was first mentioned in 1526. It burned down in 1943 and was rebuilt in 1993 to plans by architect France Kvaternik. Its furnishings include a fresco by academic painter Lojze Čemažar depicting the parish’s branch church saints and patron saint.

The registered archaeological unit Grahovo – prehistoric hillforts (EŠD 10931) includes prehistoric hillforts on the elevations of Špiček, Zajčji vrh, Žerovinšček, and Lisjak. Numerous chance surface finds of pottery, as well as numerous prehistoric and Roman metal finds from metal detector surveys, have been documented in the hillfort area. Archaeological sites are subject to protection regulations.

Near Grahovo, above the town, there is a wayside shrine dedicated to Saint Florian and Saint Nicholas. Its location may indicate the site of an earlier church. The grave of the poet France Balantič is in the Grahovo cemetery.

Discover more destinations: Nova Vas, Cerknica, Dane, Žerovnica, Runarsko, Rakek, Radlek, Stari Trg Pri Ložu.

Go to the main travel overview: Cerknica.